The steel in the cable is 1095, around 1 point of carbon. Crane cable needs to be very tough, Even accounting for decarb during forge welding it together it's plenty high carbon.

the link at the bottom of my thread should be
http://www.tharkis.com/images/sgiandubhlarge.jpg

I messed up when making it, and the forums keep hanging when I try to edit the post. This is my 3rd attempt to reply to your question... the forums are eating my replies !!