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Murata-san makes some really interesting knife shapes. If you're familiar with Kosuke Muneishi for example, also a Tosa region blacksmith, but want some spunk in your knife shape repertoire, then Murata knives may become your brand of choice.
This Boho series of knives is made out of blue (Aogami) steel #1 with a iron-clad Tosa kurouchi finish. The benefits of blue steel #1 compared to #2 are its increased corrosion resistance and higher carbon content than blue steel #2. Though it has less toughness than blue steel #1, for the kitchen knife pros out there, this won't be a problem with proper technique.
So you know the definition of ko (small) and bocho (kitchen knife), but wonder, what does a small kitchen knife have to do with the shape? That's why we're here, to make it less confusing for you. In this case, the 120mm ko-bocho can more closely be compared to a very, very short santoku. What we mean is that it has much more height than your typical petty, and has a sheepsfoot tip like a santoku. In many ways, this increases the versatility of this shape, so could be a fun knife to add to your collection.
Blacksmith: Murata Boho
Core steel: Aogami #1/ Blue #1
Cladding: Traditional Iron Cladding
HRC: ~62
Height: 38.5mm
Blade length: 120mm
Thickness at Spine: 2.6mm
Weight: 42g (Blade only)