Digi, first off WELCOME TO THE YARD! I hope you will like it here as much as we do. Now to TRY and answer your questions. Now mind you, I am NOT an expert, just a Missouri Redneck.

1. To me it looks chipped. If it was rolled the edge would be turned to one side or the other. This looks like actual metal is missing.

2. It will sharpen out. No worries there.

3/4. Personally I use diamond and ceramic stones/hones. In the field I carry an EZ-lap Model M sharpener. Actually just about any sharpening "Device" will work. JUST DON'T USE THOSE "CARBIDE" SHARPENERS! You know, the kind that you scrape the edge across them.

5/6/7. You can wipe it down with just about any kind of "Oil" Even a "tuff Cloth" would work fine. Truth be told I just wipe mine down with a rag and shove them back in the sheath. Rust hasn't been a problem for me yet. If you do get a little rust just use a scotch brite pad or some such with a little oil and you should be good to go.

8/9. See if the crinkle coat seems soft. If it is it might not have gotten baked right and didn't harden up the way it should. As far as them getting stuck, just pry the larger pieces off and keep on keepin on. I wouldn't think they should hurt anything.

Remember, the more you use it the better it'll get.

Randy