Ulu Factory

A very cool place to look through the windows and see the knives being made. Beautiful product in several grades and sizes. 5 in, 6 in, and 8 in knives and small medium and large choping "bowls" . Basic knives to hand carved bone handle knives. Plenty of other "Alaska Only" items for sale too. Easy to walk to from downtown (take "C" street to 1st street and look for the building).

Stopped by the Ulu Factory next to our hotel and really enjoyed it. The staff were knowledgeable about the knives' history and craft, and you can watch them being made. The shop is a bit touristy beyond the knives, but it’s worth it for authentic Alaskan Ulus.

Ulu factory that show case how to make ulu knife. Unfortunately at the time of our visit we can only see thru windows. They did have a young staff showing how to use the knife. Free 30 mins parking is available on the side of the building.

Cute store where you can watch the artisans working on the ulu knives. As expected things were pretty high priced, but there was a huge selection to choose from for gift items and souvenirs.

Awesome staff we’re willing to walk you through very cool tool of history. If you’re into knives hunting or just looking for a cool new kitchen tool, I highly recommend this place. I’m down from my home in Fairbanks and had to stop in and see how the magic was made. I was not in the slightest bit disappointed. 10 out of 10🤌🤌

Great little shop with awesome gifts. Staff at the factory were very informative and did a great job explaining the history and uses of the Ulu.

Good place to visit and get a souvenir. One can get custom engraving on the blade. The knife and the cutting bowl are pretty good for certain dishes. Prices are very decent as well. Parking is plenty and staff is good except the person on the reception. Looked like he was not interested in job at all, not welcoming or making tour interesting.

My friend requested for an ulu and where to go but to an ulu factory - they are all made in house! And what a great way to support Alaskan business! They are pricier than those from Walmart but they were made in China

My aunt was getting her hair done at Hot Heads and we needed to kill 30 minutes of time. I got 3 ula knives from a thrift store but had no idea how to use them. Cashier showed me how to chop and use a rocking motion. Not practical for watermelon, canelope, or pineapple. I needed knife holders and bought 2 wooden holders for $2 each and a jade one for $8. We killed time trying to watch salmon up the creek but didn't see any. The train blew its horn, and I got this picture. Cute flushable toilets outside. Recommend.

Great variety of ULU knives, pictures and jewelry. Convenient location! It was great to watch things being made as well!

Unfortunately we arrived late in the afternoon, and were not able to see the ulu knives being made. However, Ben, an employee, showed us the factory area and walked us through the steps in the manufacturing process. He provided a great deal of information. The Ulu Factory is also a gift shop and of course, sells their knives and wooden chopping boards/bowls. The wood products are so beautiful. They also sell other souvenirs. The factory is located across the street from the train station and was within walking distance of downtown.

Don't bother with buying the cheap China knock offs in the box stores! Get the original made in ALASKA ULU! Go check out "The ULU Factory"! You will be glad you did!

Great selection and very knowledgeable. It was cool seeing where they make the ulu's I had a lot of questions and they were able to answer them all.

Buyer Beware! I wish the Ulu Factory would have verbally told us that we were purchasing a knife that could not be brought on the flight in our carry on. To be honest, it struck me more as a tool, so it didn't even occur to me that I shouldn't have stuck it in my carry on. We purchased a small Ulu knife that was fully boxed and put it in a bag in our carry on with our other Alaska gifts we were returning home with. We checked our luggage then proceeded to go through the security checkpoint. The TSA agent who confiscated the Ulu said that this happens often. I asked why the stores don't tell customers to not pack them in their carry ons. He said he didn't know, but they confiscate a lot. He suggested we could mail it to ourselves, so my husband went back out from the security line and found out that it would cost $35 to ship the $25 knife. That's crazy, so we just ended up leaving it. I emailed the company while we were waiting for our flight to ask them why they don't put a warning on the package to not put it in your carry on, or at least verbally mention it to the customer. I never heard back, so I tried calling and spoke with an employee who told me that there is a sign by the cash register that says that. I did not see it, not did anyone mention it to me. She suggested I call back when the manager was there on Monday. I did and got the same employee who told me her manager wasn't sympathetic to my situation and also that there are signs at the TSA check point to not bring knives on board. The only thing I was asking for was for them to more prominently mention it to the customer. If I had the chance to talk to the manager, I was hoping that maybe they would waive the shipping for me if I purchased another one, but the she never called me back. It's true that there are signs that say what you can't bring on a plane, but by the time you get to TSA, your luggage has already been checked in. Also, since it was boxed in a bag with other gifts, it did not seem like a "knife" to me. It felt more like a tool. That's on me. I am just disappointed that this seems to be an issue (according to the TSA agent we were talking to) but the Ulu Factory, or the manager, doesn't seem to care enough to respond to my question.

Very good customer service. Even though we were mainly browsing, staff gave us great local restaurant and activity ideas.

I usually don't review stores unless its unique enough to warrant. This store does. So I saw a 1star review that called this just another souvenir shop. It is a souvenir shop with lots of cool stuff, but the store is about the ULU Knife. They didn't invent it, the just make them. Right there. You can watch. But let me back up, when I walked in, I was greeted by a store rep and they walked me thru the story of the ULU knife and how they make it. My wife and I like to cook and this seemed right down our alley. As we had just arrived in Anchorage, we weren't doing our touristy shopping yet. We saved that until the end. So we spent the next 10 days traveling around southern AK staying in VBROs. Two of them had the ULU knife and we tried them out while cooking. We loved it. So, on the last day of our trip, back in Anchorage, we returned and bought 5 sets with cutting blocks. They even have a 2nds section, ones with a blemish perhaps, for about 1/2" the price. Additionally, we had them shipped home so we didn't have to worry about checking a bag as you can't carry them on. So, if you decide to get an ULU Knife, my advice is to get it here. 2 reasons: 1) made in AK, not China. Why would you buy a Chinese made one when you can get it locally made. The Chinese are cheaper. But so is the quality. That's my opinion. 2) price. Many stores carry the ULU Factory store knife, but at a markup. It's ur money.

The Ulu Factory seems to be more gift shop than factory, although there is metal working equipment to be seen through a couple interior windows. Gayle and I stopped in during our day in Anchorage, as it's conveniently located near the train depot and Alaska RR HQ. I was looking for an Ulu "folder" and found a nice ivory-laden one. The price seemed a little high, but maybe that's reflected in blade quality, knife design, and the ivory. Yet in hindsight, it was probably best that I made this purchase before being inundated with Ulu selections at several places during our 10-day Alaska adventure through Anchorage, Seward, Denali, and Fairbanks. It was much easier to admire and move on.

Very nice store in a great location. There wasn't anyone to show us how an ulu is made, but there were plenty to choose from, as well as other beautifully made items.

We got to see things made through the glass and that was so neat! The employees were patient and answered our questions.

Felt these were the best prices, and options for your money. I felt as if I went straight to the source to pick up our ULU souvenirs. They have knives and bowls with slight imperfections at a wonderful discounted price. I bought an ULU knife with a slight imperfection for $9.99 compared to what they sell for around $30 elsewhere in the state. Kind of which I bought an upscale ULU here for myself. They were beautiful and located in the back. Next visit.

I'm giving the Ulu Factory four stars, not three, based on this: I've had my Ulu for 6 years and it's still crazy sharp. I use it frequently and it was only $16.95. Here's the rub: same Ulu from same "factory", six years later is $14.95 at various gift shops throughout Denali. Also, it's hard to find an Ulu here that ISN'T all stamped or branded as a souvenir. I use my Ulu in food prep, and don't want "I went to Alaska" on my knife rack. But gotta say, it's still sharp and I love using it. So my advice is get your Ulu here. Find the design or plain version you like and for sure don't forget the bowl. You'll love it.

Tourist trap? Quite possibly, but you should check it out since it's the legendary knife of AK. I asked someone at a sporting goods store if people used them, and he said it was the most effective way to skin a very large animal. You'll see them in use in the northern regions, but most normal folks don't use them. But you should check it out to see the Ulus. The ulus here do seem higher quality than those cheap made in china ones at the gift shops. Look for the factory seconds rack. They're usually the same with tiny defects on them. You won't notice the mars and nicks unless you're an expert and know what you're looking for. You'll save almost 50% off the retail. Go check out the fishermen behind the store and you'll see salmon fishermen in action. Pretty cool indeed.

Friendly staff and great shop. They personalize the knives for you, and their prices are reasonable. A nice place to stop for souvenirs.

I stopped in the factory after viewing the Fur Rondy snow sculpture competition. After a week and a half in Anchorage I had already decided that Ulus are kind of silly. To me the shape lends it self to skinning wild game and dicing herbs. I don't do either as much as I would like. The fact that Ulus are everywhere caused me to survey some Anchorage residents. The owners of the B&B where I was staying do not own an Ulu and they do not know anyone who uses them. Two women I was volunteering with at Iditarod headquarters use them. One of the woman loves her's and said all of her friends use them. I didn't go in because I wanted an Ulu, I went in because I didn't think my Anchorage experience would be complete without going in. Since it was Saturday afternoon the place was pretty crowded. One employee was demonstrating how to use an Ulu with a wooden bowl. He said by turning the bowl while you chop you don't have to pay attention to what you are doing. Let's all buy big scary round knives and use them blindfolded! I didn't buy an Ulu, but I was very pleased to see they carried the full range of Rondy pins. Fur Rondy was almost over and the official store was out of antler pins. I picked up one up with the Rondy collectible spoon. This was my first collectible spoon. I am officially an old lady.

It's just a gift shop. By having factory in the name I thought they would at least show us how Ulu's are made. Or have some history and pictures of how Ulu's have been utilized through the years. But there was NOTHING! I take that back there was one guy standing at the front of the store & when I asked for a demonstration he kind of scoffed at the idea of having to do work. There was a tiny display to show historical artifacts. One of the most deceptive tourist traps ever. If you want to shell out money to buy one then I guess this is the place to go. I will not recommend this.

It's a great place to find a real Ulu. Other places have the cheap knockoffs. These are the real deal. Love this place.

The shoppe/store is a Mecca for knives like the ulu which dates back 100s of years if not 1000s . You can see the technicians hard at work constructing various stages of the knife along with copious polishing.we were very amazed at the detail that goes into the product !! Add to any fine cutlery if not completes

Regular gift shop, nothing really special apart from glimpse of workers working on the knives. If you really love and adore the Ulu Knife, you should absolutely visit. Otherwise, you can safely skip this and won't miss much. The other perk of this place is perhaps that the knives are cheaper. Many other touristy place/ gift shops sells this too, and I recall seeing them charging $10 or more at other places, so if you are buying many of these knives, swing by! Probably a 10-15mins unlike what the many tourist book which estimated a 30-45 minute visit. There is a mini centerpiece which showcase artifacts of past ulu knives and how it have evolved over time. Other than the knives, they stock pretty much the same gift shop items as the other shops around town.

Yes, it is basically a gift shop and you can see Ulus being made behind the glass windows . ( not a tour ) And you can buy the "Ulu Factory" ulus and boards at almost any other gift shop in Alaska. But if you are gong to buy an ulu for kitchen use make sure to buy an Alaskan made ulu with 440 steel. Other gift shops in Alaska sell much cheaper ulus ( both in price and quality) but when you read the back of the box you will see they are made in China and are quite inferior. If you visit the Ulu factory in Anchorage you can also get a good deal by purchasing the ulu and chopping block in the "seconds" shelve. They will have a slight blemish but very useable and you will save a few bucks. Once you learn how to use the ulu you will use it quite frequently n your kitchen. Really an awesome utensil PS make sure to also get the special green handle sharpener as ulus have only one side beveled so only should be sharpened on that one side

We visited the Ulu store while we were in Anchorage, Alaska because several people recommended it. We were hoping for more of a tour of the factory and information about the Ulu, but they do not have tours on the weekends which is the only day we were in town. We heard that the tour is neat and you learn how the Ulu's are made. They do have Ulu demonstrations in the store and it offers a variety of neat items you can buy for souvenirs, but otherwise if you want to do a tour you'll have to wait until the regular business hours. They did have a trolley that picked you up at the factory and dropped you off at several different locations near downtown Anchorage which was really nice with a family. It was a nice place to visit, but we would have really loved having an opportunity to go on the factory tour. Maybe if we come back to Anchorage another time it will be during the week when they are giving tours. The store was definitely busy and had a lot of tourists so be prepared for a crowd if you are planning to visit. They do have rocking chairs out front for anyone in your party can relax in while other people do their souvenir shopping which was a pleasant feature.

I found this kind of boring. There weren't any actual tours. Which was a disappointment. Though, you could see some dudes through the gift shop windows (which view the factory area) working on making some knives. But it was interesting for like 30 seconds. And the gift shop staff literally followed us around the store like they were expecting us to steal something. Which absolutely made me change my mind about purchasing anything from here. Other than a small section of ulu knives, the rest of the store is devoted to random, over-priced tourist stuff. I'm inclined to say this is a place to skip.

A building that sells the beloved and famous Alaskan ULU knife. It is really just a gift shop and like others have said, a boring tourist trap. They sell many different ULUs with different designs, sizes and styles. It is basically a curved knife used for carving, skinning, and cutting ice. Nothing too amazing and you can find these ULUs all over Alaska. The staff is nice and friendly and you can get a little demonstration if you care. They sell other Alaskan souvenirs if you need some. There is a trolley that runs during the summer. Overall, if you are in the area it won't hurt to stop by the Factory, but if your number one reason for visiting is to come here, disappointment may be in your future.

If you're in the mood to do some touristy things, I would consider doing the following: going to the weekend downtown market, walk down the hill to check out the Ulu factory, then gaze over the bridge at the fisherman in Ship Creek. Ulu's don't really excite me too much. It's an interesting piece of unique Alaskan life, but it just seems so commercialized, I dunno. They sell $3 ulu's (which aren't worth the packaging it's in, upto the uber expensive, which will do the job.

Gift shop. Not much of a factory. You can see people working but the factory section is very small. Ulus are everywhere in Alaska so keep looking.

On my last day in Anchorage I took the trolley to the Ulu factory store as a diversion. Big props for the driver on May 25th, very friendly knowledgeable and helpful to all passengers and really went out of her way. Not so much for tips - just a very genuinely nice person. The store itself was interesting, although the factory was closed because of holiday weekend

The Ulu makes a great Alaskan gift but unfortunately the Ulu Factory itself was disappointing. The "tour" they offer is little more than looking through a window along the wall of the store and no free parking is available - pay parking only. There customer service is very poor when after purchasing $100 worth of knives for gifts my wife asked for a second plastic bag (standard cheap plastic shopping bag) and was told that would cost an additional 50 cents.

Fun place to visit on your vacation to or through Anchorage! Cute items, friendly people!

My husband, daughter and I visited Alaska 10 years ago. I bought 3 ulus while there, one for myself, my mother in law and my adult daughter. As I write this we are using them still. 10 years and still going strong...

I bought the cedar bowl and Ulu at the Ulu Factory when we were visiting Alaska. I use mine ALL the time. It chops onions, carrots, potatoes, meat. I have to sharpen it once in a while. My family members have seen me use it, and they all want one, so...I know what everyone is getting for Christmas this year.