Remove them?
That would remove character and distinction!
If you want a knife that stays bright and shiney buy Stainless...
If you want a knife of character, distinction, history and great cutting power combined with easy sharpening buy the sainted carbon.
Wrap it in vinegar soaked tissue overnight to even out the patina then wash and wipe it down with a little oil.
The patina helps protect the blade, stops it looking like a draw queen and makes it look like an old hands trusted tool - as oposed to a newbies new toy
Patina = good
Shiney = bad or stainless