alaskanativeson
Member
As I am finally back up in Alaska, and things are starting to go well again in my life (horrible experiences going to Wyoming for a couple of years, life fell apart - don't ask) I am trying to get things back to a semblance of normality and comfort. One of the things I miss is having a nice ulu in the kitchen. As a Native Athabascan, I like to do some things the old way when I can, and one that fits in well is using an ulu in the kitchen. In addition to being traditional, it's also very useful.
Here's the problem: I gave my good ulu away to a family when we left Alaska. There are places I can get them up here, but most of them are "tourist" places, and I have no desire to buy a Chinese made ulu. Even the ones made locally are fairly small, and often are not made to be used, but to look pretty on a shelf.
I want a good blade. I want it big. Basically this means either I need to make it myself or I need to have it made. Since I'm starting research for a PhD, I have no desire to get back into smithing at this time. Is there someone here who would be willing to do a custom ulu blade for me? If you can attach the handle, that's fine, if not I can have one of my students do that in the shop. However, I want the blade made by someone who understands proper materials and heat treatment. The steel has often been old saw blades, which I can find, but I'm also good with quality modern steel. It wouldn't have to be stainless, I actually like plain carbons for their edge holding and ease of sharpening, but if someone's sure an ulu could be well made out of something like S35V or VG-10, that'd be great. Honestly, I really like the idea of D2.
I included a scan of a roughed out idea of what I'd like. It's big, the blade is about 8 inches worth of cutting edge, but moose and whales are pretty damned big critters. I know it's not going to be a terribly cheap undertaking, but I thought I'd seek out some thoughts of y'all. Any blade makers here willing to consider this? If not, suggestions about who might be interested?
Here's the problem: I gave my good ulu away to a family when we left Alaska. There are places I can get them up here, but most of them are "tourist" places, and I have no desire to buy a Chinese made ulu. Even the ones made locally are fairly small, and often are not made to be used, but to look pretty on a shelf.
I want a good blade. I want it big. Basically this means either I need to make it myself or I need to have it made. Since I'm starting research for a PhD, I have no desire to get back into smithing at this time. Is there someone here who would be willing to do a custom ulu blade for me? If you can attach the handle, that's fine, if not I can have one of my students do that in the shop. However, I want the blade made by someone who understands proper materials and heat treatment. The steel has often been old saw blades, which I can find, but I'm also good with quality modern steel. It wouldn't have to be stainless, I actually like plain carbons for their edge holding and ease of sharpening, but if someone's sure an ulu could be well made out of something like S35V or VG-10, that'd be great. Honestly, I really like the idea of D2.
I included a scan of a roughed out idea of what I'd like. It's big, the blade is about 8 inches worth of cutting edge, but moose and whales are pretty damned big critters. I know it's not going to be a terribly cheap undertaking, but I thought I'd seek out some thoughts of y'all. Any blade makers here willing to consider this? If not, suggestions about who might be interested?