I have knives that I bought in 1975 and they are still in great working condition. Watson is right, you should use a steel when you use your knives. I keep mine in the knife block with the knives, so it's easy to get to. I've never sent my knives away for sharpening. when they need more than a steel, I get out my whet stone and hone them back into shape. It's not hard to do.
~ C