CARDBOARD THROWING STAR

The Cardboard Throwing Star is perhaps the most popular MiniWeapon in the young ninja's arsenal due to its straightforward construction and easily accessible materials. The design is innocent enough for indoor dojo training, and if you are a sensei on a budget, this ninja star costs very few yen to mass produce.

Supplies

1 piece of corrugated cardboard
Metallic duct tape (or similar)

Tools

Safety glasses
Scissors
Pen
Ruler

Step 1

Begin construction by cutting a piece of corrugated cardboard to be approximately 8 inches by 4 inches. Corrugated cardboard from a shipping box is ideal because of its added weight, which will increase the star's throwing range.

With a pen and ruler, draw two identical rectangles, 6 inches long by 1 ½ inches wide, on the cardboard piece. Then on both rectangles, make a small mark at the halfway point on each of the four sides. Draw a straight line to each halfway mark, creating two diamonds as shown.

Step 2

Use scissors to cut both diamonds from the cardboard. Discard the leftover cardboard scrap.

Wrap both cardboard diamonds with metallic duct tape. The tape's finish will give this throwing star an authentic metal appearance. However, electrical and masking tape will also work.

Step 3

Stack both diamonds together at their center points, as shown. Secure the sections by wrapping tape around the four corners of the assembly.

The Cardboard Throwing Star can be thrown horizontally or vertically using a motion similar to that for throwing a Frisbee. Hold the star parallel to your palm, gripping it between your thumb and index finger. Then use the weight of your body and arm in tandem to add power, letting the star slip from your fingertips. Be prepared: hold a stack of throwing stars in your opposite hand that can be slid off and flicked in rapid succession. Test your ninja star throwing skills with the Lantern Knockout (page 289).

Remember to use eye protection! Cardboard Throwing Stars have pointed tips and can reach high speeds. Mini Weapon projects are not meant for use on living targets. Always stay clear of spectators and throw in a controlled manner.

PAPER PLATE NINJA STAR

Gripping the Paper Plate Ninja Star, an innocent-looking ninja is contemplating mayhem. Constructed from a single paper plate and a few slices of the katana (sword), the star can quickly be folded and assembled into a formidable secondary weapon. Plus, with plates available in bundles of 50 or more, you can afford to outfit a whole clan of ninjas.

Supplies

1 disposable paper plate (thin, round)

Tools

Safety glasses
Marker
Ruler
Drinking glass, plastic cup, or plastic lid (approximately 2 ½-inch diameter)
Scissors
Stapler
Clear tape

Step 1

For this project to be successful, use a very thin, round disposable paper plate. Place the plate face up and locate the approximate center point. Use a marker and a ruler to divide the plate into four equal parts by drawing two guidelines from edge to edge as shown.

Next, place the glass, cup, or lid in the center of the plate and trace the circle diameter onto the plate with the marker. This added center circle will be the core of the throwing star.

Step 2

Divide the four sections into eight sections by placing the ruler as shown by the dashed guidelines. With the ruler intersecting the marked center point and positioned in the middle of the guidelines from step 1, mark two solid lines at opposite ends, starting from the plate's edge. Complete this step once more until the plate's outer edge is divided into eight equal parts.

Step 3

With scissors, cut along the large guidelines, stopping at the drawn center circle. Then complete the cut by going around the center circle as shown. Do not cut the 1-inch guidelines from step 2. When finished, the plate should be divided into five sections, with one of the sections being the center circle.

Step 4

Each wedge will be transformed into one of the four points of the ninja star. Start by locating the center guideline you marked in step 2. The next two fold lines will extend from this line, also known as the vertex, as indicated by the dashed lines shown (1).

Using the marked line as the starting point, fold the right side of the plate to create an overlapping triangle (2). Then repeat this fold on the left side, with an identical triangle, overlapping the first folded triangle (3). When you're finished, both folds should create a triangular shape with two sides equal in length (isosceles triangle).

Step 5

The ninja points will be completed with one additional fold down the center (the altitude). Using the dotted line shown as the crease line, fold the paper assembly in half (4 and 5).

Position the paper wedge horizontally, with the open side of the wedge down, as shown. With scissors, trim off the back detail to create a right triangle (6). Repeat the folding and trimming for the remaining three wedges.

Step 6

The small circle you created in step 3 is the core of the Paper Plate Ninja Star. To add the star points, slide one of the paper wedges over the paper circle, then align the right triangle with the drawn marker guidelines on the circle. Once in place, secure the ninja point with a stapler.

Add another ninja point to the assembly by aligning the 90 -degree corner of the second wedge against the mounted ninja point, while keeping within the marker guidelines. Staple the wedge in place.

Step 7

Slide the remaining two ninja points onto the circle base and secure them with additional stapling. The Paper Plate Ninja Star is complete! If you are concerned about the sharp points of the added staples, cover the metal edges with clear tape for added safety.

A throwing star can be thrown horizontally or vertically using a motion similar to that for throwing a Frisbee. Hold the star parallel to your palm, gripping it between your thumb and index finger. Then use the weight of your body and arm in tandem to add power, letting the star slip from your fingertips. Be prepared: hold a stack of throwing stars in your opposite hand that can be slid off and flicked in rapid succession.

Remember to use eye protection! Throwing stars have pointed tips and can reach high speeds. Mini Weapon projects are not meant for use on living targets. Always stay clear of spectators and throw in a controlled manner.

PAPER TUBE NINJA STAR

A short distance from the main tower, you move stealthily to within sight of the enemy, cloaked in the shadows of the fortification. Your recon mission is complete, and with a quick diversion, you can slip away unnoticed. The Paper Tube Ninja Star is the perfect choice for this task because of the star's commanding size. When thrown in the vicinity of...