Now in his eighties, Mr. Itou only began making knives full time after retiring from his first career some 30 years ago. . 

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Mr. Itou became intrigued with the knife making craft after retirement and set out to make his own knife. Luckily for him he lives near Takefu City where there is a high concentration of traditional knife makers, and began training and picking up tips with local knife makers. He picked up skills at a rapid pace, and before he knew it his knives were gaining recognition in Japan, and around the world. His choice of steel is strictly R2 powder steel. He explains that while there are other powder steel that can achieve a higher HRC, he likes R2 because it is easier for the user to sharpen and maintain. He hand hammers and forge welds his knives making them all one of a kind and truly collectable pieces. 

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Mr.Itou is a firm believer that his knives should have fun and funky handles so the user can be inspired to create wonderful food. It is this reason that has him scouring the world for unique materiala. He uses everything from Mammoth molar to Abalone shell, to camel bone.

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Knife Stuff

Steel: R2 Powder stainless steel

HRC 62~63

Handle: Custom Western