During the heat treatment process, 1095 steel can be hardened to achieve high hardness and sharpened to a fine edge. Hardening refers to the process of heating the steel to a critical temperature and then rapidly cooling it to transform the steel's microstructure.

When properly hardened, 1095 steel can achieve a high level of hardness, typically ranging from 58 to 62 HRC (Rockwell hardness scale). This hardness allows the blade to hold a sharp edge and resist deformation during use.

After the hardening process, the 1095 steel blade can be further refined by sharpening it to create a keen edge. Sharpening involves removing material from the blade's edge to create a precise cutting edge. This is typically done using sharpening stones, honing tools, or other abrasive materials.

It's important to note that the hardening and sharpening processes require skill and expertise to achieve optimal results. Proper heat treatment techniques, such as controlling the austenitizing temperature, quenching medium, and tempering process, are crucial to obtaining the desired hardness and edge retention in 1095 steel. Similarly, sharpening techniques, including the choice of sharpening angle, the use of appropriate sharpening tools, and proper technique, will impact the sharpness and performance of the blade.

It's advisable to consult with an experienced bladesmith or follow established heat treatment and sharpening guidelines when working with 1095 steel to ensure the best results.