An ulu knife is a semicircular blade that Inuit women use to chop and carve meat, fish, and even bones. An Oosik is another name for this sharp, curved knife. Its unique feature improves agility and leverage, making delicate cuts and chopping much simpler than ordinary knives.
However, you may already know that an Ulu is an all-purpose knife that includes skinning and cleaning animals, cutting a child’s hair, cutting food, and, if required, trimming blocks of snow and ice used to construct an igloo.
Ulu Knives are a very flexible culinary tool that may be used to chop a range of meats, veggies, pizza, and even cheeses! The rocking action of an ulu knife allows for quick cuts with less effort.
Also, this knife is well-known for its keen edge and long-lasting durability. The ease of handling and accurate chopping makes its way up to the top chef’s table.
As you can see, Ulu knives are quite famous, and there is a great demand for them in the marketplace. Moreover, you can expect to find different kinds of them that will generate a lot of options and confusion for you when it comes to selecting the best Ulu knife within an affordable price range.
So, to simplify the process for you, we’ve selected some of the best ulu knives worth your attention. However, if you are in a hurry, we suggest – Handmade Traditional Ulu Knife with Damascus Steel Blade and Gil Hibben Legacy Ulu Knife as our top picks from this list.
Though, there are some additional choices to consider. Let us investigate.
A QUICK COMPARISON :
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Handmade Traditional Ulu Knife with Damascus Steel Blade |
| Check Price |
 | Antler Ulu Knife with Full Tang North Star Knife |
| Check Price |
 | TTC-111 Handmade Demascus Ulu kitchen Knife -Wood Handle |
| Check Price |
 | Ulu Bowl set Birch Handle AK Cutlery |
| Check Price |
 | Alaska Ulu Knife Set-Curved Knife with Wood Handle plus Chopping Board |
| Check Price |
Our Top 6 Suggestions for the Best Ulu Knives for 2022
1. Handmade Traditional Ulu Knife with Damascus Steel Blade
Product Features
- Made in central Alaska
- Manufactured by The North Star Knife & Ulu Company
- 7-inch blade
- The blade features 1074 and 15N20 carbon steel with a nickel content of 2.5%
- The handle features walnut wood
- This knife features full-tang functionality
- Includes custom stamping
Description
The Handmade traditional Ulu knife is a high-quality product featuring real Damascus steel. Also, this ulu knife allows you to make customizations with its handle and sheath. To be specific, you can add three characters to the leather sheath, ideal for initials to distinguish the knife from the crowd and make it a perfect present.
The North Star Knife & Ulu Company handcrafts this Ulu knife in Alaska. These knives are handcrafted in central Alaska, where winter temperatures exceed -60 degrees.
To resist this severe climate, they are built with high-quality materials and with meticulous attention to detail. The ulu knife is a must-have in any kitchen.
However, to prevent oxidation on the high carbon steel, you need to oil the blade from time to time. Because of the two separate blade tips, this knife is known as the Angler. This knife is very flexible as one side is sharp, while the other has a larger, more flat surface. Also, the ergonomic grip fits perfectly in the palm of your hand.
The blade is made of 1074 and 15N20 carbon steel, containing 2.5 percent nickel, and can survive years of usage. As a result, it is adequate for regular usage.
Also, the knife’s full tang design ensures that it will feel strong in your palm for many years to come!
This multi-purpose Ulu knife is capable of grinding vegetables, slicing pizza, cutting meat, chopping nuts, and dicing veggies.
In the case of cutting experience, the design of this ulu knife features optimal ergonomics by directing your hand’s force firmly over the blade, resulting in reduced wrist and grip strain.
2. Damascus Steel Custom Inupiat Antler Ulu Knife
Product Features
- Handmade knife in Alaska
- Manufacturer – North Star Knife & Ulu Company
- Features custom stamping
- Handmade blade from 1074 carbon steel and 15N20 steel, featuring 2.5% nickel
- Full tang functionality
- The hardness of the blade lies between 55 to 60
- Features 196 to 225 Damascus layers
- Weight supported – 8 ounces
- It comes with an outstanding Nunivak Ulu package
Description
Just like the previous product, this Antler Ulu knife is handcrafted in Alaska by the North Star Knife & Ulu Company. They are built with high-quality materials and crafted with care.
This Ulu knife is ideal for mincing garlic or cutting pizza.
The ulu knife’s distinctive shape promotes efficient ergonomics by focusing your hand’s action directly over the blade. It helps to reduce wrist and grip strain.
When it comes to the blade’s construction, it’s handcrafted from premium 1074 carbon steel and 15N20 steel. It also contains 2.5 percent nickel, which ensures that it will resist years of hard use.
The knife is designed with a strong full tang construction ensuring durability. Also, this one-of-a-kind folded and forged Damascus steel is heat-treated to a hardness of 55 to 60. Moreover, the number of Damascus layers ranges from 196 to 225.
However, oil the blade on a regular basis to prevent oxidation on the high carbon steel.
3. RK-TTC-109 Handmade Damascus Ulu kitchen Knife
Product Features
- The blade material is alloy steel
- Product dimensions are 7.01 x 5 x 2.01 inches
- Manufactured by “Poshland Knives”
- Brown color
- The handle material is wood
- Blade length is 6.2 inches
- The blade’s hardness is HRC 58-60
- Product weight is 1.1 lbs
Description
This Ulu kitchen knife features quality material made from durable alloy steel. It’s a multipurpose Damascus knife that comes with a leather pouch.
This Ulu knife is ideal for chopping herbs or cutting pizza. This handmade Damascus Ulu knife can last a lifetime because of its durable build quality.
The handle comes with beautiful olive wood and nut wood. Also, it’s fixed with brass pins. Moreover, you will receive a handmade leather sheath with this Ulu knife to make things easy for you when you are on the road with this blade.
Talking about its blade, which is constructed with 1095/15N20 alloy steels with 176 genuine layers, featuring hand-forged beautiful patterns. So, in other words, you are getting a long-lasting and sturdy blade as well as styles in the same package.
This Chopper’s Damascus steel features high-grade contents that provide a superb edge and sharp cutting skills.
4. Ulu Bowl set Birch Handle AK Cutlery
Product Features
- Made in Alaska
- Colors available: Brown, gold, silver, steel, light wood, light wood walnut
- The bowl features striped patterns
- Stainless steel blade
- Includes bowl with the knife, stand, and guide book
- Blade length is 6.25 inches
- Product dimensions: 7.99 x 7.91 x 1.5 inches (block with deep dish)
- Product weight is 1.7 lbs
Description
This item comes with a lovely knife set, which includes a sturdy block with a nice deep-cutting bowl. In other words, this is a pleasant, comfortable, and simple-to-use combo for any Ulu knife user.
This multi-purpose Ulu knife set can be used for skinning, filleting, slicing, dicing, mincing, and other tasks.
A notable benefit of this particular Ulu knife is that one side of this Ulu knife is a bowl and the other is flat allows you to chop on either side.
In terms of length, the 6.25-inch Ulu knife fits perfectly in the bowl, making chopping fast and easy.
The block is constructed of long-lasting Alaskan birch and American walnut. As a result, you can rely on its performance even under tremendous load.
The Knife is fashioned in the Inupiat style, a tribe from Alaska’s far north. In addition, one of seven renowned Alaskan native artisans produced the portrait on the handle.
The Ulu has been an important part of Alaskan native culture for thousands of years, and this individual Ulu knife lives up to its reputation.
5. Gil Hibben Legacy Ulu Knife
Product Features
- Manufactured by Gil Hibben
- Made in China
- Stainless steel blade
- The handle material is engineered wood
- Blade length is 6.5 inches and overall length is 7.875 inches
- Item weight is 1 lb
Description
Gil and Wesley Hibben, who have over 75 years of combined knife-making expertise, maintain the proud Hibben history of quality and innovation with their current line of knives produced from their artistic partnership.
The Hibben Legacy Ulu Knife is a sleek, contemporary take on the ancient ulu knife.
In terms of construction, the 6.5″ 5Cr15 stainless steel blade has a mirror-polished surface that contrasts sharply with the black pakkawood handle scales, which are held in place by stainless steel pins.
The wide and hefty blade is razor-sharp, letting you use it for any slicing or cutting work at home or on the hunt.
A black leather belt sheath with an imprinted Hibben emblem and a sturdy snap closing protects the ulu knife.
So, in a nutshell, this Ulu knife is a must-have for your Hibben collection!
6. Alaska Ulu Knife Set
Product Features
- Brand: “The ULU Factory”
- Stainless steel blade
- Birchwood color
- The handle features Alaskan Birch and American Walnut wood
- The blade is 6 inches long
- Product dimensions are 7.05 x 6.89 x 1.46 inches
- Item weight is 1.06 lbs
Description
This Alaska Ulu knife and bowl combination allows you to cut and dice in record time. The crescent-shaped blade of the Ulu knife is far more suitable for chopping and mincing than long knives.
For very efficient dicing, it fits nicely in the carved oak bowl. In addition, you may flip the bowl over to provide a level cutting surface.
The blade is razor-sharp stainless steel. In addition, this stainless steel blade is honed on only one side, as is customary among Alaska Natives!
The knife set, which includes a small mezzaluna and a cutting board, is the most versatile instrument for chopping garlic, nuts, herbs, mincing onion, and other tasks. Also, The knife’s rocking action is effortless, and the bowl’s design holds everything together during the operation.
The Alaska Ulu Knife also comes with a small wooden stand, which is very well-made for ease of storage and exhibition. Hand washing is the finest way to take care of your Alaskan Ulu knife. However, never put this Ulu knife or chopping bowl in the dishwasher!
What to consider while buying the best Ulu knife from the market? | Buyer’s Guide
Ulu knives are a versatile tool and have long been appreciated for their flexibility and simplicity of usage. However, buying the best Ulu knife is always ambitious as there are a lot of variations between each product.
No two ulu knives are indeed alike. There is usually something distinctive that distinguishes one ulu knife from another.
Now, as a buyer, you will always try to choose the best product that is worth your money and time. Therefore, it is critical to understand which one has all the needed characteristics and can satisfy your needs on a budget.
You must be aware of your requirements as well as the elements (functions) to compare. Let’s have a look at them!
The Purpose of Buying an Ulu Knife
First, you must determine why you are purchasing an Ulu knife. People use ulu knives in several ways. Some people use it to chop food, while others use it as a weapon, yet others use it for leather preparation and shearing.
Ulu knives are commonly used in kitchens for one-handed slicing, mincing, dicing, chopping, and cutting, as well as in emergency circumstances for self-defense.
So, do you need a knife for all or the majority of these tasks? If this is the case, an ulu knife is an ideal alternative for you.
Build Material and the Size of the Knife
The material from which the blade is produced will be determined mostly by what you intend to cut with it. If you are planning to use it at home and not outside, a stainless steel blade will suffice because it is easy to clean and does not rust readily.
Today, however, the blades of many Alaskan variants are made of stainless steel, while the handles are composed of hardwood or caribou antler.
Furthermore, if you want to spend more money on these knives, consider Damascus steel as a blade material. However, authentic Damascus steel is difficult to recognize.
Generally, the size of an ulu knife affects its practicality and usage. In other words, the diameter indicates how an ulu knife is used. For example, a small-bladed ulu knife, such as one that is just 2 inches long, is suitable for cutting sinew that joins muscle to bone. Also, if you want to carry your knives with you most of the time, a smaller blade will be handier for you.
On the other hand, if you have more countertop or table space, you may certainly go for larger blades to chop large materials.
A 6-inch model, however, is thought to be excellent for ordinary activities. Moreover, this size is still considered the norm for most models today.
Type of Ulu Knives
There are different kinds of Ulu knives in the market. The Alaska ulu knife is the most popular model, according to internet research. It is, however, not the only sort to view and explore. Overall, there are four varieties of ulus, each named after the region where it originated.
Canadian
The blade of this ulu knife is linked to the handle by a slender stem. It comes in two varieties. A triangular blade is used in the western part of the Canadian Arctic, whereas a sharper pointed blade is utilized in the eastern half.
Alaskan/Inupiat
The Alaskan ulu knife has a piece of the blade cut away. The blade is then inserted into both ends of the handle.
West Greenlandic
This type of Ulu knife has a tiny, thin grip that is connected by a narrow stem to a pointed, oval-shaped blade.
East Greenlandic
With this Ulu knife, you will find the grip is thin and curved, while the blade is large and rectangular.
Also, there are some other types of Ulu knives you will find in the market. Like –
Tangless Ulu knives
This blade is suitable for persons who are chemically sensitive or allergic to specific metals since it doesn’t feature any metal that might rust or corrode over time.
Ulu knives with a straight edge
This full-sized pizza blade has a straight edge, making it easier to use than some of the other types of blades. However, the broader blade might make it difficult to use on smaller surfaces such as cutting boards and counters.
Left-handed Ulu knives
This type of Ulu knife comes with an additional handle to suit left-handed users, and it works well when doing complicated chores like molding clay with your preferred hand.
Pocket Ulu knives
These are the smaller version of Ulu knives. You can carry it in your pocket. It’s basically a hunting knife suitable for skinning and cleaning animals, cutting a child’s hair, or cutting foods.
So, each variety of Ulu knives on the market is practical in its unique way. Now, the form of Ulu knife you are going to buy is dependent on the purpose of your use. Therefore, it’s beneficial to purchase the kind of Ulu knife that suits your desire.
Ease of Use
When you work with your Ulu knife it needs to be comfortable. You want the handle to be a good fit for your hand so it doesn’t slip as you’re cutting into food. It should also have a solid grip so that you can operate it with accuracy and control.
So, when selecting the best Ulu knives, you should also consider whether it is comfortable for you or not because you may have to work with it for an extended amount of time. Therefore, your Ulu knife must be easy to use.
FAQs
What’s the history of the Ulu knives?
The ulu knife has a rich history dating back to 2500 BC (Before Christ). So, the knife’s ancestors date back 3000 to 5000 years. Generation after generation, the designs were passed down. It became well-known because of its adaptability, simplicity, and rounded appearance.
Alaskan indigenous cultures fashioned ulu knives and used them to eat everything they could hunt. As a result, they created a knife with a focused force to cut anything with greater force on difficult items.
The handle was traditionally composed of caribou antler, musk ox horn, walrus ivory, other animal bone, or even wood.
Modern ulu knives are still made from caribou antler and hardwood. The blade was formerly made of slate, iron, or copper, but it is now constructed of steel. Commercial ulu knives today may have long-lasting plastic handles and come with a chopping board or cutting bowl.
How to clean or maintain a Ulu knife?
This knife is simple to clean because there is no unique or distinguishing procedure required. Cleaning it after usage is critical for its long-term durability.
Before storing it, wash and rinse it with warm, soapy water and wipe it down with a dry towel. It is advised that the knife not be soaked so that the handles remain an essential part of it.
You may also avoid rust by slathering cooking oil on the blade to keep moisture away from it while the knife is not in use. It will ensure that your blade lasts longer and does not rust readily.
How to Sharpen a Ulu Knife?
The blade of an ulu knife, like any other blade, has a sharp edge. However, this blade is prone to become dull if used incessantly or often.
To sharpen the blade, start by holding the knife securely with your fist with a clamp or with only one hand on a table to avoid disturbance. Position it in such a way so that the handle rests comfortably on the table and the blade bulges. Start sharpening the blade by gently moving a whetstone, file, or diamond-coated steel down its length.
Continue at this gradual speed until you are ready to accelerate. Concentrate more on the blunt cut. However, it is critical to sharpening it in the same direction as the manufacturer initially polished it. Continue to manipulate the face until it becomes crisp and glossy.
What are the benefits of the Ulu knife?
Ulu knives are quite underrated. These knives feature a lot of benefits that aren’t found in regular straight blades. In other words, you’ll have plenty of reasons why this type of knife is superior to all the other usual knives on the market.
Firstly, the shape of the Ulu knife helps the force to be distributed more evenly over the blade than with a regular knife. It makes the Ulu simpler to operate when cutting hard items like bones.
The huge Ulu knives are used in pizzerias. They are designed to cut the pizza simply and without much effort. Simply rock the knife back and forth without lifting it, and you’ll have sliced up anything you want to cut.
The Ulu knife’s finest feature is that it is not prone to handle fracture. The bread knives you are using may shatter, which may cause minor injury. The handle of an Ulu blade is almost hard to break, making it one of the safest knives to use.
If you’re afraid of slicing your fingers off, you can acquire the block and bowl for this blade. Simply set the things to be chopped in the bowl, then grip the chopping block’s base and rock your blade on those meals.
How to use an Ulu knife?
Ulu knives are not the same as regular knives. As a result, the technique for utilizing it differs from standard ones. However, using an Ulu knife is quite simple.
Method – 1: Grip the handle in the palm of the hand with the beveled side away from you. Then, lay the item to be cut on the cutting board and rock it back and forth. It’s an excellent way to start using your Ulu.
Method-2: Another great way to use your Ulu is with the block and bowl that come with any Ulu knife set, such as The Alaska Ulu Knife Set or The Ulu Bowl Set AK Cutlery.
It has a chopping board on one side and a bowl on the other. The unique part about the bowl is the blade fits perfectly in its curvature. It lets you use the entire edge of the blade while cutting or chopping.
Wrapping it up
Investing in an Ulu knife is most likely the finest thing you can do for your kitchen. It will simplify your life and, once you get used to cutting with this knife, it’ll be a lot of fun. However, choosing the ideal Ulu knife for you is difficult. Therefore, we compiled a list of the six top Ulu knives worth your time and money.
In our final verdict, we recommend The Handmade Traditional Ulu Knife and Gil Hibben Legacy Ulu Knife as our top choice from the list. You might also check at the Alaska Knife Set and Ulu Bowl set Birch Handle AK Cutlery, which provides a special chopping board to make your cutting experience more varied.
In the end, all the products from the list are perfect as an Ulu knife. You just need to choose the ones that suit you more for your work. So, whatever your precise requirements are, there is almost certainly a knife (or knife set) on this list that will fulfill them.
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