My first set of ritual tools were store-bought, but as I approached initiation into the Georgian tradition, I decided I wanted new tools that were more unique, cohesive as a set, and if possible, that I'd have a hand in creating.
I can't take all the credit for this athame. I knew just what I wanted so I drew up a sketch and showed it to a friend, the very crafty high priest of a friendly coven, and he accepted the task of helping me create it. The blade was removed from a throwing knife I found on ebay. It had a black coating that I patiently removed. The wood is from a local tree that had been struck by lightning. My friend shaped the handle and put the pieces together. I sanded it and helped. The athame is 11 inches long.
Although there are some good arguments for keeping an athame sharp, mine is dull following tradition as it is only used for the direction of energy and not for any physical cutting. I've always associated the athame with fire, which turned out to be in keeping with my trad. I did break with tradition on two points: the handle is not black nor does it have inscriptions. Sometimes I think about adding the inscriptions, but I really just like it the way it is.
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