You might be wondering: what is an ulu knife, and why do I need one?
Let us introduce you to this versatile kitchen tool—and explain why it's such a handy addition to any cook's arsenal.
An ulu knife is a uniquely shaped blade that is perfect for a variety of tasks in the kitchen, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat.
But with so many different options on the market, how do you choose the right ulu knife for your needs?
Not to worry! We've put together this guide to help you find the best ulu knife for your needs. We'll cover everything from blade materials and shapes to handle materials and sizes, so you can find the perfect ulu knife for your kitchen.
What is an Ulu Knife?
An ulu knife is a traditional knife originally used by Inuit or Eskimos for various purposes, from skinning animals to cutting food. These days it's especially popular in North America, where it's often used to chop vegetables, fruits, and meat.
The ulu knife is unique because it has a curved blade specially designed for cutting in a circular motion.
While many different types of ulu knives are available on the market, not all are created equal. It's important to carefully select the right ulu knife for your needs to ensure that you get the most out of this versatile tool.
Different Types of Ulu Knives
Before you go out and buy an ulu knife, it's important to understand the different available types.
There are three main types of ulu knives: the standard ulu, the Scandinavian ulu, and the Indian ulu. The standard ulu is the most common type. It has a straight blade and a curved handle. The Scandinavian ulu is similar to the standard ulu but has a narrower blade and a longer handle. The Indian ulu has a curved blade and a straight handle.
Which type of ulu knife is right for you? That depends on what you plan to use it for. If you're mostly just going to use it at home, then the standard or Scandinavian ulu knife will be fine. But if you plan on using it for hunting or fishing, then you'll need the Indian ulu knife.
How to Choose the Best Ulu Knife for Your Needs
Now that you know a bit more about the different ulu knives let's talk about choosing the best one for your needs. Here are a few things to consider:
The size of the knife. Ulu knives come in a range of sizes, from mini to large. Choose one that's comfortable for you to hold and use.
The type of blade. As we mentioned, ulu knives can have curved or a triangular blade. Again, it's a matter of personal preference. Some people find curved blades easier to use, while others prefer triangular blades.
The material of the blade. Ulu blades are typically made from stainless steel, alloy steel, or carbon steel. Stainless steel is more durable and less likely to rust, but it can be more difficult to sharpen. Carbon steel is easier to sharpen but more prone to rusting. Alloy steel is a great material for knives because it is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
The handle. Ulu handles can be made from wood, bone, antler, or synthetic materials. Choose one that feels good in your hand and provides a good grip.
Caring for Your Ulu Knife
Caring for your ulu knife is important to prolonging its lifespan, keeping it looking, and performing its best. Here are a few tips:
First, wash your ulu knife with warm, soapy water. Do not put it in the dishwasher.
Second, sharpen your ulu knife regularly. A sharp-edge blade is safer and will make your chopping tasks easier.
Third, store your ulu knife in a safe place. I recommend a wood block or sheath.
Finally, avoid cutting through bones or hard seeds with your ulu knife, as this can damage the blade.
How We Have Chosen The Best Options
With so many ulu knives on the market, it's hard to know which one is right for you. It can take hours of research to determine the best option, and by then, you might have already missed out on a better choice.
Our editors have taken the time to acquire knowledge of each product's company, study product specifics, read all consumer feedback, and then independently select the best ulu knives. This ensures that the quality of each ulu knife is right for you and your home.
1. Dalstrong 7" Ulu Knife
Why We Love It
Dalstrong's Gladiator Series ulu knife is the perfect choice for any chef who takes their craft seriously. This precision-forged knife is made from a single piece of premium-quality high-carbon steel, making it incredibly durable and tough.
The sleek and stylish design is perfect for both professional and home kitchens, and the blade is sharp enough to tackle any challenge. The knife is also NSF Certified, so you can be confident that it is safe to use for all your cooking needs.
Thousands of professional chefs and home cooks love and trust the Dalstrong Difference – and we're confident you will too.
And because they're so confident in the quality of our knives, they offer a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee. So if you're looking for a knife that can handle anything you throw at it, then the Dalstrong Gladiator Series is perfect.
What You Should Know
If you want a high-quality, durable ulu knife, then look no further than the Dalstrong ulu knife. This superb ulu knife is crafted from high-carbon steel and heat treated to an impressive 56+ HRC. As a result, it has an incredibly sharp edge and is built to last a lifetime.
What's more, the 7-inch, full-tang blade ensures excellent strength and stability. So, whether you're using it for slicing meat or vegetables or for chopping, you can rest assured that it won't let you down. In fact, it can even handle the toughest challenges with ease. The knife also comes with a beautifully crafted sheath that protects the blade when not in use.
This premium knife has a black G10 Garolite handle that is triple-riveted for extra strength and durability. The grip is comfortable and easy to maneuver, making it a joy to use in the kitchen. Its handle will stay sanitary in busy kitchens since it's laminated and polished.
With its ability to withstand impact and temperature changes, you can trust this knife to tackle any cooking challenge.
So, if you're looking for a top-quality knife that can handle anything you throw at it, then the Dalstrong knife is definitely the right choice for you.
2. Bubba 5.75" Ulu Knife
Why We Love It
Do you want a ulu knife that is comfortable to use and easy to carry around with you? Then check out Bubba! This knife is designed with a curved blade that makes cutting a breeze and an integrated bottle opener and thumb grip for easy sheath removal.
Whether you're headed out on a hike or just need a reliable knife for everyday tasks, Bubba is a perfect choice. Plus, its bright orange color will stand out in your toolkit.
What You Should Know
Whether you're filleting a fish or chopping veggies, this ulu knife is up for the task. And thanks to the patented non-slip grip handle, you can be sure it will stay firmly anchored in your hand - even when wet.
This 5.75" blade width is made of commercial grade 420 alloy steel, making it one of the easiest blades to sharpen. It's tough but soft steel, so sharpening will only take you a short moment.
This knife is perfect for anyone who wants both control and strength. The full tang construction and TIN-coating make it both lightweight and usable, while the durability ensures that it will last for years to come.
Quality matters, whether you're in the field or at home. That is why the TIN-coated, full-tang constructed ulu knife was designed to provide ultimate control and strength. Using this construction, the ulu knife is lightweight yet provides superior strength and unmatched durability. An added bonus of Tin-coating is that it not only gives your tools a great look but also helps reduce wear, so they last longer while providing excellent protection against corrosion.
With TIN-coated, full tang construction was made with long-term usability in mind - no matter if you're a cook or working on the fish docks. With this construction type, your ulu knife will always be reliable and deliver years of faithful service.
3. Arctic Circle 6" Ulu Knife
Why We Love It
If you're looking for an Alaskan ulu knife that is super easy to use and even suitable for people with arthritis, look no further than the Arctic Circle. With its unique rocking design, this knife makes chopping and slicing a breeze - and it's so much fun to use! Whether you're preparing a meal for your family or whipping up a special dish for a dinner party, the Arctic Circle's ulu knife is a perfect choice.
But don't just take our word for it - see what others are saying about this amazing knife:
"I absolutely love my Arctic Circle knife! It has made meal prep so much easier and more enjoyable. I would highly recommend it to anyone."
"I was hesitant to try an ulu knife, but after using the Arctic Circle, I'm a convert! It's so easy to use and works like a charm. Thank you for making such a great product."
"I got this knife as a gift, and I am so glad I did! It has quickly become my go-to kitchen tool. If you're thinking about getting an ulu knife, the Arctic Circle is the way to go."
What You Should Know
As a cooking enthusiast, you know there are some essential pieces of kitchen gear that no home cook should be without. And if you're looking for an all-purpose knife that can tackle almost any cutting task, you must check out the Arctic Circle's Alaska Ulu Knife.
This 6-inch knife is easy to use and comes with a single-edged blade that is ready to use out of the package. The blade is constructed of 440 stainless steel blade is perfect for any cook.
This beautiful Alaskan ulu knife was designed by Alaskans and is imported for consumer value. Plus, the wood handle and knife stand are multi-colored and easy to clean with just soap and water.
4. Ezina Designs Ulu Knives
Why We Love It
Have you been searching for a personalized uber-utility knife that can do it all? Look no further than Ezina Designs! Ezina Designs offers a unique and customizable Ulu knife that is perfect for any occasion. With various handles to choose from, you can create the perfect knife for your needs. Plus, you can also customize the leather sheath with three characters, making it a truly personalized gift.
With this versatile knife, you can easily chop, dice, and mince vegetables and cut pizza and meat. The sharp, durable blade is perfect for any kitchen task, while the ergonomic design ensures comfortable use. Plus, the knife comes with a protective sheath for safe storage.
What You Should Know
Alaskan native cultures have used Ulu knives for centuries as versatile tools for everything from preparing food to carving wood. Today, Ezina Designs works with North Star Knife & Ulu Company to craft their knives and continue this quality and durability tradition.
The 1074 and 15N20 carbon steel blades on these knives are some of the most durable on the market, able to withstand years of heavy use. The 2.5% nickel content in the steel gives the blade extra strength and resistance to wear and tear.
The unique shape of the blade creates efficient ergonomics, which means that the force of your hand is directly over the blade. This results in less wrist and grip fatigue, so you can keep working without having to take frequent breaks.
No matter what your needs are, an Ezina Designs ulu knife is the perfect tool for the job. So make like the Alaskans and add one of these versatile knives to your kitchen today.
5. Keissco Ulu Knife
Why We Love It
How many times have you wished you had a magical device that could quickly chop down ingredients for your next meal? Well, your wish has been granted with KEISSCO! This versatile gadget is able to tackle any chopping or slicing job you can throw at it, from pizza to meats and veggies. And because it's made with high-quality materials, you can rest assured that it will hold up chop after chop.
It's a quality ulu knife that won't break the bank. KEISSCO has one of the most affordable ulu knives on the market, but they don't sacrifice quality for the price. Their blades are made from stainless steel, and their handles are comfortable and easy to grip. So whether you're slicing vegetables for dinner or using it as a pizza cutter, KEISSCO has the perfect ulu knife for the job.
What You Should Know
KEISSCO is the perfect ulu knife for anyone who loves to cook. This knife is sure to impress with its superior craftsmanship.
Their razor-sharp blade is made of high-quality stainless steel, which meets all world standards. The upgraded anti-slip handle and holder provide a comfortable grip while the strong blade easily cuts through pizza and vegetables.
This innovative ulu knife makes it easy to chop these ingredients with a simple rocking motion, drastically reducing your prep time.
With double the chopping power, our knives will make quick work of any meal prep. Plus, the upgraded soft grip handle design ensures that it is comfortable to use even when chopping large quantities.
Ulu Knife FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about ulu knives.
Are ulu knives any good?
Ulu knives are excellent for cutting everything from delicate fruits to robust root vegetables. Their curved blades make them particularly adept at slicing in a rocking motion, which gives them a smooth, even cut without bruising the food.
Are ulu knives good for skinning?
Yes, ulu knives are good for skinning because they are sharp and have a long blade that makes it easy to reach the skin. Furthermore, the curve of the blade allows you to make smooth, consistent cuts.
What are two uses for ulu knives?
1. Ulu knives are often used as kitchen knives. The shape of the blade is especially well-suited for chopping vegetables and fruits.
2. They can also be used as carving knives. Because the blade is so wide and flat, it makes carving meat or fish much easier than with a traditional carving knife.
People also love these knives to use as a pizza cutters!
Can you sharpen an ulu knife?
Yes, you can sharpen an ulu knife using a honing stone. First, find the angle you need to sharpen the blade at. This is usually around 20 degrees. Then, use a honing stone to hold the blade at that angle and sharpen the blade. You should only do this a few times before the knife is sharp again.
How do you pronounce ulu?
You say "yoo-loo" with a short "u" sound.
What does the name ulu mean?
Ulu (alternate spelling ûlu) means "woman's knife" in the Inupiaq and Yupik languages of Alaska. It is a large, flat-bladed Knife used by women for skinning and butchering animals. The ulu is also a common tool for cutting food.
Is mezzaluna the same as an ulu knife?
There is some confusion about the terms "mezzaluna" and "ulu knife," as they are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there is a distinct difference between the two.
A mezzaluna knife is a curved, semicircular knife commonly used to chop herbs. It has a blunt edge and two handles that allow for a rocking motion when chopping.
On the other hand, an ulu knife is a more traditional type of kitchen knife that originated in the Inuit culture. It is a single-bladed knife with an extremely sharp edge that curves toward the point. Ulu knives are typically used for cutting meat and fish.
Can you recommend another brand of ulu knife?
There are many different brands of ulu knives available on the market. Two brands that weren't mentioned in this article are Alaskan Ulu Legendary Knife and Lamson Ulu Knife.
What do you cut food on with an ulu knife?
Always cut food using a cutting board or a chopping bowl - never cut food directly on the countertop! - to protect your knives and countertops from damage.
The ulu knife can cut most types of food, including meat, vegetables, and fruit. It is particularly well-suited for slicing tough foods, such as raw meat because the curved blade helps to apply more pressure and results in a cleaner cut.
What Option of Ulu Knife Is Best For You?
There are a lot of ulu knives on the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
We hope that our article has given you some clarity on what ulu knife you want in your home. It all comes down to personal preference and what will work best for you and your family.
Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect ulu knife for your home.
Here is the list of items reviewed:
