Above is a well taken care of knife after about 18 months of daily use
KNIFE CARE
Lockjaw knives are made with high carbon steel, meaning that over time, your knife will develop a darker color or “patina” that will actually help prevent corrosive rust. Like most things in life, without proper care, your knife will deteriorate over time. Knives, however are simple to look after and require only basic maintenance. Here are some key points:
Hand wash with dish soap and water and thoroughly dry before storing
Store in a dry place away from atmospheric moisture. For kitchen knives, wall mounted knife magnets are best.
NEVER RUN YOU KNIFE THROUGH A DISHWASHER!
Keep your knife sharp. A dull knife is a good deal more harmful to its user than a sharp one. Dull knives require more force to cut and have a tendency to slip and jump in unpredictable ways.
Avoid “pull-through” style knife sharpeners. These break down the fine edge geometry. Whetstones are best but can be a bit tricky to master. Looking up your local professional sharpener is always a good idea.