What an intriguing idea. I think it would work well.
Have you seen the articles on (homemade) micarta ? Generally people use cotton material (eg denim, canvas) in layers, with each layer being liberally spread with resin or epoxy. The whole lot is clamped and allowed to dry and it forms a solid mass which can then be cut and worked with normal wood working tools (beware of the dust produced from resin or epoxy, use a mask). There are a few good articles on this forum, and lots of other stuff on the web.
I haven’t made micarta myself, but it is on the list, perhaps I’ll add paper to the list too ….
PS Just thought - you could use (say) some old music scores to make a "music knife" etc .... customize the handle to the owner depending on their passion ? Some xmas paper ? .... sections from a favourite book, a saying (perhaps your BCUK signature) ? ... endless ideas