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Will
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How to Make a Damascus Steel Knife out of Paper

 

Ok, technically it isn't Damascus steel because it isn't steel. But it does look like it. And all you need is a few supplies like construction paper and glue. And, it is a pretty strong knife.

If you want to make this exact shape knife the template is right here.

I also have a video tutorial for this project at the bottom of the page.

 

 

 

 

The Damascus steel knife

 

Will

About Damascus steel: There really was a particular type of steel called "Damascus" steel. It came out of the Middle east a couple of hundred years ago. The process for making it has been lost though. It was recognizable for it's strength and resilience. And for its intricate patterning. Nowadays we don't actually make this kind of steel (we don't know how). But... we do make a kind of steel that is actually pattern welded. That is where you weld different types of steel together and twist them. It gives us a pattern much like Damascus steel. So, nowadays we call it Damascus. But it actually isn't.

 

Materials and tools for this project:

  • The Template
  • Construction paper, at least two colors (Black and White) More colors if you prefer
  • White Glue of any brand
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint for the handle (optional)
  • X-acto or other sharp knife for trimming and cutting
  • More optional stuff: Belt sander, Spray on gloss sealer

 

Let's Get Started!

Draw your knife

Draw out your knife in the exact shape that you want it. Just on any old plain piece of paper. Or you can print up my template.

 

Glue to cardboard

Cut out your knife shape and glue it to cereal box cardboard. And then cut that out. Now you have a template that you can use to make all the layers of your knife.

 

Trace the knife pattern

Now use the template to trace out a whole lot of knives! We made 45 of them. You can make as many as you like but 45 gave us the knife thickness we were looking for.

Some tips on what colors to use.

Well, that is totally up to you. But, if you want damascus looking then do 4 sheets of white to every one sheet of black. That will get you a nice damascus look. So,

And you would stack those like this: 4 white, 1 black, 4 white, 1 black, etc. Until all your pieces are stacked.

 

The various sheets

There you go. We started to lay out our colored pieces so you can get a look at it. We used five different colors.

 

Apply a thick layer of glue

Let's glue this knife together. Lay down your first piece and apply a thick even coat of white glue to it.

 

Squeeze out the excess glue

Put your next layer down right on top of that one. And use some kind of tool to press it down gently, and squeeze out the excess glue. You want to work from the center and squeeze/scrape most of the glue right out.

Then, put a thick coat of glue right on top of that new layer.

 

Repeat the glue process

Ok! Repeat the process. Put a new knife layer down right on top of that glue. And squeeze out all the glue with a tool. Apply a thick layer of glue on top and put a new layer. Repeat this process until all your layers are done.

 

NextOkay! Let's glue all this stuff together and make the knife! (Part 2)

The Video Tutorial:

 

Down Below is more projects you might like and links to some of the materials used in this tutorial.

 

Hidden Blade

Make an Assassin's Creed Hidden Blade that works!

This is a fun project that just uses cardboard or foam board with a rubber band. It really works quite nicely. Make an Assassin's Creed Hidden Blade


Knifemaking Tutorial

How to make a real knife using the stock removal method. This is part of my blacksmithing series of tutorials. Knifemaking

 

Make a foam knife that looks real

Just a piece of foam board and you can make a Sub-hilt knife which is specially designed for knife fighting. Well, this one is just foam so it isn't really for fighting! But it looks good! I give you the template. Make a foam board knife

 


 

Make a Damascus Steel Knife -

Damascus steel is challenging to make. But you don't have to make it for a knife. You can buy a blank and make a knife with it. I show you how in this tutorial: Make a Damascus Steel Knife Part 1 (I also have a video for it)

 

Custom Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife. With Leather Sheath. Top Quality

Blade: 4.75 inch handle 4.5 inch. Micarta Handle. Damascus bolsters. Comes with leather sheath.Please note sheaths may vary from the pictures. You must be over the age of 18 to buy this item.

 

X-ACTO Z Series #1 Knife with Cap (XZ3601)

 

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