Why We Love This Alaskan Ulu Knife Set
Welcome to Talking Points, a series from Gear Patrol Studios dedicated to why certain products are worth talking about.
What is an Alaskan Ulu Knife – and why does it come in a set? Allow yourself to be explained.
Originally designed by Alaskan Native tribes thousands of years ago, the ulu knife was primarily used for cleaning and preparing animal skins for clothing. For over 5,000 years, the Yupik, Aleut, and Inuit relied on the knife for everything from trimming ice to cutting hair. Now it sees a culinary resurgence.
Like its ancestors, Marcellin’s Alaskan Ulu knife set is designed to chop, chop and dice ingredients with a simple rocking motion that’s easy for a chef and a sight to behold – your dinner guests will want to show up early for the show.
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The backstory
Why should you choose this Ulu knife set over others?
There are a few important factors to consider when purchasing an Ulu knife. First, you’ll want to make sure you find one with a high-carbon stainless steel blade to ensure it’s both food-safe and durable. Next, look for a piece with heavy-duty rivets—this one uses brass—to ensure it’s ready for years of movement.
Marcellin’s Ulu Knife Set ($65) has these necessary features, plus an acacia wood handle and custom-rounded cutting board that’s custom-cut to the size and shape of the knife. That’s the last necessary factor – an Ulu knife is only as good as its cutting board due to its central rocking function. By purchasing the knife and cutting board as a set, Marcellin eliminates the need for a third-party curved board (which probably wouldn’t fit properly).
The brand is “inspired by the good old-fashioned way of preparing food and drink”; With this set you have a very, very, very old fashioned design.
The essentials
How to use an ulu knife
Many professionals already use a rocking motion when cutting vegetables. General knife etiquette dictates that you never fully lift your blade from your cutting surface to provide maximum control and ensure safety. And unlike slapping chopping, rocking keeps a cooking blade from dulling for much longer.
The Ulu knife goes one step further – and makes chopping so much easier. The knife’s rounded blade makes it easy for even beginners to perform a skillful rocking motion when cutting meat or produce, and especially makes finely chopping herbs much, much easier. Its handle is also more ergonomic (and intuitive) than a traditional chef’s knife.
In combination with a perfectly shaped chopping board, the “Ulu movement” is even easier. Its rounded structure ensures the blade rocks back and forth easily while ingredients are automatically pushed back into its path, meaning your fingers are out of harm’s way.
Visual learners can watch a video where Lisa from Sutton’s Daze a Paprika with her ulu knife here. Or, for pros ready to step it up a notch, check out Anchorage’s Fastest Woman with an Ulu. cut up a salmon.
Our POV
This is a simple, eye-catching knife for chefs new and old
Imagine gracefully chopping fresh side dishes for your next dinner party while your guests look on in awe. Imagine yourself literally rocking through your prep list as you prepare a special meal for two. Above all, get ready for the pleasure of feeling like a pro.
The Marcellin Ulu Knife Set is an easy win: it’s shockingly affordable, super simple, and beautiful. It makes a great gift for any chef, regardless of skill level, and/or a perfect upgrade to your kitchen decor.
Once you’ve fully embraced the ulu knife lifestyle, you can always upgrade further to traditional constructions that can be done with anything from Musk Ox Horns ($425) to Walrus Ivory ($550). But as a first try, Marcellin is the logical way to go.
Price: $65
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