I have the Reykjavik II and use it often. A few pieces have fallen 4' onto a hardwood floor without any damage. The only parts I would describe as fragile are the cross on the king's head and the points on the queen's crown (ended up gluing on the cross). There's a tiny spot on the right ear of one of the knights where the 'ebonized' coating came off after a fall. To clean it I dust it every few weeks and polish/wax it during spring cleaning.
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Ebonized boxwood is like boxwood, hardier than ebony. Ebony is brittle and more prone to cracking due to drops and hits as well as drying out and forming cracks in the long run.
The better sets from HOS generally have finely turned and carved details that are vulnerable to damage. If you and your opponents are careful then you should be okay--but it is hard to make all your opponents behave like that.
Ebonizing that has worn off can be repaired with a Sharpie. Apply, wipe, apply, wipe.
I've had my Collector for more than 5 years and it is in like new condition but it's
not one I haul out much for a game. More often just analyzing/studying.
I own several chess sets but the one I prefer to use is my plastic House of Staunton Collector pieces on a green vinyl board. But my ultimate set would be a House of Staunton Capablanca set in ebony. Does the community have any opinions on ebony vs. ebonized? Are more expensive sets like this, although not top of the line, have significant drawbacks such as being hard to clean or easily broken?