Origin? Inuit? Not exactly a weapon, but....

Montino Bourbon · 1st May 2016, 09:49 PM

I found this in a drawer at a very fancy estate sale; it had been overlooked by the antique buyers. Bought it for the price of a starbucks coffee, although I don't drink that stuff any more.

Is it an Inuit 'ulu'? Or western? Obviously hand forged, the kind of steel I can't resist.

Helleri · 2nd May 2016, 02:06 AM

I think it's for chopping herbs or cutting leather (given the ends come to a point, it's more likely that it is for cutting leather, as herb choppers typically have rounded tips). Looks homemade.

[Edit: giving it a bit more thought those tips don't come to a very good point and it does have a T-section handle, which round knives (what the type of leather cutting knife I am thinking of is called) don't typically have. I mean they can but it's more common on herb choppers. So leaning more towards herb chopper now]

Shakethetrees · 2nd May 2016, 05:52 AM

I would have been next in line for it right behind you!

I like these things!

It's an herb chopper used with a wooden bowl.

I have one similar that if I can find in a timely manner Ill put some pictures up for comparison.

Looks like your handle is beech wood.

Battara · 2nd May 2016, 07:54 PM

This looks like a form of Inuit ulu. Used for cutting meat, leather, etc.

1st May 2016, 09:49 PM	#1
Montino Bourbon Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, California Posts: 301	Origin? Inuit? Not exactly a weapon, but.... I found this in a drawer at a very fancy estate sale; it had been overlooked by the antique buyers. Bought it for the price of a starbucks coffee, although I don't drink that stuff any more. Is it an Inuit 'ulu'? Or western? Obviously hand forged, the kind of steel I can't resist. Attached Images

2nd May 2016, 02:06 AM	#2
Helleri Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Chino, CA. Posts: 219	I think it's for chopping herbs or cutting leather (given the ends come to a point, it's more likely that it is for cutting leather, as herb choppers typically have rounded tips). Looks homemade. [Edit: giving it a bit more thought those tips don't come to a very good point and it does have a T-section handle, which round knives (what the type of leather cutting knife I am thinking of is called) don't typically have. I mean they can but it's more common on herb choppers. So leaning more towards herb chopper now] Last edited by Helleri; 2nd May 2016 at 02:19 AM.

2nd May 2016, 05:52 AM	#3
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	I would have been next in line for it right behind you! I like these things! It's an herb chopper used with a wooden bowl. I have one similar that if I can find in a timely manner Ill put some pictures up for comparison. Looks like your handle is beech wood.

2nd May 2016, 07:54 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,342	This looks like a form of Inuit ulu. Used for cutting meat, leather, etc.