I haven't worked with 52100. I just remember the guys in the swordforum saying it reacted differently to certain heat treatments when compared to other steels. I just figured it might cause problems during welding. Also, I don't recall anyone using it to make damascus. There must be a reason for this. Don Fogg or Daryl Meier would be the ones to talk to for real facts (they are always on the swordforum & are easy to talk to).
I know 52100 has an immpressive reputation as a quality knife steel. Trying an experimental billet with the 52100 and L6/15n20 would be interesting. You might end up making some good stuff. If that doesn't work, the remaining 52100 would still be great to forge on its own. I would save the 52100 for later and get some 1075 to 1095 for the damascus
Also, if you are having trouble finding L6/15n20 try salvaging some old circular saw blades. They are usually made of L6 or a similar type steel. It takes a little more work to cut out and clean up the pieces for the billet, but the results are favorable. If you can't find any L6, consider using 203e or another nickle alloy. You will be reducing the carbon level of the finished billet considerably, but the contrast of the welds will be very vivid.
