wrote:
..
I've managed to put two nicks in the 1/19 stainless forestay on my
32'
boat. Dont ask how, far too embarassing, suffice to say a hack saw
got
drawn across the wire. Nothing was cut through, but two small chunks
got taken out of two strands. How dangerous is this?

IMHO, you already know, or you wouldn't be asking.

Time for a replacement.

There are no rigging chandleries ay sea.

Lew