Questions and processes on O-1 steel

[Willie71]

I just bought a 1/8"x3"x36" piece of O-1 steel. It was the only steel the local supply had that was suitable for a blade. I went to get 1084. They are looking into ordering me some 1075-1085 low manganese steel and some 15n20 or L6 (different names for basically the same thing?) I have a lot of steel from My father's farm such as plow blades and rototiller blades. I wanted a known steel so I paid $75.00 for the O-1. From the searches I did yesterday, O-1 is relatively forgiving, but the air hardening worries me. Can an old school normalization be effective with O-1 such as a small gas or coal forge, and slow cooling in an insulated box of perlite or vermiculite? I was thinking of building a chamber on top of the forge with a thicker steel ( 1" floor, and 1/2"-3/4" walls) as a heat sink and cooling in that chamber.

Question 2. On other knives, based on size limitations of the steel I had, I used one piece with the blade, and welded the handle on. I can arc or brass braze the handle on. My Tig is in need of repair so its out of commission. I would do this to not waste the O-1 on the handle. I prefer full tang. I would have to normalize after this process I assume. If its a bad idea, I will just do hidden tang or use full tang O-1. I am considering frame handle as well.

Third question. Is O-1 suitable for Damascus? If it is, would it be better as a light or dark steel? I have read it depending on the user as either.