The Yakut knife is gaining popularity among hunters, fishermen, tourists and collectors of edged weapons. Let's take a closer look at the Legend of Yakutia and the most frequently asked questions, namely: what it looks like, how to sharpen a Yakut knife and its features.

History of appearance

For the Yakuts, hunting is the main activity: this is how they obtained food and warm animal skins. Every hunter is sensitive to weapons. A knife is an irreplaceable, mandatory attribute. The first appeared in boys at the age of 5 years. The father gave it to his son.

At the same time, parents were not afraid for their children. It was believed that the child would cut himself a couple of times, but in the end he would learn to be careful. The gift was carefully kept, used to solve everyday problems, and in adulthood, small knives were replaced by real adult weapons.

The instrument has a centuries-old history, confirmed by archaeological research. At the same time, finds from ancient times do not differ much from modern items in size and shape. This speaks of durability and functionality.

The peoples of Yakutia independently learned the process of making edged weapons. These lands are rich in iron ore, which they managed to extract. Craftsmen smelted steel, bypassing the cast iron stage. The material obtained as a result of simple actions was processed in blacksmith shops. The result was blades whose quality was no worse than European ones.

Note! Back in the 17th century, Russian Cossacks began to interact with Yakut craftsmen and adopted the experience of making Yakut knives and other types of weapons.

Design

Over the centuries-old history, the real Yakut knife has not undergone significant changes. The main difference that may catch your eye is the size of the handle and blade, which are often determined by the preferences of the blacksmiths and the region of residence.

Blade

The first thing a person pays attention to when picking it up is the asymmetrical blade. Traditionally, the left side is convex and the right side is flat. There is a recess in the middle, which is called yos. Its shape and size are different. It can occupy almost the entire surface from the handle to the end, and some craftsmen prefer to make a small groove shifted closer to the handle.

The presence of jos is explained by several factors:

• compensation of the properties of hard and soft metals, reducing the risk of deformation during forging and hardening;
• facilitating the process of sharpening and straightening at low temperatures;
• blood flow to facilitate cutting of animal carcasses;
• lightweight design;
• some scientists suggest a version about saving metal.

The unsharpened flat side is a feature of the Yakutia knife, which increased the penetrating power several times. That is, the weapon easily entered the body of the caught victim, the sharp blade cut it, and the hunter could easily process even thick skins.

1. Small ones could be used not only for hunting, but also in everyday life. The length ranged from 8 to 11 cm.
2. The middle ones were used mainly for hunting. Their size is 11–18 cm.
3. Long ones reached 17–30 cm and were less common. It was a military weapon used in battles.

There is a division in width. Narrow blades are more common among tundra dwellers. They simplified the task of cutting holes in various materials. Thick - used in taiga conditions. Better suited for processing wood and animal carcasses.

Lever

The classic version is a handmade handle made of wood. More often, a burl is used for this - a durable stem growth. Birch bark is used as an alternative. The finished handle was thoroughly impregnated with oil to make it moisture resistant.

The ovoid shape prevented the knife from turning over in the hand when working. The narrow part is located closer to the blade. At the same time, the long handle makes it possible to use edged weapons with warm mittens and does not allow you to drown in water if you fall. There are no stops.

Wooden wedges are installed in the handle.

Installing the blade into the handle requires special attention. First of all, the master makes a wide hole in the central part of the handle. After this, the sharp shank is mounted into the handle.

Then wedges made of wood are installed on the sides. As a result, the blade is secured in the knife handle. To many, this method of fastening may seem unreliable. However, it was developed by the Yakuts to be able to quickly change the blade, because they were consumable due to the low quality of the steel used. It follows from this that a real Yakut knife cannot be folding. This is a modern modification.

Sheath

Traditional sheaths should be as simple and functional as possible. They are made from the tail of a bull, which is removed with a stocking and then stretched onto a wooden blank. This is how the skin takes on the required shape. Birch bark or wood are also used.

The weapon is freely immersed to 2/3 of the handle, and the blade hangs. This allows you to immerse the knife with frozen blood and fat into the sheath without any obstacles.

Varieties of Yakut knife

The length and shape of the blade varies. It depends on the region of residence. Several types are known:

1. Bykhych- the shortest type, used in almost all types of activities. Nevertheless, it did not deserve popularity among men and was used by women and children in solving daily household problems. Blade length 8–11 cm.
2. Bychakh- the most common type with a blade length of 11–17 cm. Every respectful man was obliged to have such a knife in his belt. It was perfect for both hunting and solving everyday problems.
3. Hitohon- a combat option, but since the peoples of Yakutia practically did not fight, it can be seen quite rarely. Its length exceeded 17 cm.
4. Batuya- a hybrid of a spear and a sword, the length of which could sometimes even exceed 60 cm.

Sharpening

Any knife loses its relevance if it is not sharpened properly. The tools of Yakutia were distinguished not only by their form, but also by their method. Let's take a closer look at how to properly sharpen a Yakut knife.

Sharpening features

So, on a knife you can identify a convex side and a flat side with a joss. Many argue that sharpening is done from the convex side.

However, this opinion is wrong. If you adhere to traditions, then they sharpen from the side of the valley. For a right-handed person it is located on the right, and on the left for a left-handed person.

This fact is easily explained:

1. Convenience, user comfort. The side to be sharpened is located on the handy side.
2. Product service life. If you sharpen from the lens side, sooner or later you will reach a notch in the blade and then the knife will be impossible to use for its intended purpose.

note! First, coarse-grained whetstones are used for rough sharpening, and fine-grained ones are suitable for final work.

Sharpening angle

You can even sharpen the blade with a pebble, which is convenient in camping conditions. In order not to damage the weapon and improve combat qualities, you should adhere to a certain angle of inclination.

The block is applied to the edge at a sharpening angle of no more than 5–7 degrees and moved upward from the handle. The steps are repeated until a thin shiny line appears on the edge - this is a sharp cutting part.

It is not advisable to use mechanical sharpeners, since in the absence of experience, the edge of the blade can become very hot, which will lead to a loss of strength of the material.

Carrying a knife

The sheath is hung on the belt on the left or in front. The weapon is pulled out by resting the thumb on the base of the sheath. The sharpened side is located to the left. For left-handed people, knives are designed individually and are worn on the right side.

These rules were strictly observed by the hunters, because following them, they could freely get their weapons and take a fighting position.

The suspension itself is free. It should not hinder the owner's movements.

Yakut knives can be used to solve many household tasks, cleaning fish and hunting. But improper storage of it will significantly affect its service life and operation. By following simple rules, you can extend it:

1. This bladed weapon must be stored in a dry room, away from moisture and heat sources. It is best to organize an individual box or casket.
2. It is better to entrust the restoration of the blade to a professional craftsman.
3. To preserve the appearance of a wooden handle for a long time, it is recommended to regularly lubricate it with linseed oil.
4. To treat sheaths made of bull leather, it is recommended to regularly treat them with colorless shoe polish. For sheaths made of wood, oil is suitable.
5. After cutting meat, it is recommended to treat the blade with alcohol without touching the handle.

Historical and cultural significance

Many years of archaeological excavations and the wild interest of scientists in the history of origin cannot be underestimated.

The fact that despite improved technologies, the shape of the blade, the method of making the handle and sheath, and the wearing rules are preserved to this day is in itself unique. This speaks of it as a functional invention that has passed through the years into our modern society. Without exaggeration, this is one of the most important factors for the survival of the peoples of Yakutia in the harshest climate.

In addition to its performance characteristics, it is distinguished by its rich historical past, because the prototype of the steel product was knives made from bones, where yos is an area filled with bone marrow. The Yakut knife will probably be found in the collection of edged weapons.

note! This is one of the symbols of the republic along with Jew's harp, venison And diamonds.

Knowing the features, you can not only add to your collection, but also find a faithful assistant in hunting and fishing. In addition, a handmade Yakut knife made of Damascus steel will be a wonderful gift for a man for the holiday.

The Yakut knife (Yakut. byһakh) is one of the main attributes of the Sakha people. In each region of the republic you can find some of its own peculiarities of making a Yakut knife, although the general traditions are preserved, and only some of its details differ.

Features of the Yakut knife are simplicity, ease of use and wide functionality. Yakut hunting knives can be useful for cutting fish, meat, or, if necessary, repairing something. Archaeological excavations show that in ancient times the ancestors of modern Yakuts used knives of a similar design, so we can say that the secret of the Yakut knife is passed down from generation to generation.

Nowadays, the Yakut knife is not only the personification of culture and history - it is widely used for a variety of purposes. It is difficult to find a Yakut family that does not have at least one traditional knife. A good knife for a Yakut hunter is the closest and most faithful friend. Hundreds of craftsmen throughout Yakutia are engaged in the production of Yakut knives. Therefore, there are many versions that imply a variety of its forms and features. Not everyone can make a Yakut knife with their own hands. Traditionally, they are not purchased ready-made, but are ordered individually. The master takes into account the wishes of the future owner - he will never want to be sold another one that is somewhat similar instead of a national instrument. Thus, a synthesis of the traditional and the individual is formed. Each Yakut knife has its own unique features, but they do not go beyond historical standards.

Drawings and dimensions

The sizes of the Yakut knife, due to its wide functionality, have a very wide range - from the smallest to the very large. Drawings of a real Yakut knife are not so easy to find, because the secret of its correct manufacture is carefully kept. General sizing information is given below.

According to manufacturing style and application, they are divided into twelve varieties:

1. Oyuu bychchata - used for applying drawings (patterns) on wooden products. The length of the blade is 3-5 cm.
2. Otohut bychchata - used by a doctor, healer, with a very thin and sharp end of the blade. Usually 3-7 cm.
3. Wal o kychchanar bygychchata - a knife for a boy. Blade length 7-11 cm.
4. Die-wat bykha - a homemade knife. Length 9-14 cm.
5. Tabagyt bygaqa - used for cutting a deer carcass (reindeer herder's knife), the tip is very thin and beak-shaped. The blade is thin, one might say “delicate”. Length 9-12 cm.
6. Kyra bult bykha - a small hunter's knife. The blade is 9-14 cm long. Soft hardening.
7. Balyksyt bykha - fisherman's knife. The blade is wide, the spine is thin, the tip is slightly curved upward. The handle is made of birch bark.
8. Bullt bull is a hunting knife. 15-18 cm.
9. Mas uuhun bygychchata - used by cabinet makers. For cutting shaped parts of furniture and other wooden products. Length up to 12 cm.
10. Mas uuhun bygakha - also for the cabinetmaker. For processing large parts, with a wide, thin blade. Strongly hardened.
11. Badaai is a large knife. Up to 25 cm.
12. Bolo bykhakh - even larger and heavier, blade length up to 30 cm. These two types of knives are long, designed for heavy work. For example, for butchering large animals, for cutting through ice, for cutting willows, overgrowth, etc.

In general, the dimensions of a Yakut knife can be divided in the following order:

1. If the blade length is from 8 to 11 cm, then it is a small knife. It is called “bykychcha” and is made for children and women. However, there are a number of problems that are easier to solve with a knife with a small blade. Therefore, it can conditionally be classified as economic.
2. A knife with a blade length from 11 to 17 cm is the most common. It is called “bykhakh” and is used for a variety of purposes.
3. A longer blade - above 17 cm makes it a combat weapon. It is called “khotonokh” and is made quite rarely.

There are also knives with a longer blade size, which already belong to the type of axes and spears. For example: the Yakut batas or the Yakut batyya, the length of their blade is 40-60 cm. This is a beautiful, light military weapon, once loved by the Yakuts. They could both stab and chop.

In the classification of the Yakut knife, the width of the blade also plays a role. If it is narrow, then it is classified as tundra. This makes it easier to cut something or make holes in something, which is what is primarily needed in tundra conditions. The taiga Yakut knife is intended for cutting hunting trophies or livestock, as well as for processing wood. It is easier to carry out such work with a knife with a wider blade.

Blade

The blade of the Yakut knife is asymmetrical. The butt is straight, even, and the blade is sharp. On the right side there is a dol. It can have a variety of shapes. Some craftsmen prefer to make a notch almost over the entire area of ​​the side of the blade, leaving only a small edge near the butt, while others limit themselves to a groove that is shifted closer to the handle. In the same direction, the fuller can be wider, and towards the “nose” of the blade it narrows. This notch is called "yosom".

Yos arose for several reasons. Firstly, with it the Yakut knife resembled those that their ancestors made from bones. The notch is simply a tribute to tradition; it represents the natural opening for the bone marrow. From the technological side, it once arose as a compensatory leash when connecting, during the process of forging and hardening, soft and hard iron. Secondly, Yos simplifies sharpening and sharpening a knife in the cold and, although for some reason this is rarely talked about, it plays the role of a regular bloodstream, which is present on most combat knives.

The shape of the Yakut knife, the presence of an unsharpened, smooth side of the blade, which is called “bykhakh haptagaya,” enhances the piercing effect, which makes it possible to deliver piercing blows to animals with thick skin, as well as to pierce or drill the skin with a knife.

Today, only real masters know the true secrets of making a Yakut knife. Those copies that are distributed in central cities are far from the original. Typically, a Yakut knife is forged from soft steel. It is easier to sharpen such a blade on anything - any suitable stone. It cannot be said that modern options involving the use of damask or Damascus steel have any negative properties. They just do not correspond to historical realities, which have always put practicality first.

Handle

The handle of a Yakut knife is made from a single piece of birch burl - essentially a very strong wood, which is impregnated with oils. In cross section, the handle has the shape of an egg. This shape was chosen so that during some work the knife does not rotate in the hand.

The method of mounting the blade into the handle is interesting. First, a wide central hole is made and the pointed shank is driven into the handle. Then wedges made of soft wood are inserted on the sides of the blade. They are bursting, and they clamp the blade in the handle. In order to protect the wooden handle from moisture, it is impregnated with special oils.

The narrow side of the handle is directed towards the blade. The length of the handle is always greater than the length of the blade and the width of a man's palm. Usually it is 130 - 150 mm.

Firstly, in this way even a knife with a blade length of less than 110 mm turns into a weapon. The long handle allows you to deliver a range of strikes that would otherwise be much more difficult to execute.

Secondly, with such a handle it is much more convenient to cut up the carcasses of hunted animals.

Thirdly, a knife with a long handle will not sink in water - it will act as a float. The Yakut knife does not have any additional elements - guards, stops, etc.

Sheath

The sheath of the Yakut knife is simple and functional. They are made from an oxtail, removed with a stocking, and a wooden insert inserted into it. The Yakut knife is recessed into a leather sheath 1/3 of the handle and is fixed there due to friction. The blade hangs freely in a wooden insert inside the scabbard.

This makes it possible to freely insert and remove a knife with a blade on which blood and fat freeze when cutting game in winter. By the way, a real Yakut knife can be removed with one hand, resting your thumb on the mouth of the sheath. The sheath is worn on the belt, on a free suspension from a leather strap in an inclined or horizontal position.

In the old days and today it is acceptable to use sheaths made from sewn pieces of leather. Once upon a time, birch bark was also used, very rarely only wood.

Sharpening

Sharpening of a Yakut knife is done from the fuller side (on the right for a right-handed person, on the left for a left-handed person). The block should be applied to the cutting edge at a slight angle (<5°) и точить лезвие сверху вниз (в направление от обуха до кромки) до того момента, пока не появится тонкая блестящая линия на режущей кромке. Эта линия по-якутски называется «кылаан» и является самой острой частью режущей кромки.

Some experts claim that this is a burr and should be removed, but you should not listen to them; most likely, they do not know how to sharpen a Yakut knife correctly. "Kylaan" should have a slight angle to the left side of the blade. It is strictly forbidden to sharpen a Yakut knife on the left - it has a one-sided sharpening. On the left, it is only allowed to slightly (extremely carefully) adjust the “kylaan” when it bends.

Sharpening is carried out as the “kylaan” disappears. To do this, you need to have several bars with different grain sizes. Grind from coarse to fine.

Do not stir the coals with a Yakut knife or heat the blade excessively. In this case, a release will occur - the blade will become soft. For the same reason, you cannot sharpen a blade on an electric sharpener.

Wearing and using

A leather strap or cord is threaded into the sheath. With its help, the Yakut knife is attached to the belt, on the left side and with the blade to the left. This makes it possible for a right-hander to grab it quickly. Of course, left-handers carry a knife on the right. The suspension is free so as not to interfere with movements.

It should be understood that the “bykhakh” with a notch and a forged blade length of 110 mm is a real weapon. And its production, distribution and carrying is a matter that is reflected in the Criminal Code. This was the case during the times of the RSFSR, when “bykhakh” was outlawed. True, possessing a knife did not entail any serious consequences. In modern Yakutia, this is regulated by a separate act of the government of the Republic of Sakha.

The Yakut knife is recognized as part of the culture of the Sakha people, and its storage and use in everyday life, sale to tourists and demonstration during public events are allowed on the territory of the republic. Handmade Yakut knives not only become exhibits at folk art exhibitions, but are also widely used in everyday life, during hunting, fishing, and various housework.

Where can I buy?

You can buy a real Yakut knife in specialized stores or directly from local craftsmen in. Each copy has its own documents and licenses. Prices vary from 4,000 rubles to 20,000 rubles.

You can buy a Yakut knife not only in Yakutia, but also beyond its borders. Knowledgeable people give preference to factory samples in this matter. In factory production, the product manufacturing process is streamlined, rejects and deviations from forging traditions are minimized.

Samples of Yakut knives, made individually by local craftsmen, have a unique design, but for this the price of such knives is several times higher.

Video

If you are interested, you can watch a video about the Yakut knife, which describes in detail its actual operation:

Photo

Below are photographs of Yakut knives by famous Yakut masters:

A real Yakut blade actually has a rather ancient history, this is confirmed by archaeological excavations. And, today, comparing knives of modern versions and those pulled out of the ground, there is practically no difference.

The finished product amazes with its elegance.

So we can safely say that today’s topic will concern the reproduction of an ancient Yakut knife with your own hands. It may be said loudly, but manual labor can also be associated with ancient methods of work. An interesting fact is that in the past the Yakuts bypassed the cast iron processing stage in some interesting way. And the products were forged directly from a steel alloy.

According to contemporaries, the quality of today's knives is in no way inferior to European manufacturers. And most importantly, the Yakuts do not lose the ancient methods of forging and making their products, but pass them on to their children.

Features of the Yakut knife

An important feature of the Yakut knife, which distinguishes it from other products, is its asymmetry. On one side there is a groove, quite large in size, which runs along the entire blade. And the opposite side has a convex shape. There are several explanations for such interesting forms:

• in the old days, blacksmiths tried to save metal in this way, gradually drawing out the blade;
• Since the Yakuts live in extreme conditions, at -50 °C, -60 °C, it is almost impossible to sharpen a solid product. And with such a fuller, the blade became thinner and more pliable;
• when skinning a carcass, especially when skinning, the recess in the blade prevented it from “sticking.” And due to the small contact area and air space, the work became much easier;
• the sheath was made from oxtail, removed like a stocking. And wooden inserts were made inside so that the knife would not break. They were also made from birch bark or sewn together with animal skin.

Clearly visible gutter.

Another important point is that the blade is sharpened on one side. But the handle was and is still being made from birch rhizomes.

It is quite reliable and has good grip on the shank.

Varieties of the Yakut knife "Sakha"

In different regions of Yakutia there are different variations in knife making. But in general terms, it is a product with a length of 11 to 17 cm and a wooden handle, all made of the same birch. They call him simply and briefly - “Sakha”. There are twelve varieties. Their names will be presented in purely Yakut language “Sakha Rear”, in brackets there is a literal translation and a small transcript:

1. “Oluy bygychcha” (small blunt knife) - a blade for applying patterns on wooden products, its length is 3-5 cm.
2. “Otohut bygychcha” (very small) is a tool of a doctor, a healer, with a very thin and sharp end of the blade, the length of the blade is 3-7 cm.
3. “Uol oko kychchahar bygychcha” (knife for a boy) - a knife for a boy, length 7-11 cm.
4. “Die bygychcha” (house knife) is a home helper with a length of 9-14 cm.
5. “Tabakhyt bysaka” (for a reindeer herder) - for cutting a deer carcass, the edge of the knife is very thin and beak-shaped, the blade is thin, “delicate”, its length is 9-12 cm.
6. “Kyra bult bykhaga” (small for hunting) - a small hunter’s knife, length 9-14 cm, soft hardening.
7. “Balyksyt bykhaga” (fishing tool) is an equipment for a fisherman; it is quite wide, the butt is thin, the tip is slightly bent upward. The handle is made of birch bark.
8. “Bult bykhaga” (for hunting) is a hunting wedge, its length is 15-18 cm.
9. “Mas үүһүн byһychcha” (wood knife) - designed for woodworking, its length is 12 cm. Designed for cutting shaped parts of furniture and other wooden products.
10. “Mas үүһүн byһаҕа” (large knife for wood) is a blade for working with wood, but larger in size than the previous one. Provides processing of large parts with a wide, thin blade. Strongly hardened.
11. “Badaai” (large heavy knife) is a large wedge, its length is up to 25 cm.
12. “Bolot byhakh” (knife-sword) - even larger and heavier, blade length up to 30 cm.

Varieties. Small handmade blades. Small knife.
Medium blade. Original blade. Large knife.

The last two types of knives are long, designed for heavy work. For example, for butchering large animals, for cutting through ice, for cutting willows, overgrowth, etc. I had to use a translator, now I can show off my new skills to my friends.

DIY instructions

For people who live by reindeer herding and hunting, a knife is simply necessary. The blade is intended for both household work and more serious events. Depends, of course, on the length, as already described above.

In the Republic of Sakha, since 1995, by government decision, the Yakut knife has been recognized as a cultural part of the people inhabiting it. And thanks to this decision, the blade can be worn without any permission. And use it for everyday life and in the household.

The manufacture of products is also not punishable by law, and many craftsmen are engaged in forging knives. As a rule, they are very similar to their ancestors, the only thing that distinguishes them is steel. Previously, it was used softer, so that it could be sharpened in any conditions, but now they use anything for this purpose.

Springs, springs, bearings, files, parts from any equipment, etc. The only difference is this, but otherwise the process has not changed.

Blade size drawing.

To start manufacturing, make a drawing for yourself, and always refer to it while working. Small errors are acceptable. But it’s better to calculate everything in advance.

To make it, you can take any item from the above, but to reduce problems, choose a more rectangular shape. It will be easier to work with a file, let's try to give step-by-step instructions for making a knife at home:

1. Cut a piece of the required size from the file and weld a rod to it for easy heating in the forge.
2. Carry out the first heating slowly, when the color reaches incandescence (bright red), the temperature will be about 750 °C. It’s better to check with a magnet; professionals distinguish by color. If the workpiece is not magnetic, it's time to start forging it.
3. It is better to use two types of sledgehammers: a heavy one, 4 kilograms, and a lighter one, 1.5 kilograms. We forge with a heavy hammer, if the workpiece cools down, put it back into the forge, watch its color, otherwise you can simply break it. You need to forge along the entire length to a thickness of 2-3 mm.
4. Don't forget about the shank and the radius of the leading edge. You can immediately forge the slopes to make sanding easier.
5. Forge a large fuller with the sharp side of a smaller hammer. We align the wedge and carry out normalization in oil. Don't forget a vacation for a couple of hours.
6. We remove all irregularities with sandpaper and bring the shape to its normal form. We correct the descents, if necessary, and grinding and polishing - be patient.

File. Warm up and cook. Don't forget to reheat.
We continue to forge. We forge a gutter. Vacation.

Slowly, deliberately step on it with your foot and transfer all your weight to the blade. It should withstand 60-70 kilograms, if your weight is more, ask someone.

If it does not change the geometry, then everything is done correctly, and you can continue with other stages.

Lever

Everything can be done simply with the handle; anyway, we won’t be able to make a real Yakut blade, it will be a replica, and nothing else. Therefore, we select an unnecessary small block of wood and go ahead:

1. First of all, we drill a hole for the shank, insert the blade and select “caps” for a tighter fastening. At this stage, it is better to wrap the wedge with masking tape.
2. We mix epoxy with sawdust, pour everything into the hole, insert the shank and drive in the prepared wood chips along the edges. We make sure that everything fits securely and leave it to dry for 24 hours.
3. The next step is to draw the center lines and begin to plan the future handle from all sides. And in all available ways.
4. Having reached a round shape and normal diameter, we grind the handle, soak it in oils, and then dip it in boiling wax for 30 minutes. This is at the request of the owner of the blade.

Let's drill. Epoxy. Marking. Planing.

The work must be carried out carefully, one wrong move and the handle is damaged. You will have to clean the shank from the epoxy resin, which will already be like stone, and do all the work all over again.

Sheath

The easiest way is to make wooden ones; for this, two wooden blanks are taken, the width of which is larger than the resulting knife itself. Then, placing a blade 2/3 long on them, mark the grooves with a pencil. And we select them using a chisel and carefully sand them with sandpaper.

The next step is to carefully remove the excess from the outer sides with a plane. Then we check the fit of the knife in the sheath; if everything is good, we glue both halves with epoxy resin and sand the outside.

We apply the blade.

Quite an original scabbard made of wood.

You can also sew separate sheaths from leather, the process is much more complicated, but aesthetically more pleasing to the eye. There is an article on our website: how to make a sheath at home from leather. We really hope that it will help you.

The Yakut knife is a traditional weapon of the northern Sakha peoples, having a blade length of 110-170 mm (on average) and a wooden handle. The blade is made of mild steel, it is used for hunting and fishing, so you need the ability to sharpen/edit “in field conditions.” Yakut knives have varieties: for children and women with a blade length of 80-110 mm, a sword with a length of 500 mm and others. It is not a bladed weapon and can be purchased and used without special permission.

Real Yakut knives sell for 3 thousand rubles and more.

Read in this article

Main characteristics of the Yakut knife: size, shape

The Yakut knife has an individual size and original shape, therefore it is considered a unique product. Moreover, its parameters have been preserved since ancient times and have not undergone any fundamental changes.

Story

The history of Yakut knives has no beginning; no written evidence or even drawings of this type of weapon have been preserved. Researchers believe that the Yakuts in ancient times used imported metal to make weapons, although there is also a version that the people themselves could smelt the necessary material from ore.

And the fact that imported metal was most often used is confirmed in documentary records from 1978 - at that time folklore data about the peoples of Yakutia was collected.

It is reliably known that the original shape of the blade is a prototype of the bones of large animals (in ancient times they acted as a chopping, cutting, piercing tool).

Is it a bladed weapon?

Yakut knives of different types are not, they belong to the category of household tools and are used for woodworking, fishing, hunting and other needs. In Soviet times, there was a legal ban on the manufacture, carrying and use of Yakut knives without special permission. In fact, such an element of the peoples of the North was simply not paid attention to.

Yakut knives are a mandatory element of the national costume; they are used by every representative of the fishing people of the regions of the Far North.

Features of the blade

Features of the blade include variability in its length:

• the most common sizes are 110-170 mm;
• for children and women – 80-110 mm;
• a large knife, can be used as a full-fledged military weapon, therefore it is made extremely rarely - from 170 mm.

They also make another version of the Yakut knife - “batyya”, which is a full-fledged sword with a blade length of 500 mm, having the same curved shape as a standard tool, and an asymmetric sharpening.

The blades also differ in width:

• tundra - characterized by a narrow blade;
• alas/taiga – the blade is wide.

The first option is convenient for use during hunting, fishing, herding a herd of deer; a tundra knife is used to cut and drill holes in wooden blanks. The taiga tool is used for cutting carcasses of hunted animals (or domestic animals) and as a cutter for woodworking.

Much controversy arises regarding the appearance of the fuller on the blade: some researchers believe that it is necessary for quickly cutting frozen meat and blood flow, others are confident that the fuller was made to lighten the weight of the knife (this made it convenient for long-term use and prevented it from drowning) .

Sheath

For a Yakut knife, the sheath is a mandatory attribute, which is also distinguished by its originality. Historically, they are made from oxtail skin, which is removed in a single stocking. A wooden spacer is inserted inside, but there should not be a tight fit of the blade. This sheath design is not associated with the need to hold the weapon; the Yakuts simply protect the steel of the blade from breakage.

Reliable storage of the knife in the sheath is ensured by the size of the sheath - it hides 2/3 of the weapon and fits tightly to the handle.

Modern sheath models are made of genuine leather (regardless of what part of the animal it comes from); there are options for birch bark or wood. Worn on a belt, attached to it with a loop.

Watch the video on how to make a sheath for a Yakut knife:

Handle

The weapons of the peoples of Yakutia, whose handles are made of plastic or mammoth bone, belong to the category of souvenirs.

What steel?

The traditional Yakut knife is distinguished by soft steel - such a blade will be convenient to sharpen even in “field conditions”, when you have to make do with stones and pebbles. But modern manufacturers are already offering consumers tools made of harder steel and even Damascus - this is practical, interesting, but is not the true weapon of the peoples of Yakutia.

4 types of steel for a Yakut knife

Where it was used and is used today

Previously, the traditional Yakut knife was used:

• when hunting - they used it to cut up the carcasses of hunted animals;
• while fishing - cutting ropes and nets;
• while staying in the tundra - the knife is suitable for cutting and processing thin tree branches, cutting moss and other needs.

Today, such cutting tools are often used for household needs: cooking (in particular cutting planed meat), woodworking, making hunting snares and fishing gear.

What is a Yakut knife like?

The Yakut knife comes in different modifications, the main difference is the length of the blade, but the quality characteristics remain unchanged.

Batu

Batu (batyya) is the most massive Yakut knife, the blade length is 500 mm. This model can be used both as a spear and as a sword. The peoples of the north rarely use it, mainly in the tundra or taiga, because with its help you can:

• cut a clearing in a dense thicket;
• cut branches for the fire;
• catch fish in the river (if you have experience with a spear);
• cut into pieces a large carcass of hunted game.

Watch the video about the Yakut knife Batuya:

Bychakh

The blade length of the Yakut knife called bychakh is 110-170 mm, and these are the most common parameters. Even modern Yakut men who are not professional fishermen have such weapons. The knife is used for any housework and hunting/fishing.

They are as comfortable as possible:

• cook food - he is excellent at peeling vegetables and cutting meat;
• clean thin tree twigs for making vines;
• cut nets, ropes, cables and so on.

Yakut knife bychakh

Among the classic Yakut knives there is also a military weapon - the khotokhon, the blade of which is 170 mm long. Historically, the northern Sakha peoples rarely fought, so this instrument was not used often. But it was held in high esteem by hunters and fishermen, who spent long periods of time fishing in the tundra and taiga - the long blade allowed them to protect themselves from wild animals.

Modern khotokhon is exclusively a souvenir product and therefore, despite the fact that the parameters clearly correspond to the definition of “edged weapon,” it can be stored and purchased without special permission.

Yakut souvenir knife khotokhon

Other brand knives

Among other branded knives in Yakutia, the “bychycha” stands out, which is distinguished by a short blade - 80-110 mm. It is optimally suited for use by women; it is convenient for them to work in the kitchen - deboning meat, cutting food, including bread. Bykhycha is also used in household work - installing a yurt, cutting ropes, and so on.

This same small Yakut knife is given to children. Among the northern peoples, mastery of such an instrument is considered mandatory; the first skills are acquired at the age of 5 years and older.

Yakut knife bykhycha

Handmade Yakut knives made in Yakutia: price, where to buy real ones

Yakut knives, handmade and made in Yakutia, can be bought for 3 thousand rubles and more, but usually the cost does not exceed 6,000 rubles. You can buy a real instrument, made according to all the rules and strictly in the traditional style, on specialized websites - for example, Arm Knife.

The Yakut knife is worn on the belt on the right or left, the location depends on which hand the person has working (right-handed/left-handed). The instrument must be in a sheath; it has a loop on top, which is the locking element.

Yakut knives are not used for combat, so there is no need to ensure their quick removal - the sheath is closed like a strap.

How to make a Yakut knife with your own hands, what is needed for this

To make a Yakut knife with your own hands, you will need:

• file – source material, you need to find a Soviet-made one;
• metal rod;
• a furnace or the possibility of lighting an open fire;
• sledgehammer weighing 1500 g;
• the hammer is small, weighing a maximum of 600 g;
• machine oil, technical;
• emery wheel;
• sandpaper;
• felt circle.

These tools will be needed to make the blade. The handle is best made from hardwood.

Home making process

Algorithm for making a Yakut knife at home:

1. Saw off a piece of the required length from the file. The parameters depend on the exact size of the tool needed.
2. Weld a metal rod to the sawn edge.
3. Heat the workpiece in a forge or over an open fire. As soon as the steel stops reacting to the applied magnet, the process stops.
4. Using a sledgehammer weighing 1.5 kg, the blade is “pulled out”. You need to knock on the hot metal often, constantly turning the workpiece from one side to the other.
5. Use a sledgehammer to form a shank from a welded metal rod.
6. Forge the slopes on the blade. During this stage, the blade will begin to bend, but this is normal - the geometry will subsequently be restored.
7. The dol (“bloodstock”) is made with a piece of metal rod, which is applied to the workpiece. The structure needs to be warmed up a little in a forge or over an open fire. Then the dol itself is tapped with a light hammer, after which the rod is simply removed.
8. Align the blade in a common plane. As a result, it should be slightly curved and have a sharp tip.
9. Dipping the workpiece into boiling industrial oil is hardening the metal. Hardening time - 1 hour, temperature - 200 degrees.
10. On an emery wheel, excess metal (sagging) is removed and the plane of the blade is brought out.
11. Sanding - first with 1200 sandpaper (fine-grit), then with a felt wheel.

Watch the video on how to make a Yakut knife yourself:

The final part of the work is making the handle. It is better to use an apple tree for this. The work consists of cutting out a rectangular block with a hole into which the shank is inserted and filled with glue. Next, the handle is ground on a grinding machine and decorated with carvings as desired.

Sharpening a Yakut knife for right-handed and left-handed people

Another feature of the Yakut knife is the possibility of sharpening for right-handed and left-handed people: if a person has a “working” right hand, then sharpening work is carried out to the right of the fuller (respectively, for a left-handed person - to the left). The sharpening stone is applied to the cutting edge strictly at an angle of no more than 5 degrees.

The blade is sharpened with movements from top to bottom - from the butt to the edge, the process continues until a thin shiny line appears on the blade. In the Yakut language it is called “kylaan” and is the sharpest part of the knife.

Learn more about how to choose the best switchblade.

Yakut knives are easy to use, they are not classified as edged weapons, and are successfully used in the kitchen, around the house, and in hunting/fishing.

Unlike Russians, the Yakuts believe that spicy food can be given without a ritual and with the payment of a pretty penny. You just need to remember that if you present a knife, then along with it you trust the person with your destiny and even life.

Among the many nationalities inhabiting Siberia, the Yakuts are one of the most mysterious. This is the northernmost people of the Turkic group: the closest to it<языковые>relatives live two thousand kilometers to the southwest - in the Sayan Mountains and Altai.

What made the Yakut-Sakha hundreds of years ago exchange their distant homeland for the harsh northern region, where, as legends say, the grass never turned yellow and the birds never flew away, we will never know. Scientists have established that around the 15th - 16th centuries, the Yakut people emerged from diverse groups of alien herders and aborigines - Tungus hunters and reindeer herders

Blacksmiths and shamans

The bulk of the people settled on the relatively spacious and grass-rich floodplains of the Middle Lena, Aldan, Amga and Vilyuy. These people remained pastoralists: horses and cows adapted perfectly to the new conditions. But there were few places suitable for grazing livestock, and they were the property of the clan (aga uusa). Both livestock and plots had to be protected: stories bring to us bloody legends about<веке войн> - <кыргыс юйэтэ>, when the right to life and property had to be defended with the help of steel.

The Yakuts have long had developed ironworking and blacksmithing crafts, so edged weapons were in abundance.
The blacksmiths who produced it were revered by the Yakuts on a par with shamans.<Кузнецы и шаманы - из одного гнезда>- says the Yakut proverb. It was believed that, like professional intermediaries between people and the other world, masters have the gift of healing and divination, but are constantly under threat from evil spirits.

After all, the blacksmith received his craft not from anyone, but from the ominous deity Kydaai Maksin, the blacksmith leader of the underworld. That is why the blacksmith must work all the time and maintain the fire - in this way he scares away evil spirits. This craft was passed down from generation to generation. It was believed that in the ninth generation a blacksmith reaches such heights of skill that he is able to make even magical objects, such as a shaman’s robe and parts of a tambourine. Such a master also has unusual instruments - they themselves, like talismans, are able to scare away evil spirits and make sounds. And this master’s knives are amazing: if a person touches a bear or other animal with such a blade, they immediately fall dead. These knives, known as bykhakh, are no less mysterious than the origins of the Yakut people.
Amazing shape

The asymmetrical blade profile is widespread in Southeast Asia, from Japanese chef's knives to the Dayak jungle knife of Kalimantan. The trigger on such models, as a rule, is formed on the side of the working hand: for right-handers it is on the right side, for left-handers it is on the left. But regarding the bykhakh, everything is done exactly the opposite: for a right-handed person the triggers are on the left side, and for left-handed people - on the right. However, on long chopping knives everything falls into place: descents<переезжают>on the side corresponding to the working hand.

The reason for this arrangement is the peculiarities of the use of a knife by the Yakut. The main construction material is wood. Therefore, this shape provides additional advantages when removing chips, and also significantly simplifies the sharpening process. This knife is sharpened mainly from the descent side: only the burr is removed from the smooth side edge. This form is suitable for both skinning and flaking fish. In general, a tool for all trades. The blade has a short length - up to 170 mm. However, more often than not it varies from 100 to 120 mm: such a blade suits the owner quite well. Mounting of the blade is mounted, in a straight handle with an ovoid profile. The handle material is birch suvel, durable and reliable. Moreover, quite often the blade is inserted as if obliquely: the smooth edge is inclined at a slight angle to the longitudinal plane of the handle. Some researchers argue that this is a later layering: an attempt to give the knife greater versatility by making the profile closer to symmetrical.

One of the most controversial and unusual details is the fuller on the flat edge of the blade. You will hear all sorts of hypotheses about its purpose! Archaeologists believe that this element has been preserved since prehistoric times, when the knife was made entirely of bone. The bone was cut lengthwise and diagonally, and the internal channel from the bone marrow formed the notorious valley. The hypothesis is interesting, but let us remember that the Russian Cossacks who came to Yakutia for quite a long time used the services of not only Yakut blacksmiths, but also local iron producers. To think that dol was preserved solely out of devotion to prehistoric traditions is to disrespect the professionalism of Yakut craftsmen.

A more interesting point of view connects the presence of a fuller with the technological features of manufacturing the blade. The fact is that the blade part of the knife has a convex<брюшко>: while forging such a fuller, the blacksmith simultaneously expanded the blade in the place he needed. Be that as it may, today this technique is rarely used: both the blade and the fuller are torn out with an abrasive tool.

The last hypothesis connects the presence of a fuller with a change in knife manufacturing technology. The famous ethnographer V.L. Seroshevsky noted what actually happened before his eyes at the end of the 19th century, the genesis of the shape of the blade: the right side<слегка вогнутая: в последнее время с этой стороны стали делать якутские мастера желобок>. The concavity of the flat edge is well known on Japanese chef's knives. This technological technique is necessary to compensate for the leash associated with hardening knives with an asymmetrical profile, which has a composite structure: a hard blade part and a soft lining. Surely the Yakut blacksmiths also mastered this technique, used to save high-quality steel and also give the blade strength. After the transition to all-steel knives, the need for concavity disappeared, and the fuller began to be made in order to give the blade additional rigidity.
However, over time, the true meaning of this technique was lost due to the decline in the production culture of blacksmithing during the years of Soviet power: fullers began to be made on the opposite side of the blade, or even on both sides at once.

From oxtail

The scabbard deserves special words. As a rule, they are made from a single piece of wood. The inner part of the workpiece is hollowed out in such a way that the handle is fixed by the mouth, being placed about a third into it. The suspension is a flexible loop attached to the top of the mouth.

Often the scabbard is covered with leather. The design of the one-piece leather sheath is especially interesting. They use thick leather from the base of the bull's tail. They say that you can also use a cow's tail, but true experts insist: only a bull! The skin, removed like a stocking from the tail, is processed in a special way and dried directly on the knife. The result is a tough, durable and comfortable sheath. Unfortunately, the art of making them has been practically lost: while a real Yakut knife can still be found, albeit with great difficulty, the correct scabbard can only be found in particularly remote uluses.

The years of Soviet power significantly undermined the once thriving trade: the Yakut knife is becoming a rarity. Until recently, it was classified as a bladed weapon, which also did not contribute to the expansion of its circulation. Perhaps this is one of the few knives awarded a special state legislative act. So<Положение о порядке изготовления, сбыта, приобретения, ношения и перевозки якутского ножа на территории Республики Саха (Якутия)>was awarded special resolution No. 409 of the government of the Republic of Sakha dated September 12, 1995.

Only on May 13, 2003, the State Standard of Russia approved the technical conditions for AFCP<Сардана>for the production of household cutting knives<Якутский>. Let's hope that through the efforts of such masters as A. Kuznetsov, N. Potapov, S. Bilyukin and many others, the Yakut knife will be able to regain its rightful place.

Tell us about the Yakut knife<быхах>(byhax) We asked Anatoly Kuznetsov, a famous master from Southern Yakutia - Neryungri, for more details.

The very word that defines the name of the people - Sakha - emanates hoary antiquity. In the ancient Turkic world, Sakas were the name of nomadic conquerors - Kipchaks. The Yakut received a special character strengthening thanks to the harsh, homeless northern nature.
The art of blacksmithing was preserved by the Yakuts from their ancestors and was developed already in the 10th-12th centuries. Among the metals, Yakut craftsmen knew iron, copper, bronze, silver, tin, lead, and gold. It was in this sequence that metals were valued. Iron had the greatest distribution. Conversely, the Yakuts did not like gold, considering it copper with less good mechanical properties. Russian Cossacks in the 17th century met resistance from the Yakuts, who fought on horseback and protected by iron armor. The warrior was armed with a bow with many types of tips, an iron sword<болот-палаш>, melee spear -<эну>YнYY, darts -<кустук>, <батас>- a kind of knife about half a meter long and<батыйа>- shortened type<батаса>. The longest multi-purpose weapon was<кылыс>.
The quality of iron obtained from ore by Yakut blacksmiths was highly valued. Voivode Vasily Pushkin in 1647, reporting to the Siberian order about the inspection of Yakut iron by Russian blacksmiths, noted that it was recognized<то железо против лутшего немецкаго>. Later, the craftsmen themselves were much less likely to engage in ore mining and processing, since in the 18th century state factories began to open in Siberia and metal could be bought or exchanged for furs.
Of all the Yakut metal tools, the Yakut knife, in my opinion, deserves attention. Knives are often found in materials from archaeological excavations. And this gives grounds to assert that their design has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries. Bykhakh - small, 12-18 cm, shank 5-7 cm, inserted into a handle made of birch root. On the edge (byhax haptahaya - the flat side of the knife on the right side) a dol is knocked out<йос>(Yoc). The knife is sharpened on the left side (if you hold it with the handle towards you). The almond-shaped handle, round at the top and almost pointed at the bottom, always ensures a secure grip.
Manifold<обязанностей>The Yakut knife is amazing. Yakuts say:<Нож - моя третья рука>. With its help, a master can plan a huge choron (cup for kumys) from a solid birch block and decorate it with openwork carvings; with a knife, he skins animals, butchers a carcass, tans leather, sews clothes, and makes furniture. The knife perfectly replaces a plane, creating dense shavings, and by applying the necessary force, the master regulates the depth of immersion of the blade into the material. They use this same knife to fish, hunt, and even carve children’s toys.

I made my first knife at the age of 15 and gave it to a friend. Since then it has become one of my favorite hobbies. Subsequently, I very often traveled to different parts of our republic. Almost all men in villages carry a knife with them at all times, and this comes as no surprise to anyone. A Yakut, putting on clothes with a dangling knife in the morning, does not part with it until late in the evening. With the help of a knife, not only all household kitchen work is performed, but during meals it also replaces all the cutlery familiar to Yakuts, because the basis of the diet is mainly meat and fish.
On my trips, I tried to get acquainted with the work of local craftsmen involved in the production of Yakut knives, noting for myself certain manufacturing features. I use this experience, but my work is based on my grandfather’s classic Yakut knife.
There are many craftsmen in Yakutia who preserve the glory of the Yakut knife - this wonderful cultural phenomenon. There are centers where traditions are passed on to students. I hope my story will help the Yakut knife take its rightful place among ethnic knives, as well as in the arsenals of hunters and fishermen.