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Smoking Salmon and the Ulu Knife
Jan 8, 2020 10:40:43 #
Jack B
Loc: Mount Pleasant, SC
While once again viewing photos taken on an Alaskan cruise in 2009, four photos of a smoking salmon process were reviewed. The process is interesting as is the knife used in the process: the Alaskan Ulu knife. A high quality stainless steel Ulu knife was purchased on that trip. It has found many uses in our kitchen over the years since. The last photo in the sequence is of that Ulu knife taken this morning. Thanks for viewing.
Jack B
Jack B
Jan 8, 2020 11:03:36 #
We lived in Alaska for four years a long time ago. We didn't buy the Ulu knife back then, but a relative gifted us with one about 20 years ago. Ours included a 10" square block of hardwood with a deep semi-circular depression that fits the knife blade curvature. We use that for chopping nuts, cranberries, etc.
We use it a lot and love it.
We use it a lot and love it.
Jan 8, 2020 11:23:41 #
Somewhere we also have an ulu, but we’ve never used it for some reason. I should probably drag it out, because it really is a very useful tool. I’ve smoked salmon before, but not quite it’s shown in your photos. I last used a Little Chief Smoker on the back porch. I love smoked salmon. King salmon makes the best smoked salmon because it’s got a higher oil content than other salmon. We love Copper River red salmon for both smoking and baking. I do it on the grill. But no ulu. Gotta find ours, now.
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Jan 8, 2020 12:26:29 #
Jan 8, 2020 12:56:15 #
Jack B wrote:
While once again viewing photos taken on an Alaskan cruise in 2009, four photos of a smoking salmon process were reviewed. The process is interesting as is the knife used in the process: the Alaskan Ulu knife. A high quality stainless steel Ulu knife was purchased on that trip. It has found many uses in our kitchen over the years since. The last photo in the sequence is of that Ulu knife taken this morning. Thanks for viewing.
Jack B
Jack B
Very similar to a knife many pastry and bread makers use to chop dough ingredients together.
When sharp, a wholly different tool.
Bill
Jan 8, 2020 13:28:43 #
Bob Mevis wrote:
Interesting. I had never heard of an Ulu.
It’s a knife that the Alaska Natives have used for years and is sort of a “do it all” knife tool. There is an ulu factory in Anchorage and you can find their knives in pretty much every gift store, plus you can shop online as well. The prices range from very affordable to very expensive.
Jan 9, 2020 10:53:57 #
We've had one for years, and bought a second, smaller one. My husband only has one arm and finds it a lot easier to use than a traditional knife.
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Jan 9, 2020 12:04:26 #
Very interesting. I looked up the knife and have ended up ordering one as I have shoulder and wrist problems. I read the info about them so hope it helps. I had a small similar one with twin blades but to clean it was not good as I cut my finger trying to get between the blades and it put me off using it. This knife looks so much easier and will have to wait till 21 Jan for it to come from over the pond... 
Jan 9, 2020 12:35:05 #
Jan 9, 2020 12:43:41 #
We found one of the knives at a garage sale several years ago and it has found no end of uses in the kitchen.
Ed
Ed
Jan 9, 2020 13:16:16 #
edrobinsonjr wrote:
We found one of the knives at a garage sale several years ago and it has found no end of uses in the kitchen.
Ed
Ed
Yes, a source of riches. You learn a lot, too.
Bill
Jan 9, 2020 20:01:54 #
Bonnie Halsell
Loc: Ocala, Florida USA
I, too, own an uluuraq (woman's knife). I have never used it due to its beauty and craftsmanship, but is proudly displayed in my glass travel memorabilia cabinet. The caribou handle and stand are carved with totemic symbols. Maybe I should start using the knife to chop my veggies on the suggestions of Hogs with arthritis. When I purchased the ulu back in 1981, I was given specific instructions by the artist/maker, that no man should touch the knife as it would no longer cut true. Don't know if anyone else has heard the legend, but it sure makes for a great annotation to the knife and it keeps the husband from "borrowing it for a minute".
Jan 9, 2020 23:15:53 #
I learned something today. I had never heard of an "ulu" knife.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ulu+knife&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-nomod-us000-gatwy-feature-SEARC&tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ulu+knife&ascsubtag=1ba00-01000-org00-win10-other-nomod-us000-gatwy-feature-SEARC&tag=amz-mkt-chr-us-20
Jan 10, 2020 00:51:03 #
Jan 10, 2020 20:21:56 #
ChuckMc
Loc: Prescott, AZ
Bonnie Halsell wrote:
I, too, own an uluuraq (woman's knife). ... I was given specific instructions by the artist/maker, that no man should touch the knife as it would no longer cut true. Don't know if anyone else has heard the legend, but it sure makes for a great annotation to the knife and it keeps the husband from "borrowing it for a minute".
Say Bonnie, could I borrow your uluuraq for a minute? I want to open a beer. ;-}
Chuck
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