I think you are right tracker.
if the file is still at its original temper, there would be no reason to anneal and reharden.
just retemper. if the 450 for an hour doesn't draw enough hardness back out, then try again at 500....etc
unfortunately, if you draw too much out and don't like the edge holding, then you have to start all over by rehardening
older 1095 should respond to a tempering draw down, I don't know about the chineeese cheapies, think they use some sort of case hardening, but why not put one in the oven (if you got one) and let us know.