Born in 1949, in the small village if Kochi, Takeo started working with his uncle - one of the foremost blacksmiths of Western Japan - at the age of 16. His uncle specialised in the making of fine Samurai swords and Takeo worked as his apprentice for about 10 years before starting on his own.

As the market for swords is very limited Takeo honed his art in the making of fine knives. There are approximately 100 shapes that he specialises in and is widely recognised for his ability at forging them.

Working in a small workshop, under a dim 40-watt light source Murata san crafts some of the most sought after and finest kitchen knives in Japan. The dim light is necessary in judging whether or not the metal is at the correct temperature for forging. Using the naked eye, this judgement is made by the colour of the metal whilst heating. The low, stable light condition is necessary to evaluate the exact colour.

Ably assisted by his wife, Mikkiko, the couple produces what are considered in Japan to be the finest Custom Made Blades available.