How to Choose the Best Ulu Knife for Your Needs?

Originally posted on September 19, 2022 @ 3:10 pm

Whether you’re a culinary professional or an enthusiastic home cook, having the best ulu knife in your kitchen is essential. With its versatile design, the ulu can handle everything from chopping vegetables to slicing meat.

In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best ulu knives on the market and help you choose the perfect one for your needs. So, whether you’re looking for a new addition to your kitchen arsenal or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, read on for more!

What are ulu knives and what are they used for?

Ulu knives are traditional Inuit and Yupik knives that were used for a variety of purposes, including skinning, butchering and food preparation. They have a curved blade that is perfect for slicing & chopping, and many people find them to be more comfortable and easier to use than a standard kitchen knife.

So if you’re looking for a versatile and durable knife that can handle just about any task, check out some of the best ulu knives on the market today!

The history of ulu knives

– Ulu knives have a long and storied history that dates back thousands of years.

– They were originally used by the Inuit and Yupik people of the Arctic region for a variety of purposes, including skinning, butchering, and food preparation.

– Today, they are still popular among hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts due to their versatility and durability.

– Ulu knives have a curved blade that is perfect for slicing, chopping, and many people find them to be more comfortable and easier to use than a standard kitchen knife.

The different types of ulu knives available today

There are a variety of different ulu knives on the market today, so it’s important to do your research before you buy. Here are some of the best ulu knives available today:

1. The Traditional Ulu Knife: This is the classic ulu knife that has been used by the Inuit and Yupik people for centuries. It has a curved blade that is perfect for chopping and slicing, and it is made from high-quality stainless steel.

2. The Chopping Ulu Knife: This is a more robust ulu knife that is designed for heavier chopping tasks. It has a thicker blade and a longer handle, which makes it perfect for cutting through large pieces of meat or wood.

3. The Skinning Ulu Knife: This is a specialized ulu knife that is designed for skinning animals. It has a sharp, curved blade that makes it easy to remove the skin from game or fish.

4. The Fillet Ulu Knife: This is another specialized ulu knife that is designed for filleting fish. It has a thin, flexible blade that makes it easy to clean and prepare fish for cooking.

5. The Baby Ulu Knife: This is a small, lightweight ulu knife that is perfect for kids or beginners. It has a shorter handle and a smaller blade, making it ideal for smaller hands and tasks.

10 Top-Rated Ulu Knives Reviews in 2022

Here are 10 of the best ulu knives on the market today:

1. Ulu Factory Ulu Bowl Set Birch Handle AK Cutlery

If you’re looking for the best ulu knife that can handle heavy-duty chopping, this knife set should be among your first choices. It is also one of the largest knife sets having the ulu bowls. As a result, it is quite handy for cooking meals for a large family.

One side is shaped like a bowl, while the other is flat, allowing you to chop on any side. The Ulu knife’s length is 6.25 inches, fitting nicely in the bowl, making cutting quick and straightforward.

The wood used to construct the block is American walnut and Alaskan birch. With a stainless steel blade, the Ulu Cutlery Set is fashioned in the traditional Alaskan manner.

Pros

• The stainless steel blade will not discolor or rust easily, and it is very sharp.
• The cutting bowl facilitates the effective chopping and slicing of ingredients.
• Store the knife within the bowl in a cupboard for dry and secure storage.
• It may be readily honed with any honing tool available on the market.
• When placed on a countertop, its cutting bowl will not move around quickly.
•  The bottom of the bowl is flat enough to be used as a cutting board as well.

Cons 

• The hardwood handle must be kept dry at all times to prevent corrosion of the steel blade.
• The handle can be readily removed, especially if you drench the handle in water for long or regularly.
• The chopping block can have the potential to split if it isn’t handled carefully.

2. Alaska Ulu – Knife Set

We were about to give up hope that meal preparation could be made any easier when we discovered this knife set, among the best knives of Alaska ulu. It comes with a cutting block, which allows you to mince items without worrying about any bits dropping to the floor during the process. If you want a flat surface, flip it over, and it transforms into a multifunctional cutting board.

One of the most impressive features of this ulu knife is its six-inch blade, made of stainless steel. From onions to walnuts, it’s capable of cutting through anything in its path. Even if you don’t have a food processor, you won’t have any problem cutting up many components in this recipe.

A diamond stone may be used to sharpen the stainless steel blade, which is also quite simple to do. Still, you have to ensure that just the side with the bevel is sharpened. One more point is that instead of putting the ulu in a drawer, you may place it anywhere where you can easily access it for everyday usage.

It is important to note that this product comes with a tiny handle and a blade. So, if you have huge hands, you should anticipate having a difficult time with it.

 Pros 

• The blade is made of excellent material.
• The chopping board is large enough to store materials. 
• The compact knife makes it easier to use. 
•  Its handle is ergonomically designed to offer a comfortable grip.
•  You won’t have to sharpen the blade very frequently.

Cons

•  It is a very costly knife for its size.
•  The handle is relatively narrow for some users.

3. Alaskan Ulu – The Arctic Knife

This high-end stainless steel blade with a one beveled edge features 6 inches, has a 4-inch handle from Birchwood, and the knife also includes a handy Birch storage base. The knife performs chopping and cutting tasks with the utmost dexterity and efficiency.

As the force of the knife is centered precisely on the middle of its blade, this results in two times the amount of direct downward pressure generated as compared to any traditional ulu knife. So, anyone, having wrist or hand problems, may perform cutting, mincing, and chopping tasks effortlessly due to this dynamic characteristic.

Besides, this larger handle ulu with the open blade is very popular with the users. This makes this knife excellent for cutting any sorts of pizza, cheeses, herbs, and even meats.

Pros 

•  The handle is big and comfortable to grasp.
•  To keep it safe when not in use, you can place it on the knife stand. 
•  Sharpening the edge is a simple process.
• Affordable

Cons

• The blade requires periodic sharpening.
• The blade is prone to rust. It has to be cleaned and dried as soon as possible.

4. KoBzA Pizza Cutter

When we take this knife in our hands, we immediately feel a tremendous feeling of relaxation, and the movement of the hand is smooth. It also comes with a protective cover specifically intended to keep it safe while not in use. It may be cleaned quickly and simply in the dishwasher.

Because of its ideal size and weight, talking about the comfort factor, this knife may be used for various activities such as BBQs, camping, and other outdoor activities.

It includes a stainless-steel blade and an ergonomic slip-resistant handle for a comfortable and secure grip. This knife glides off, with no possibility that the food will be trapped.

It is not only a fantastic pizza cutter knife with a 6.5-inch stainless-steel blade, but it is also a multifunctional knife. It can efficiently cut or chop meat, vegetables, cheese, fruits, nuts, other such items, and other types of food. 

When compared to other knives, this is the best ulu knife we have researched.

Pros

•  Unlike other knives, the edges of this ulu knife are simple to sharpen.
• A perfect knife that does not cause food to become stuck.
•  The cutting and slicing may be conducted in both horizontal and vertical directions.
• It is pretty simple to maintain.
• With a protective cover, you can prevent accidental cuts while being stored appropriately.

Cons

• With more usage, the blade may become splintered, chipped, or perhaps destroyed.
• The rusting appears quickly.

5. Ulu Knife – Gil Hibben

Yet another legend in the world of practical, beautiful ulu knives is Gil Hibben, whose overall length is nearly 7 inches. The blade is made of 5Cr15 stainless steel and has a polished mirror surface, which contrasts sharply with the black wood handle scales held in place by stainless steel pins.

Although visually pleasing and attractive as the Hibben Legacy, it is not a nice display piece! The broad blade is exceptionally sharp, allowing you to use it for any slicing or cutting activity at home or on the hunt without fear of damaging it.

The ulu knife comes with a belt sheath made of black leather with an imprinted Hibben logo and a strong snap clasp to keep it safe. From the mentioned strong points above, it is worth the best ulu knife, and this piece must be present in your collection.

Pros

• Its overall design is superb.
• There is a black leather sheath included for storage purposes, which is smooth and comfortable to hold. 
• The handle is comfortable and smooth
• The blade is sharp and easy to cut or chop.

Cons

•  The knife’s overall quality may be improved more.

6. Lamson Ulu Knife

With the Lamson Ulu Knife, you can cut through any meat, vegetable, cheese, fish, or shellfish with ease. It may even be used as a tiny pizza rocker!

To ensure longevity, the Lamson Ulu knife sports a curved blade constructed of tempered high-carbon 420HC stainless steel. This product comes with a walnut handle that allows the user to have greater grip control, as well as a leather sheath to keep it safe while it’s being placed in your kitchen cabinet drawer.

In addition to not rusting or dulling as quickly as other metals, stainless steel blades may be sharpened with reasonable ease. For those looking to upgrade their blade collection, this ulu knife is an excellent option.

Pros

•  This knife is capable of performing a variety of tasks.
• The edge of this knife can stay sharp and durable.
• The price is reasonable
• Simple usage

Cons

• If not properly maintained, this knife is susceptible to rust.
•  Keeping this knife clean may be a challenge.

7. Alaska Ulu Knife With Chopping Bowl Set

Those who enjoy slicing, dicing, and mincing in the kitchen will appreciate this gift set. Arctic Circle makes a cutting block that measures 8′′ x 8.25′′ and may be used as a knife stand.

The inset basin with a 6-inch diameter makes cutting herbs and vegetables more accessible. It is concave enough to accommodate the edge of the blade as well as the chopped ingredients. If you enjoy cooking small meals or eating late in the evening, you can use this chopping block as a serving tray as well as a cutting board.

The blade of this ulu chopping bowl is made of stainless steel, which means it will not discolor easily. However, it is important to wipe it dry after usage in order to prevent rusting and you will be able to use this cutting tool for many years. All that is required is that you hone the blade when it becomes dull.

Although the price tag may seem a little excessive for some, the whole knife set is well worth the money. It is the most thoughtful present you can offer to friends or family members who like spending time in the kitchen making meals.

Pros 

• The box includes a stand and a bowl.
•  Maintaining well will last the knife’s sharp edge.
• The stainless steel blade will not discolor readily

Cons

• The cutting block and wooden handle should still be kept dry to avoid rusting.
•  The handle may become too loose.  

8. Alaskan Ulu – 8″ Block With Deep Dish Chopping Bowl

When cooking for a big family, this is the largest one of the ulu bowls that have been made. Furthermore, one side is shaped like a bowl, while the other is flat, allowing you to chop with any hand.

It is easy and quick to chop with the ulu knife and bowl since it fits nicely in the bowl. The Alaskan birch and American walnut used in this block are both sustainable sources. 

Excellent addition to virtually any kitchen, the knife has a terrific size, the 8-inch deep-dish chopping bowl, and the blade made of stainless steel will allow you to chop or cut vegetables and slice fruits quickly and easily.

Pros

• The bowl collects all of your slicing and chopping so that you don’t have to clean up the mess afterward.
• The rest side is flat for use with standard knives.
•  The wood handle allows for more precise control of the blade.
• Stainless Steel is used to make the blade. 

Cons

•  The wood handle might not survive very long at all.
•  This knife is relatively weak

9. Alaskan Ulu Knife – Exotic Colored Wood And Etched Map

This cutting tool has been developed and fine-tuned to maximize efficiency. This best ulu knife has a high-quality, robust, razor-sharp blade with a comfortable wooden handle that makes cutting and dicing anything simple. It features a wide grip and aperture, making cutting and slicing tasks easier for people with larger hands than average.

This ulu knife is very fairly priced, especially given its high quality and polish. There is one thing to keep in mind, though. After numerous usage, the blade may get dull; nevertheless, you can easily sharpen it again with a trusted honer to restore its sharpness.

In addition, the knife handle has not been varnished. So to keep the coating on the hardwood surface from drying out and cracking, it’s a good idea to add a butcher conditioner to the surface.

Pros

•  Stainless steel blades limit corrosion
•  Exceptional design serves as an excellent learning tool for new users.
• The wood support stops the knife from moving around on the tabletop and cutting unintended objects.
•  The blade was big enough to handle most cutting chores.

Cons

•  The knife does not have the same sharpness or durability as higher-end blades.
• The blade will become dulled If you try to use it to cut tougher veggies

10. Rite Edge Knife With Bone Handle And Leather Sheath

The Rite Edge is a well-made knife that is both sharp and sturdy. This ulu knife, having a Damascus steel blade, can cut through extremely tough materials. When slicing and cutting, the handle gives a solid hold while also applying increased pressure. It comes with a sheath to preserve the blade and make it easier to carry.

Once you get the hang of it, this is a fantastic knife for saving a significant amount of time when cooking. In addition to cutting and chopping almost anything, this knife comes with a durable leather case and doesn’t take up much room.

Pros

•  Helpful sheath avoids cutting accidentally
•  The blade can chop or cut many kinds of food, even rough materials
•   The knife provides a feeling of non-slip
• The high-quality material is used to make this the blade

Cons

• This knife is much more difficult to sharpen and does not retain its edge effectively.
•  It is uncomfortably huge in the hands of some people.

Factors to Choose the Best Ulu Knife for Your Needs

When choosing a ulu knife, there are several factors to consider:

1). Purpose: What will you be using the ulu knife for? If you need a knife for heavy chopping or skinning, then you’ll need a different model than someone who needs a general-purpose kitchen knife.

2). Size: Ulu knives come in a variety of different sizes, so choose the one that best suits your needs. If you have large hands, then you may prefer a larger knife. If you’re looking for a knife to take with you on camping trips or fishing trips, then choose a smaller, lightweight model.

3). Material: Ulu knives are available in both stainless steel and carbon steel models. Stainless steel knives are more durable and easy to clean, while carbon steel knives are sharper and can hold an edge longer.

4). Price: Ulu knives range in price from around $10 to $200, so choose the one that best fits your budget.

FAQs about Ulu Knives

1). How do I use a ulu knife?

ULU knives are very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. The best way to use them depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, if you’re slicing meat, you should hold the blade parallel to the cutting board and use a slicing motion. If you’re chopping vegetables, hold the blade at an angle and use an up-and-down chopping motion.

2). Are ulu knives safe to use?

Yes! ULU knives are perfectly safe to use and are actually much safer than standard kitchen knives. They are made with durable materials and have a curved blade that helps prevent accidents.

3). What are best places to buy ulu knife?

ULU knives are available at many online and brick-and-mortar retailers. You can also find them at specialty kitchen stores or Inuit and Yupik shops.

The best place to buy an ulu knife is online. You can find a variety of different models and brands to choose from, and you can usually get a good deal on them. Make sure to do your research before buying, though, to make sure you get a knife that’s right for you.

1. Amazon

2. eBay

3. Etsy

4. Knife Supply

5. Blade HQ

4). What is the best ulu knife?

There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone has different preferences. However, we recommend checking out some of the best ulu knives on the market today to find one that suits your needs.

5). How do you sharpen an ulu knife?

To sharpen an ulu knife, you will need a sharpening stone. First, find a comfortable place to sit or stand. Next, hold the knife in your dominant hand and the sharpening stone in your other hand. Place the blade of the knife against the sharpening stone at a 20-degree angle. Use a back-and-forth motion to sharpen the blade. Repeat this process until the blade is sharp. Finally, use a honing rod to maintain the edge of the blade.

6). What are the dimensions of an ulu knife?

An ulu knife is typically between 6 and 10 inches long, with a blade that is 3 to 5 inches wide. It is important to choose a knife that is the appropriate size for your hands, so be sure to try it out before you buy it.

Conclusion

The ulu knife is a versatile tool that has been used by Alaskan natives for centuries. This unique blade can be used for a variety of purposes, from skinning animals to chopping wood. With its sharp edge and sturdy construction, the ulu knife is perfect for any outdoor activity. If you’re looking for the best ulu knife that can handle any task, the ulu is the perfect choice.