How to Make Ninja Tools
Constructing ninja-style martial arts tools can range in difficulty from easy to highly complex. One of the simplest tools to construct—and one that requires no expert knowledge—is the throwing spike. Unlike the throwing star, the spike can be constructed using an inexpensive rotary tool. It's also an essential component of the martial arts tool kit.
Things You'll Need
- Rotary tool
- Safety glasses
- Metal rod of at least 3 inches in length and ranging in diameter from 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch
- Stable, flat surface
- Cloth strips
Instructions
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Making Ninja Tools
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1
Wrap about half of the metal rod in cloth. This will prevent any damage to work surfaces employed in the cutting process.
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2
Secure the cloth-covered portion of the rod on a flat, sturdy surface with a C-clamp so that the exposed portion protrudes over the tabletop.
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3
Cut the exposed portion of the rod into segments of about 3 inches using one of the rotary tool’s cutting wheels. Steps 1 through 3 will probably need to be repeated each time a new piece of the rod is cut.
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4
Wait for a few minutes before touching the rod; friction from the cutting process can generate enough heat to cause serious burns. After cooling, wrap half of one of the newly cut metal rods in cloth and again secure that portion to the tabletop so that the exposed, blunt end protrudes.
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5
Shape the exposed blunt end of the rod into a bullet-shaped point using the grind stone bit on your rotary tool. The most effective way to do this is by applying “rounding” strokes evenly around the diameter of the rod’s tip. The tip will eventually become sharp enough to pierce wood and some sheet metal.
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6
Throw the spike by resting it along the furrow between your middle and ring fingers, with the sharpened point facing away from the palm of your hand. Hold the spike in place with your thumb and gently throw it as if tossing a baseball. The spike should slip from your fingers in a straight line and into the target.
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Tips & Warnings
Constructing this type of tool from lightweight metals such as aluminum will render it nearly useless. Steal, or another similar heavy-weight metal, is the most effective type of material for this project.
When fixing the metal rod to a flat surface for shaping and sharpening, two C-clamps will provide a much higher degree of stability and safety.
Wear safety glasses when using a rotary tool in any capacity. This is especially true when working with steal and other heavyweight materials.
Never throw or mimic throwing this tool at people or animals.
