The Shadow Maul shouldn't lose its levels when it breaks

[Baark0]

At least when it breaks due to weapon usage, as this makes the item really annoying to use, since you have to stare at its durability in combat (usually with dangerous planar enemies that can kill you very quickly) and repair it before it breaks. If it were to starve to death, then I think it's fine to have it reset its levels, since eating is the entire gimmick of the item. Breaking just because you held f for half a second too long is far too punishing for an item that usually takes several seasons to obtain.

[Frosty_Mentos]

They could rework it into needing UNIQUE bosses killed instead of 9 deerclopses as well, making it more useful if it won't break. Essentially this is game+ but you just kill bosses you did before for another round.

[Baark0]

Another idea I had was to give the Maul a secret 4th level that only unlocks after 20 total boss kills, at which point the Maul stops losing levels upon breaking, and no longer starves because its satiated with how many bosses its eaten.

[Pig and beefalo]

I completely agree. For a weapon with growth potential, its degradation mechanism is too disgusting. Instead of wasting energy keeping a close eye on my weapon during battles, I'd rather switch to a more worry-free weapon and some higher-attribute dishes