These attacks are performed with swords that Wizards carry instead of casting Wands.
Most swords are available in MooShu and Dragonspyre, and these are different from your Athames. Athames look like small daggers. Athames do not show up in your hand as an Athame is not for battle use. The Athame's primary use is to direct energy which is why your Athame will increase your stats in some way.
