How to Make a Paper Knife

Last Updated: December 14, 2022

A paper knife can be the perfect addition to your collection of paper objects. This knife is not only easy to make, but it's safe and won't hurt anyone -- the worst that can happen is that you'll get a paper cut. Once you make a paper knife, you can think about making a paper sword or other paper weapons. If you want to know how to make a paper knife, just follow these steps.

Steps

1
Find an 8 ½ in (21.5 cm) by 11 in (28 cm) sheet of printer paper. Ordinary printer paper will do. Notebook paper is too thin for this object.
2
Fold the top right corner over to the left edge of the paper. Do it so the top edge of the paper lines up with the left edge of the paper. The folded portion will form a triangle, with a rectangular piece remaining along the bottom. Make sure the edges line up and that you run your fingers along the crease you've created.^{[1]
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3
Cut the rectangular shape from the bottom. Use a pair of scissors to cut the rectangular shape that is left over on the bottom of the paper. Then unfold the triangle to reveal a square-shaped piece of paper. You will use this paper to make a blade for your knife.^{[2]
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4
Fold the paper lengthwise at least 3-4 times. This will create a blade that is at least 1- 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) thick. The paper should now look like a stick.^{[3]
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5
Cut a slanting edge on one end of the paper. Cut a slanting edge on one end of the paper that makes the paper resemble a sharp kitchen knife.^{[5]
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6
Staple the blade together. Just staple the blade in the center and at the top edge to hold it together.^{[6]
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7
Make the handle from the remaining paper. The handle should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) longer than the slanted part of the blade. Measure and cut the excess paper from Step 3 to the appropriate length, and then fold it to the width you prefer for your handle.
8
Staple the blade and the handle together. Just cross the handle over the blade, about 2 inches (5 cm) away from the flat end of the blade. Then, staple the two together at the point where they intersect.^{[8]
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9
Enjoy your paper knife. You can paint your knife silver, decorate it, or make more paper knives to keep it company.

Community Q&A

Question

What size should the paper be?

Community Answer

It should be at least 8.5 x 11.
Question

Which paper do I need to fold for Step 4?

Community Answer

Fold the square piece of paper 3 times in any direction. For Step 5, fold the rectangle you got from cutting out the square.
Question

What if I don't have a stapler?

Community Answer

You could use glue instead of a stapler to fasten the two pieces of paper together.