Making An Athame Options

I've a question, wondering about the materials to use for making my own athame. I've obtained several arrowheads traveling and they spurred me to think of using them as the tip of an athame. Am pretty certain to make the handle wood, carved willow most likely, and bind the arrowhead with leather, died black. I am wondering though, if using an arrowhead would perhaps be an unwise choice for an athame, because of it's likely violent history? It could be cleansed of course, but thought to see what more experienced workers and magicians would recommend or advise. Am only beginning to delve deeper into my own craft practice (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)~

I'm not sure what sort of ceremonial functions you expect this athame to perform, so it's had to give you a really solid answer.

I know that many people use an athame to draw the perimeter of a magic circle, and for that reason use something intimidating like a sword or a deadly knife. The idea is to create a warning that says something like "beware, the person in this circle can be dangerous." More ancient customs involve digging a trench with a dagger and spilling sacrificial blood into it, and authorities on oriental mysteries identify the tool as a blood-drawing weapon specifically. In light of all this, it would certainly not be out of line to use something associated with "violence," especially not game-hunting from which activity a stray arrowhead might have come, unless perhaps you are a pacifist vegetarian.

My only advice on the matter, which I thought it prudent to mention, is to thoroughly dry your willow branch beforehand. It may help to use a piece that is extra-long, bind the ends, and be exceedingly patient as willow is soft.