Such blades are often D2 but they could be anything. That's the problem with 'recovered' steel. Yes, you would have to anneal it unless you prefer to spend a fortune on cutting tools and belts, not to mention your time. If it is D2, you would need an electric furnace to properly reharden the steel after your blade is made. A few experts can treat D2 in a forge but it isn't a task for someone new to the game.
Free advice: D2 (if that's what you want) and several carbon steels that you could possibly heat treat yourself with a torch are available from any knife supply house. D2 is reasonably priced, carbon steels are very cheap. They come flat, straight, and annealed in sizes appropriate for knives and you will know exactly what you have and how to treat it...........
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