Any blade that is used repeatedly over time will break down. That's what happens when it gets dull. How long that takes depends on the cutting medium, the individual blade, and the individual using the blade.
The Bengall I'm currently has a couple chips in it that I don't worry too much about. I sharpened it to a satisfactory edge, and got them down quite a bit, then decided to not worry about them until they give problems. I figure that if it's doing it's job, then why waste the steel. I'll do the same with my pocket knives.