Alaskan ulu knives (pronounced OO-loo) were originally made by native Alaskans. The handles of the early ulus were made of bone, and were attached to knives made of sharpened slate. Ulus were used to cut and skin meat and fish. The ones that we use today usually have stainless steel knives attached to bone or wood handles and come with a slotted base for storage. The first ulus were used to skin and cut meat and fish. Today people use them to chop, cut, or slice vegetables, meats, cheese, and other foods. Ulu knives might be available locally in kitchen shops or large stores and many online stores sell them. Some of the online stores carry authentic knives made in Alaska. Check to see whether they carry the seal of authenticity. A silver hand symbol means the knife was made by native Alaskans while a polor bear symbol means the knife was made by someone who lives in Alaska. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
Using an Ulu
1. Place a wooden cutting board on a counter or other smooth surface. Place a piece of meat, vegetables, or other food on the cutting board.
2. Hold the ulu by its handle and place the metal blade on the food that you want to chop or cut. Using a rocking motion like a seesaw, press the ulu firmly into the food. If you are slicing meat or cheese, push the pieces to the side as you slice each one.
3. If you are chopping or mincing vegetables, cheese, eggs, meat, or fruit, use the seesawing motion, but keep the end of the blade closest to your body in the same place while moving the end opposite to your body slightly to the right or left. Rock the blade back and forth, but change the angle of the blade with each movement.
Caring for the Ulu
4. Caring for an ulu is easy. Simply wash the ulu knife by hand in mild detergent and wipe the knife dry with a soft cloth.
5. Keep the ulu away from the dishwasher. The dishwasher may cause the knife to become separated from the handle.
6. Place the clean, dry ulu knife in the wooden, slotted base that came with the Ulu. Remember to use a wooden cutting board. A plastic or metal surface will dull the knife.
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