Superficially similar to the Mezzaluna, but differing greatly in use, this knife is very popular in Alaska. It is used for general slicing, chopping, boning meat, scraping hides and many other tasks.

The photo specimen is an example of a native Alaskan Ulu, hand made, probably from an old sawmill blade. It has seen at least 50 years of service.

Fancier versions can be ordered from various sources in Alaska and from some knife vendors. These vendors also sell a concave chopping block to go with them - but I have it on expert authority this is not authentic, but aimed at the non-native market. In their natural environment these knives are used against either a flat block or a hide depending on what is being cut.   Photo © William Oxley, by permission.

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kn_uluz 091206
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