The paper kunai is a popular origami craft inspired by the traditional Japanese throwing weapon used by ninjas. It’s a fun and creative way to learn the basics of origami while making a cool-looking paper weapon. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a paper kunai in 15 simple steps.

Materials:

– Two sheets of A4 or letter-size paper

– Glue

– Scissors

– Ruler

– Optional: marker or pen

Step 1:

Take one sheet of paper and fold it in half vertically. Ensure the edges line up neatly and then crease it firmly.

Step 2:

Fold the same sheet in half horizontally so that it forms a square-like shape. Crease well and unfold.

Step 3:

Using the creases from Step 2 as a guideline, fold the top and bottom edges of the paper into the vertical centerline.

Step 4:

Fold the paper in half along the vertical centerline, making sure to tuck in the edges from Step 3.

Step 5:

From the folding edge, begin rolling your paper tightly into a cylinder. Apply glue as you roll to ensure it stays together when completed.

Step 6:

Repeat steps 1 – 5 with your second sheet of paper. You should now have two cylindrical parts for your kunai: one for the handle and one for the blade.

Step 7:

Trim one end of both cylinders at an angle using scissors. This forms a sharper point for your blade and helps create a pommel at the base of your handle.

Step 8:

Create four incisions around the edge of both cylinders on their non-slanted side. These cuts should be about an inch deep and be evenly spaced apart.

Step 9:

On both cylinders, fold out each tab created by your incisions, creating a wider base.

Step 10:

Apply glue to the tabs of the second cylinder. Then, insert this cylinder into the first cylinder’s open tabs. Press and hold for a few moments to secure your blade to your handle.

Step 11:

Fold down and glue the four tabs on your handle’s upper part, securing it to the blade’s lower part.

Step 12:

Take a ruler and measure approximately 1 inch from the base of the handle. Use a pen or marker to draw a line around the circumference.

Step 13:

Cut four small trapezoid-shaped sheets from the remaining paper scraps. These will form end cap details on your kunai handle.

Step 14:

Glue each trapezoid onto your handle, aligning their bottom edges with the line you drew in Step 12. Space them evenly apart.

Step 15:

Allow your paper kunai to fully dry before testing its aerodynamics with a gentle indoor throw.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your own paper kunai through these simple steps. This creation is perfect for playtime or as decoration, but be sure to only use it gently and responsibly. Enjoy crafting with this intricate piece of origami weaponry and become your own ninja master.