Introduction:
The Alaskan ulu knife, pronounced OO-loo, is also known as a rocker knife or mezzaluna knife. They have a long history in Alaska, 4,000 to 5,000 years or more. The oldest one I've personally seen was dated to 1,000 B.C., which had a decorative ivory handle and a blade of slate. As old as it was, it was still quite capable of the many jobs it was designed to do. It has survived the test of time because of its ergonomic design and its ability to perform a very wide variety of tasks. It is designed to fit your hand and puts the pressure directly on top of the blade. The ulu knife is beyond compare in ease of use and versatility. It has only improved with time, with a more comfortable handle, a high quality stainless steel blade, precision sharpening, and modern design including some laser etchings.
Uses:
The uses of the ulu are enormous, from complete dressing of large to small game, to cleaning and filleting fish, to sewing, and of course, a wide variety of kitchen tasks, slicing, mincing, chopping, dicing, etc.. When you add a properly fitted chopping bowl, it takes kitchen tasks to a whole new level, just dice your vegies and start rocking that knife, just make sure you don’t dice it too fine!
Special Considerations:
One of its greatest assets is its disability friendliness. Whether you suffer arthritis, carpel tunnel, nerve or wrist pain, of even partial loss of a limb, one style or another of these knives will help make kitchen tasks easier or, perhaps, possible again!
Use and Care:
Do not soak in water or wash in dishwasher! Hand wash in warm water using care around the edge of the blade as the ulu is known for retaining its sharpness. Dry well or allow or to dry well before putting away. Apply vegetable oil or mineral oil as needed to keep handle, stand and/or bowl moist and insure a long life and much happiness with your ulu items.