How to Make a Paper Kuni Knife

A Kuni was first used as a trowel by the ancient Japanese. While it was created as a gardening tool, it could also be a deadly martial arts weapon if it were to drop into a skilled set of hands. But this isn't about making weapons, this is about shaping and crafting paper to resemble a kuni knife. So all the martial arts experts looking for pointers at creating the real thing might want to look elsewhere.

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces of paper Scissors Tape Coins (optional)

Instructions

1. Take one piece of paper and cut it into a square shape. Fold one corner in, and then fold the opposite corner into its opposite side. The paper should now be the shape of a triangle.

2. Fold the triangle in half, width-wise. Then open the paper back up to the shape of a triangle, which is now creased across the middle.

3. Fold one of the short ends inward to the middle of the triangle. Repeat this folding process until the paper is too thick to continue to fold. Fold excess paper into the triangle.

4. Keeping the paper folded, flatten it out to make a shape similar to the finished product.

5. Roll a separate piece of paper up lengthwise and tape it, creating a tube.

6. Slide the tube into the hole in the back of the triangle piece of paper. Then on the exposed part of the tube keep part of it rounded (enough room for a hand to grip it) but flatten the rest.

7. Fold the flat part of the tube back and forth until a circle has been created, and then tape it so it remains in a circle shape.

8. Tape the tube into the hole in the back of the kuni.

9. Drop a couple of coins into the end of the tube to make it heavier. This step it optional. The point of the coins is to add weight to the kuni knife, which will make it easier to control if throwing it at something.

10. Tape up the end of the kuni knife to reinforce it and ensure that the coins are secured inside.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a thicker kuni knife, start with two pieces of paper instead of one. Follow the instructions precisely; one mistake can alter the entire outcome of the knife.

• As with any sharp objects, avoid contact with eyes. Don't throw the kuni knife at anyone; the sharp edge could be potentially dangerous.