I found at work some old cable from a crane or winch line. It is about 5/8" in diameter. All steel, no filler, no grease, just a little rusty. If this type of cable will work, how long of pieces should I cut it into?

ttt. does anyone do cable damascus?

QuoteOriginally posted by mwmwmb:
ttt. does anyone do cable damascus?

Do you mean anyone on THIS forum?
I don't, but I'd like to.
As far as the first question, how long of lengths to cut it into, I guess it depends on what you want to do with it!
Small knife - small piece.
Bigger knife - bigger piece?

You may have to get it all hammered out tight and then double it over on itself to be able to make a billet big enough for a blade.  I think the cable I'm using is 1 1/2" in diameter.  Sounds like you have the right stuff though.  Drop me a line if you want to discuss technique.      

Good luck,
Nathan