Carbon blade care how much effort is it really?

[Calcifer1]

A patina will cover up a honyaki pattern correct?

[cliff]

Yes. If your primary interest is function, it doesn't really matter much. But aesthetics are a big part of the appeal for most people.

[stewssy]

I’ve found just wiping it after every use and keeping it dry is good. I try not to use it as a line knife though