Personally I have had mainly carbon steel blades and I LOVE them. Yes they do require more than use it and sheath it. I have never really had an issue with rust. IF YOU USE IT IT WON'T RUST (much)! Seriously, I have one carbon steel blade (actually a truck spring) I bought in the Philippines in 1976 and when ever it appeared to start rusting I just stuck into the ground several times until the "rust" disappeared then wiped it off and stuck it back in it's sheath.

Hope this helps. You can also use one of the miracle cloths (tuff cloth) on it or anything to coat the blade.

Oh and Welcome to the Yard!