You probably know this but some don't. I don't have the experience but I like to find out from those who do. If you want steel that will hold a great edge you want high carbon. The last 2 numbers of the steel # tell how much carbon is present in hundreths. 1045 has .45% carbon added to the iron. the overall hardness is dependent on 2 things. the amount of carbon in your steel and how you heat treat. Annealing, hardening, and tempering. and depending on what metal you use, changes the materials you use. Salt water, blood, and urine sometimes for quenching, and sometimes 10w30 motor oil, it all depends on what you want. motor oil is good for high carbon steel. 1090 is good for pocket knives that need a great edge. annealing is softening the metal and getting the stress out and needs to be done after rough forging and before you start anything. to get the stress out from your initial work. I recommend Darrel Markewitz of the Wareham Forge blacksmithing and bladesmithing DVDS. He goes through everything thoroughly and his prices are resonable. I am going to take his blacksmithing/bladesmithing course in May. He specializes in Norse era history, blades, and numerous artistic pieces, all by hand, all traditional, and ancient techniques he employs. He has worked with the Smithsonian and other museums in the reproduction of many blades and tools from the 1000 c.e. time and his DVD's have taught me a lot.