How to Sharpen an Ulu
- Published: August 13, 2022
- Last Modified: October 1, 2022
Day by day Ulu knives are becoming quite popular in this world its usability because ulu knife is easy to use. The ulu knife is a famous native Alaskan knife. Alaska Ulu knife is a kind of knife used by Arctic indigenous dwellers. Designs vary depending on the region and the uluit features of the blade distinguish it from any other knife.
Traditionally, the ulu is made with a wooden or bone handle and blades of sharpened stone. The blade is connected to it by one or two shafts made of the same material as the blade. And The blade is upright from the handle.
As it is made of stainless steel, it can be sharpened easily. Let’s Learn How to Sharpen an Ulu in an easy way.
How to Sharpen an Ulu Knife
When you want to sharpen your Ulu knife, you should use some tools which will make your work easier.
Not believing? it’s not difficult to work. So, Let’s Jump to learn How to Sharpen an Ulu.
Tools are-
- Ulu Sharpener
- Whetstone
let’s look at the step-step process:
Related Post: Best Ulu Knife where you can find your best choice for your kitchen
Using a Sharpener:
You can collect any sharpeners from the online shop or from other local shops. These tools are inexpensive and simple to use. Let’s learn how you can use them to sharpen ulu.
Manage a Plane Surface
In the beginning, put the ulu on a plane surface and make sure the blades are on the table’s side. As the result, your hands won’t cut when sharpening them.
Hold down the handle because it can come in the way too as you sharpen the ulu. And, make sure you use a clamp to secure the ulu to the table.
Use the Sharpener
After the previous step, take out the sharpener you’ve collected. Use it on the blade.
From the top to the bottom of your sharpener, move to the edge of the blade. You are using it on the side and on the flatter part of the ulu knife’s blade.
After the Process
After Continuing to step two, you will see a shining blade of your Ulu knife. If You can continue to sharpen the blade, Your blade will be smoother.
Change the Side
After you’re completely sharpening one side, it’s time to change the blade side.
By following the same method you can sharpen your blade on this side.
You can use a piece of leather to provide smooth edges to your blades. Not only they can provide sharp edges, but also they remove burrs from your blades as well.
Using Whetstones:
Whetstone is the best sharpener among other sharpeners. These are easy to use and available on the market. These stones have been used for many years due to their ease of use.
So let’s see, how to Sharpen Ulu Knife using a whetstone.
Use a Strong Surface
When you want to sharpen ulu using whetstones you need to find a hard surface. If the surface is not hard any accident can happen while sharpening the blade.
On the other hand, when sharpening on a hard surface, the blade must be rubbed crosswise.
Start your Sharpening
After placing the ulu on a hard surface, secure it in the clamp. At first, start using the whetstone on one side of the blade. Apart from this, make sure that you are not pushing the blade too much.
You need to make sure a constant angle on the curve. Also, make sure you are sharpening it at a lower angle. Because the lower the angle, the sharper the blade.
Sharp on One Direction
Most ulus come with a single bevel of all ulus. You need to sharpen Ulu gently. Also, you need to make sure You are sharpening in one direction when you start.
Because when manufacturers make this Ulus, they only sharpen it in one direction. That’s why you need to follow that strategy. After sharpening the blade for some time, it will look very shiny. Then you’ll think it’s ready to use.
Use Leather
It is optional to use. A piece of leather can be a very useful tool for sharpening Ulu. Its advantages are-
Why is it Important to Sharpen an Ulu?
By reading the above article you have learned, how to sharpen an ulu knife smoothly. Sharpening Ulu seems very easy, right?
Find out now, why is it Important to Sharpen an Ulu. Knowing this will make it easier for you to sharpen your ulu.
Let’s look at them:
Not only Ulu but also any sharp knife makes it very easy to use.
Conclusion
From the above discussion you have learned how to Sharpen an ulu and why it is important to sharpen. It is as easy to use as it is to sharpen but must be careful while using and sharpening and ulu. Hope this article will be useful in sharpening your ulu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What do you cut with an ulu?
Ans: An ulu is quite popular in terms of its uses. It has an excellent blade that is an ideal tool to cut herbs, meat, chicken, fish, pizzas, vegetables, cheeses, and even nuts. If you have an ulu knife, you don’t need to buy a complete knife set. You’ll be able to do any cutting task without hesitation.
Q: Are Ulu knives a good addition to the kitchen?
Ans: Yes, it would be a great addition to the kitchen. Because it is a versatile knife for your kitchen.
Q: What is a proper blade angle for sharpening ulu?
Ans: The best way to use a knife is to sharpen it. 18-20 degrees is better for sharpening knives.
Q: What is an ulu made out of?
Ans: An ulu knife is usually made of different types of materials. The blade is usually made of stainless steel and usually has a large, easy grip. The handler is made of ivory, caribou antler, and even bones. Most of the time the handle is made of wood. With the advances in technology and designs, differences can be seen in the materials used to make ulu.