About Takeo Murata - Since the early days of Knifewear, Murata-san has been one of our favourite knife makers. Located in Kochi, Takeo Murata is well known as the top knife maker on Shikoku Island. In 1965, at the age of 16, he started his apprenticeship working with his uncle Tokaiji, the foremost blacksmith of his time. Murata-san’s knives continue to be a stunning example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, many decades later. The kanji on the knife blade reads “Made by Buhou”. Buhou is Murata’s chosen artisan name, like how Ian Fraser Kilmister is more commonly known as Lemmy.