As most paper is made from trees, a typical piece of paper is composed mostly of cellulose wood fibers. These fibers are reinforced and fused by strong hydrogen bonds. … In turn, the paper becomes weak and tears. Even a thick stack of paper can tear easily when wet!

How do you hand rip paper?

Use a Water Guide If you need your tear to be neat and precise, paint a line of water along the piece of paper where you want it to be torn. Let the water sit for a couple of minutes to sink into the fibers and then tear along the wet strip. The tear will follow the water-soaked line, almost like magic.

How do you cut paper without a knife?

Create a small rip at one end of the crease with your fingertips. Use both thumbs and index fingers to pinch the paper on either side of the crease, right at the edge of the paper. Push one pair of fingers away from you while you pull the others toward you in order to begin a tear along the cut line.