How to Make a Homemade Ninja Star

Shurikens, also known as throwing or ninja stars, come in many different sizes and designs. These concealable throwing weapons were first developed in feudal Japan. In Western cultures, the most recognizable types of shurikens are constructed of thin, flat pieces of metal. Using a few handheld tools, you can make your own homemade ninja stars out of aluminum sheet metal or even old canned food lids.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet metal or can lids
• Tin snips
• Metal file
• Drill
• 1/4-inch metal drill bit
• Sandpaper
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Outline the design you would like for your ninja star on a piece of sheet metal using a permanent marker. Alternatively, you can use old canned food lids, though they should be cleaned first and hammered flat.

2. Cut out the design using a pair of tin snips. A basic ninja star design has four to six points and measures about 4 inches across.

3. Drill a ¼-inch center hole in the middle of the ninja star. This will have an aerodynamic effect on the star when throwing it.

4. Smooth the edges of the ninja star and the center hole with a metal file. Sandpaper can be used to polish the edges and sides of the ninja star.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not carry throwing stars. They are illegal to carry in many countries including Canada and Germany. Some regions in the United States also prohibit them. Please be aware of any relevant laws in your area.

• Extreme caution should be used when making or handling a throwing star. Throwing stars can be dangerous and should not be treated like toys. They are sharp objects and should never be thrown at another individual.

• Be careful not to cut yourself when handling tin snips or sheet metal while making the throwing star.

References

• Wood Magazine: Sheet Metal Basics
• Ninja Gear: Throwing Stars
• Tool Price: How to Use Tin Snips