Please stick to thinking about these concepts with 1 steel only. We aren't using these to compare steels. So, yes Bruce you are on the right track...Sort of. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

"As hardness and bending ability increase, impact resistance decreases.
As impact resistance increases, hardness and bending ability decrease."

Concerning 1 particular steel (any steel)...
hardness and bending ability cannot both increase together - as hardness increases - bending ability or flexibility has to decrease. But, if you take that part out- then Yes, as bending ability (toughness) increases, impact resistance (strength) decreases.

Same holds true for the second one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />