I have access to barrels and barrels of grinding swarf. It is my understanding that most of it is 52100 with some O1 and 5160 mixed in. It would need to cleaned, of course. I was wondering if it is possible to make damascus from this? I would think that it would be alot like working with powered steels. Anyway, it's just a thought. I have never even made damascus before and I am sure this is over my head right now but it never hurts to ask.

Thanks,
Jason

It will work very similar to powder, provided you get is VERY well cleaned. Any of the grinding grit you get into the mix will create voids. With this material its pits that will be the main advesary. I've used lathe and mill turnings just like powder, and you can get some pretty wild results from it.