A multiplayer composite doctor blade has a side edge configured for application to the surface of a rotating roll in a paper making machine. The doctor blade has an inner core and intermediate layers preferably enclosed by outer layers. The inner core is predominantly polymeric material. The intermediate layers on opposite sides of the core include reinforcing fibers. The side edge of the doctor blade has an abrasiveness as measured by ASTM test method D5181-91 of between about 4.0 to 5.0.