The Athame (ritual blade) is a religious tool. It is used for various ceremonial tasks including to draw the magick circle and to store and direct energy. The two edges of the athame symbolize balance. The blade represents the power of mind and/or Will, and is used symbolically for directing them. Since the Athame is sacred, it is never used for cutting. They are also beautiful to look at, and simply make a great decor enhancer.
The Boline is a curved sickle shaped blade traditionally used to harvest herbs and grasses. Also used for cutting items during magick ceremonies, unlike the Athame which is never used for cutting in the material plane.
You can use your finger also as an Athame for drawing your circle and other ritual practices. But you should never use your Athame for cutting herbs, and never use your Boline for ritual practice. Remember the most important tools you have are yourself
I have an old letter opener that belonged to my now passed over father in law that I use as a ritual Athame. As for a Boline, for now I use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut my herbs until I can find what I am looking for preferably at the local antique shop. Athames and Bolines can be whatever feels right to you but should never be interchanged.
. I do not have one for working in my Kitchen as I have not found one appropiate for me yet.
