Alaskan Ulus

The Alaskan Ulu knife (pronounced oolu) is patterned after the knives that Native Alaskans have used for thousands of years. They usually come with a base so the ulu can be proudly displayed on a kitchen counter or shelf, we sell many of these to be used as awards with information engraved on the blade. Ulu’s are appropriate to use in your kitchen, cutting everything from vegetables to pizza. Most of the ulus that we sell are very beautiful works of art, but the knife makers remind us that they are made to use (just don’t put them in the dishwasher!)  Our ulus feature handles made of wood, bone, ivory, Alaska Native artifacts, and sometimes even jade.

Bob Merry Studios – We have known Bob and his family for many years. Not only does he make beautiful ulus, but he tries to make a yearly hunting trip for caribou and moose where he will also gather antlers that are naturally shed by these animals for his handles and bases.

Leroy Barlip III – Leroy Barlip III was born in Glennallen, Alaska and raised in the Indian village of Gulkana. His Athabascan mother passed along an appreciation of Native art and crafts that inspires him to create these beautiful and useful tools. Leroy travels throughout Alaska from Point Barrow to Wainwright and the Yukon to the Aleutian Islands in search of moose, deer and caribou horn to make the handles of his knives. Alaska Natives are subsistence hunters and use these animals for food as well as use the antler, hide and other parts of an animal so that there is very little waste when they are finished. His knives come with an antler stand for display when not in use. Every Ulu is one of a kind and Leroy puts his heart into every piece.

Ulu Factory – Located a few blocks from our store, the Ulu Factory makes their own brand of Ulu knives on location near the Alaska Railroad Depot on Ship Creek. Their knives are moderately prices and are a must have souvenir from Alaska.

We buy ulus from a few other artists as well, many of these are purchased in small quantity.