File this under old bike parts used for applications other than cycling. In addition to spokes, I use old tires, tubes, chains, brake/shifter cables, and cable housing for things that are entirely not related to cycling. My most recent re-use is cutting the bead off of foldable tires and using it as rope. The cord in the bead is strong stuff.
Speaking of bending spokes…I can’t find it now, but a couple years ago I was in a pinch and quickly needed a single spoke but had none on hand of the correct length. So, I cut the head off a longer one, and using the vise, hammer, and pliers I bent a small loop in it right at the correct length to function as the head. It worked perfectly. I posted pics of it here in the BFs. A responder posted pics of a manufactured hand tool specifically designed for this task, and a pic of a wheel laced entirely with spokes fashioned in this way.

Dan