Welcome to our Athames Page
A bespoke, hand made athame is both a pleasure to hold and use during ritual.
Here at Mrs Darley’s Herbal, Willie makes most athames to order, according to the requirements of each client, although we do have a selection in stock both at Mrs Darley’s Herbal and in our online shop.
2. Blade finish
1. Blade Shape
The initial consideration is the basic shape of the athame and there are three choices available here:
Please state top, middle or bottom as your preference
2. Blade finish
The second consideration is how you would like your blade finished and here there are four options:
A. (Top) Hot rolled steel has a black oxidised layer called ‘mill scale’ which can be left intact and false edges polished as in the top athame.
B. (Middle) This has more scale removed leaving a ‘satin’ finish with polished edge.
C. (Bottom) This has all scale removed and the blade polished.
3. Handle material
The third consideration is the handle material.
The ‘default’ handle material is aged and ebonised oak. (Think of the wooden panelling in an old country house and you will be close to imagining the finish.)
Whether you have a particular wood in mind, or horn, or antler, the choice is entirely yours.
4. Tang decoration
A. Polished
B. File work
C. Ogham inscription.
The above tang has an ivy filework pattern, which gives an air of movement and a hint of nature to the handle.
The above tang has an Ogham inscription and says ‘an harm none’
5. Fixing pins
The fourth consideration are the fixing Pins, which are necessary for the structural integrity of the athame. There are four choices available.
A. Black carbon
B. Polished silver steel
C. Polished brass
D. Mosaic pin.
This photograph illustrates a mosaic pin.
Past Examples of Commissions
Damascus steel blade, Wenge hard wood handles, ivy decoration tang and mosaic pins.
Damascus steel blade, buffalo collar, deer antler handle and pentagram pommel
Polished steel blade, spalted beech handles and black pins
Steel blade with polished edges, ebony handle and ivy decorated tang
Damascus steel blade, buffalo collar, deer antler handle and buffalo horn pommel