Jim,
Welcome to the world of "Builds"! It will be difficult to chose blade "treatments" at early onset. For example: "I" would like blued, carbon steel with a W.W.II styled handle, with a blued butt cap and pinned. If we don't chose blued, I would not want the WWII...Ya' follow?
Mentioning "future" things always open up the can...I think carbon will rule the vote, most likely..."BUT"...discussion may help move this build in "God-only-knows" what direction...but it's needed.
Just my thoughts,
Capt. Chris