Johnny, 1045 would not be the best choice. With .45 percent carbon it is likely it would not get hard enough. However that being said I do know of one maker that used 1045 to make Japanese style blades, that would be Scott Slobodian. He made beautiful blades with hamon. I am pretty sure he quenched in water or brine and did not temper the blades. I think you would expect a hardness of 54 to 56. Personally I prefer at least .60 percent carbon and normally use 1084, 1075, W1, W2, and 1095.

Brion

thank you

johnny

not a bad steel for swords were the added toughness is helpful, in that regard it is serviceable but not a great performer. I wouldn't use it for knives but I do keep it in the shop and use it for axes, and hammers and it is very well suited to those items.

MP