I've done a few cleavers and still have a few more laying around I need to finish up. Your steel choice is fine. I think I have 1095 for mine but no diff there really. Build the cleaver to be tough, chopping bone, etc. is rougher than normal knife usage. So don't get too extravagant on handle material combos, etc. It's gonna get bashed around, laid in goo, etc. It's not supposed to be a show piece!
As for heat treat, I wouldn't go crazy on a forge. I use Paul Bos/Paul Farner (Buck Knives) and he's heat treated several cleavers for me. The price is fair and gets even better when you send 20 knives. Ends up being about $6/knife when you include shipping. Cleavers and bigger blades can add a little more but not much.
Another IT knife maker eh? lol me too.