Source for really good Alaska ulu made for real work

[Dand]

I hope I don't cross the line here - I have checked with Joel before postiing.  My intent is to tell folks about some really good ulus being made by my neighbor here in Dillingham Alaska.  I bought one from him last year and used it all summer on fish. I'm totally sold - these things are SHARP, easy to sharpen and work better than standard knives for some work - I'm no expert ulu user like the ladies around here (who are wizards).  Anyway, Mr. Noonkesser's wife IS handy with her ulus and she specified the design and Steve made it for her.  I've fiddled a little with other ulus and these work better for me. 


The blade is a-symmetrical as is the handle.  I find the features handy for removing fins, cutting heads on really big fish etc. That drooping end of the handle makes it really easy put a lot of power into the blade to slice off the head of a large king salmon - actually  pretty effortless.  I'm not good enough at traditional filleting - with the tail on for hanging and drying.  That will come - but as a guy I may not ever get good.  These aren't quite traditional as the edge is beveled on both sides while truly old fashioned ulus are sharpened on only one side.


The blades are high carbon Swedish saw steel and need a little care to avoid rust - you can see I was a little sloppy but I want this to age and get a patina on it.


I might have to try one of the damacus blades - they have me really curious.


Below are photos of my knife and a link to Bristol Bay Knifeworks website if you want to learn more.  This is a very good hard working family - life-long Alaskans too.  They have a lot of ulu designs I think suggested by friends and relatives who use them daily.








http://www.bristolbayknife.com/index.php?route=product/manufacturer/product&manufacturer_id=12


Happy New Year

[Joel]

Nice.  He does really good work and his prices, for the most part, are in keeping with other makers of good Ulu's. I like all the ones I see and I especially  like that handle/blade on yours; I can see a number of grip options you can use to make different cuts.  I made several more as Christmas gifts, my friends and I don't buy gifts; it has to be something you've made....anything, and everybody really loves using them.  In fact, I just made #8 for myself.

[bilmac]

Pretty wood on the handle. Any idea what it is.

[Dand]

I think its lacewood on my handle - that part is interesting - why put really nice wood on a handle that will be soaked in water a lot?  Oh well its nice and solid.  I'd be just as happy with some plain hardwood or even nonskid composition scales.  I should note that I had just wiped a little cooking oil on the blade and it appears it picked up some lint while I was taking the photo - lots of lint, dog hair and cat hair in our house.


Joel - that sounds cool - make your presents - a good way to keep the right spirit.  Oh and I've paged thru some of your knife photos - some pretty pieces.  Just tonight - I like the looks of photos #4 & 5 of the simple straight knife.  Very clean and useful looking.

[drdougrx]

I've never used one or seen one used......makes me think though.....probably cut my hand off......
 
Seriously, do you skin with it?

[Dand]

The really experienced ladies do all sorts of work with their ulus ( its considered a woman's knife).  I believe the fastest seal skinner is/was a woman who could completely skin a seal in I THINK 30 seconds?  I believe the women skin and butcher with them.  And I've seen photos of women splitting walrus hides with them. Around our area the use I see most is cutting and splitting fish - and they are fast as some must do 100 to 200 fish in a day or two.  Back in the 1970's some house holds would put up 1,000 to over 1,500 fish - LOTS of splitting.


Here's a pretty good link to a YouTube video that discusses subsistence fishing and shows some ulu work:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JRBpV4fEcA&feature=related


A Canadian fleshing with their style ulu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQqyqk4t8k&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL0FC4474645C3B681

[drdougrx]

Thanks Dand!

[Rex in OTZ]

OTZ Ulu's at work.

[KNIFE_NUT_1981]

I think I will look into getting an ULU... About the only knife design I dont already own. I've seen them before, but for some reason, this thread has sparked my interest. Thanks Dand.