[Rendar]

Holy fuck that is way more complicated than I had even thought about.

Give me thirty

< I don't really like the idea that catalysts become like that, and would still prefer that you need them on hand to imbue them into a weapon so it isn't just a "welp got this one. never need to see another ever again." >

[LadyLightning]

Then perhaps having the catalyst in your inventory counts as 'learning' it,
and if you sell it, you 'forget' it? That makes less sense though.

[Rendar]

I'd prefer that as a catalyst, it has a chance to degrade, or even be destroyed after a use. With your skill at enchanting helping the preservation chance. You do have to 'use' them for items, but you may retain them afterwards.

[LadyLightning]

Perhaps catalysts have durability, and when you enchant using that catalyst,
their durability is reduced. There would exist no way to recharge or repair a
damaged catalyst, and a higher Enchanting skill level would give a small %
chance, rolled separately for each catalyst, that said catalyst doesn't take a
point of durability damage.