The world of knives is a very diverse one with a treasure around every corner. As such, this question is looking at them as a whole. In specific, cutting knives that will be used to slice meats and other foods. Just like anything else, the better you take care of them, the longer they will perform to their standards.
Victorinox, an esteemed manufacturer in the world of cutlery, provides some of their recommendations. For one, they advise that you always clean them after you use them under running water. Because, if left unchecked for long periods, the acidic leftovers on them can develop into stains.
Also, they state that all household knives with plastic handles are dishwasher safe. But, they warn that using too much detergent can also compromise knives and lead to staining. Also, it is recommended to leave the dishwasher open for a moment (after its done cleaning) to remove some of the hot water vapor that can lead to corrosion.