Stag Damascus athame

• Forged Damascus steel blade with a water-grain pattern
• Natural stag-horn handle
• About 8.5 inches overall, 3.25 inch blade
• Each blade and handle is unique
• A ritual directing tool, not for physical cutting

• Blade: forged Damascus steel
• Handle: natural stag horn
• Length: approximately 8.5 inches overall, 3.25 inch blade
• A ritual tool for directing energy, not intended for physical cutting
• As forged Damascus and natural horn, blade pattern and handle vary piece to piece
• California Proposition 65 warning: this product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm; for more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

In Wiccan and many contemporary witchcraft traditions, the athame is the blade of will, used to cast and close the circle, direct personal energy, and mark sacred space rather than to cut in the physical world. Most traditions associate it with the element of Fire, some with Air. Damascus steel, folded and forge-welded into its flowing grain, carries associations with skill and layered strength, while the stag has long stood for the wild, for vitality, and in some traditions for the horned god. The blade carries no power of its own; it focuses and directs the intention you bring to your practice.

Cleanse a new blade by smoke or moonlight and dedicate it with a word or intention. Because stag horn is porous, favor smoke over soaking. To work with it, hold the handle in a steady grip, set your intention, and trace the circle or direct energy with deliberate movements. Damascus steel keeps best kept dry and wiped after use, with a little oil now and then to protect the pattern from rust. Keep it out of reach of children, store it apart from kitchen and utility knives, and remember it is a ceremonial tool rather than a cutting knife.

• Medieval Boline, the cutting companion to the athame
• Cast Iron Cauldron with Lid, 5"
• Triple Moon Altar Cloth
• White Sage Smudge Stick, to cleanse the blade
• Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham

What is an athame used for? It is a ritual blade for casting and closing the circle and directing energy. It is not used for physical cutting.

What is Damascus steel? Damascus steel is forged in layers that show a distinctive rippling, water-like pattern, so no two blades look exactly alike.

Is the handle real horn? Yes, the handle is natural stag horn, so the color and grain vary from one piece to the next.

Which element does the athame belong to? Most traditions link the athame with Fire, though some assign it to Air. Use whichever framework fits your path.

How do I care for it? Keep the Damascus blade dry and the horn handle dry, wipe after use, and apply a little oil to the blade from time to time to guard against rust.