Takeo Murata

Takeo Murata Buho Santoku

£95.00

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Handle
£95.00

A very affordable range that offers great looks and a famously well ground edge that would be a perfect introduction to the look and feel of Japanese knives at a price we sometimes can't believe!

 
Product Code: MURA-001

About this range

First Impressions

The finish of the cutting edge is excellent for such an affordable knife and it's obvious from the first use that the skill of Murata san has created a quality blade.

Beauty

The Buho is a classic Japanese knife, a blue #1 steel core clad in soft iron with a magnolia or dark pakka wood handle is about as traditional as it gets. It has a rustic charm and over time the cutting edge darkens and develops a patina.

In Hand

Light and comfortable, the balance point on most of the buho knives tends to be somewhere between the heel and the kanji on the blade.

Durability

Blue #1 is a durable carbon steel and we've had many happy years of use from our own buho nakiri and find the edge retention is impressive for a knife range at this price point. 

Ease of Care

This is a very reactive knife, the core steel develops a patina and the soft iron cladding can be prone to rusting if left undried.

We would certainly recommend following our carbon steel care tips and if purchasing a buho knife, we'd suggest including a carbon steel care kit in your basket to help with longer term care.

Our Verdict

The buho is exceptional value for money.

It's got the looks, it's got many of the properties and a great level of sharpness on the cutting edge but gives those who are considering investing in a carbon steel knife a real chance to do so without breaking the bank.

Knife Measurements

  • Blade Length: 163mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Length: 310mm (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 45.2mm (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 3.39mm (Spine width above the heel) 2.51mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.54mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 115 grams

Range Specifications

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Sayas, guards and knife protection

Protection & care for this knife

Both the magnolia santoku and bunka saya fit this knife as does the santoku size (22x5cm) blade guard.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Takeo Murata

Takeo Murata is a blacksmith from Kochi Japan who began his apprenticeship at 16 in 1965 and is famed for his craftsmanship and the balance of his knives.

How to choose the perfect knife

We've helped thousands of customers choose their perfect knife since 2011 and we're here to help you too.

Read our guide to choosing a Japanese knife and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!