Thread: What sort of souvenirs do people normally buy in Alaska?

We have never been to Alaska and have no clue.

Is there a "must buy" souvenir while there?

The Ulu Knife is a popular item. It must be packed in your checked luggage if you are flying and I believe some cruise lines are taking them to hold till the last night just like the alcohol purchases. We have given them as gifts and the recipients love them and use them in their kitchens.




ABOUT THE ULU

The Alaskan ULU (OO-loo) is an extremely versatile cutting tool crafted by the Native Alaskan people over five thousand years ago. The knife was primarily used by Eskimo women for skinning and cleaning fish and has played an important role in the survival of the Arctic people. Blades were originally made of polished slate and given a bone, ivory or wood handle. The handles were often inscribed with distinctive designs or markings exclusive to the maker of the knife.

Today, Eskimos and people from all walks of life continue to use the versatile ULU as their primary cutting tool, despite the wide availability of other knife designs. Because the center of force is concentrated directly over the middle of the blade, it creates twice the direct downward force compared to that of conventional cutlery (where the force is behind the center of the blade). Anyone, including those experiencing hand or wrist problems, can perform cutting and chopping tasks effortlessly with an ULU. The Alaskan ULU is a wonderful tool for cutting pizza, cheese and vegetables of all kinds!

Care & Maintenance is a snap. Simply wash your ULU by hand in warm, soapy water using a downward motion to avoid the sharp edge of the blade. DO NOT SOAK IN WATER. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Apply natural mineral oil to the wood handle and stand every 4-6 weeks or when wood seems dull and dry. DO NOT put in dishwasher. The ULU blade maintains an extremely sharp edge for a long period of time. The hollow ground edge on one side of the blade can be sharpened the same as conventional cutlery. As with any knife, use extreme caution when handling.

They are great for cutting pizza!

A couple years ago we bought about 10 of them to give as gifts and they were taken and held until the last day because they could be used as weapons. Then they gave us steak knives at dinner.

LOL, we bought "bear claw" salad mixers. Love them and still use them 8 years later.

There are also a number of local craft items available. Whale bone carvings can be rather expensive.

Great when things brought back actually can be used!

We have way too many things we bought in the past just sitting around collecting dust.

Originally Posted by zydecocruiser

...

That's TOO funny!

Originally Posted by zydecocruiser

Don't let Neal see this!

I bought a Russian military fur hat frmm the Russia Store in Juneau. I wear it in the winter. In fact I will wear it today.