52100 really requires a controlled soak at quench heat, 1475°, because of it being a pretty highly alloyed steel. Without temp control, you are handicapped from the start. A simple hypoeutectic steel would serve you much better with the apparent limited equipment you seem to have. Without temp control, and more research from other and better sources, you will not get the best out of 52100. Unless of course, you believe you can defy the laws of physics. 52100 is one of the "great" steels, but it has to treated right in order to be so, and what you're doing will not get it there. Yes, the way you are going now, IS a waste of time. If you do not have a good HT oven, you will need one.