Recognize I'm no bladesmith but it might be worth a discussion with him. The first issue is whether your choice of material lends itself to heat treating and to what degree. For example if its lower in carbon, there may only be so much hardening it can achieve with conventional heat/quench/temper. I think there are ways to add carbon to localized area for hardness gain, but I think that process is more for wear parts. It has shallow penetration & probably not suitable for an edge that will be resharpened, thus exposing softer core again. Generally strength is also increased with HT but again a function of material & HT process.
I bought one of those basic How-to books on blade making & they kind of walk you through the blade material choices but as I recall always assumes some kind of heat treating. I think Rob even sells steel blanks so might be a good connection for your next project. Start out with a specific material, develop your blade & get him to do the HT. I think that's essentially his business. I would actually like to make a knife one day myself just for kicks, but I think a belt grinder would be in order.
I heard that the Reynolds museum in Wetaskwin is planning to open again if the pandemic trajectory continues to behave itself & they are planning their fall (Sep/Oct?) show. If its the same format as prior years they have some metal artisans show up in table booths. Some knifemakes show their goods & others use it as a business exposure. I chatted a few guys & even among the makers, many did not have their own HT facilities. They outsource & just factor expense it into the price. HT is a specialized field & can be spendy depending on how much you do, accuracy, consistency etc.
