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Semi-circular cutting tool - what's it for?

8K views 27 replies 19 participants last post by  jw2170 
#1 ·
This tool belonged to my father, I've never been able to figure out what it is and/or what it's used for. He was a professional woodworker. The tool is at least forty years old, maybe twice that or more. It has a fairly dull edge on the round side, and is sharpened from both sides. I would love to know what it is and what it is used for.
 

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#2 ·
I've seen Ulu's which are used for cooking and even leatherworking that look a lot like that.


Plus there's leatherworkers Headknives that are semi circular as well.


Both are often made out of cut up old circular sawblades, although that Ulu looks to be patternwelded (Damascus) to me.

From the looks of it your fathers old tool is an Ulu, or at least thats what it looks more like to me.
They are pretty nifty herb choppers as well.
 
#11 ·
Thanks for all the replies. I accept that it's normally a knife used for food preparation, and skinning hides, neither of which were activities my father did to any great extent. All his hand tools were old-school woodworkers' tools from the 1930's to 1970's. He considered metal planes and steel-handled hammers to be modern, let alone plastic-handled chisels.
 
#13 ·
#23 · (Edited)
#24 ·
I bought one from Lee Valley a few years ago and it was advertised as a food chopper. I'll have to give it a try for skinning when I get a chance.
 
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