Many of the materials used in custom knives require special care, but if treated appropriately, they will give many years of enjoyment. Common sense care of your knives will allow them to become even more beautiful with age, as they grow into family heirlooms.
Stainless steel is made by adding chrome to the mixture of alloys in the metal.
A carbon steel blade needs more care, but when maintained will take and hold a sharper edge. Carbon steels should be kept oiled. Other choices include Clove Oil, which is also often used on knives in Japan, or Renaissance Wax. Instead, they should only be used when you are transporting your knife or using it. The tannins in the leather from the tanning process will rust all carbon steels and even some stainless steels.