Scot -
I agree that the practice wasn't exactly wasted, and I understand your attempt to be frugal, but you probably spent more on doing the "mock up" in belts and such that the cost of a piece of 1084. For many people, time is also a valued commodity. The following is not meant to discourage you, just a comment on the costs of knifemaking.
If the cost of $10 for steel is prohibitive, get out now while you can. Knifemaking is not a cheap hobby. Knifemaking requires continued replacement of steel, belts, sandpaper, handle material, rivets, adhesives, hacksaw blades, heat treatment costs, and other small tools and items. The equipment is not low-cost either. It is often a rabbit hole of buying more equipment and supplies. The piece of steel used is usually a small part of the final cost of a finished knife.
While knifemaking can be done with files and sandpaper plus a propane torch, that won't necessarily make a very good knife (unless you have the skills and experience already).
It is not uncommon for a new knifemaker to spend $5000 in their initial setup of equipment and supplies.
There are two knifemaking jokes that are mostly true:
Knifemaking is the best way to spend $5000 to make a $100 knife.
The way to make a million dollars in knifemaking is to start with 2-million dollars.
