What the heck is an “ULU”?
The ulu (pronounced ooloo)
By Travel Trade Staff
The ulu (pronounced ooloo) is a very special knife that was invented centuries ago by the Inuit (Eskimo) people of northern Alaska. It is a perfect souvenir for Alaska visitors who are looking for an item to take home that is unique and enshrined in Alaska history - not to mention a very useful tool too!
Traditional ulus were made from bone or slate with a sharp side for cutting or carving. The handles were made from ivory or bone and were sometimes scrimshawed with designs of animals and scenes from every day life. They were prized for their unique designs that increased dexterity and leverage, making fine cuts simple and heavy chopping easier. Ulus came in a variety of sizes and were used for hunting, fishing, skinning and filleting.
Eskimos still use ulus to this day, but, until the 1970’s, non-natives didn’t have much access to them. In 1973, The Ulu Factory opened in Anchorage, Alaska, and made this convenient and unique tool available to everyone.
Today, the ulu blade is usually made from stainless steel. The handle can be made from a wide variety of materials including: ivory, antler, jade, wood and man-made materials. In addition to filleting fish, the knives are great for chopping vegetables, meats, nuts, cheeses and slicing pizza!
Ulus have been growing in popularity throughout the years, and, not surprisingly, so has The Ulu Factory. In fact, the factory just moved into a beautiful new 12,000-square foot shop located near the Alaska Railroad Depot and Ship Creek, in downtown Anchorage.
The additional space at the new factory has been used very creatively. In addition to a wonderful variety of ulu knives and cutting boards on display, Ulu Factory employees demonstrate how to hold and use the knives so visitors have an opportunity to “try before they buy.” The new location offers tours in the factory to see how ulus are made firsthand. Sometimes the Ulu Factory collaborates with the Alaska Native Heritage Center to bring performers to the museum who entertain visitors and locals with Native dance. Best of all, the tours and performances are free!
Note: ulu knives cannot be taken on planes as carry-ons, however, they can be packed in checked luggage for your clients’ return flights home.
The Ulu Factory is open year-round. Fall/winter hours beginning September 15, 2003, are Monday-Friday (closed Saturday and Sunday). For more information or to request a brochure, please visit: www.theulufactory.com or call 907-276-3119.
