The Osaka Tsuda School originated in Settsu Province, now Hyogo and Osaka.
It was formalized by Soboro Sukehiro 助廣, whose civil name was Tsuda Yabei, at the beginning of the Edo era, around 1650.

Sukehiro 助廣 began his career in Tsuda in Harima Province (South West of Hyogo) and then studied under the nickname ‘Soboro Sukehiro’ in Osaka with Kawachi No Kami Kunisuke 河内守国助. Kawachi No Kami Kunisuke was himself a pupil of the great Horikawa Kunihiro 堀川国広 of the Umetada Myoju School.

Sukehiro 1^st Gen. developed the Tsuda school in Osaka and adopted ‘Tsuda Jinnojo’ (Echizen No Kami Sukehiro) as pupil, who became the second generation Sukehiro. Together, they created the Hamon Toran-Midare, of which this blade is a perfect example. It was in 1657 that Sukehiro 1^st gen. retired, leaving his successor as representative of the Tsuda School.
Sukehiro 2^nde Generation adopted a young apprentice, ‘Tsuda Magodayu’, who became Sukenao. He married the daughter of his master Sukehiro in 1675. He forged during the second half of the 17^th century (1668-93).

The most emblematic blacksmiths of this school are the two first generations Sukehiro 助廣 and Sukenao 助直 (student of the 2^th Gen. Sukehiro). Their signatures are quite easily recognizable, in rounded cursive style (Sosho). Sukehiro blades are known for the beauty of Toran-Ba, fine grain, and exceptional sharpness.
It is a very famous forge school, like the Yasutsugu school in Echizen at the same time. Sukehiro 2^th gen, who was in the service of Aoyama Munetoshi at Osaka Castle, even forged with Inoue Shinkai, one of the best blacksmiths of that period. This blade is a perfect example of the Osaka Tsuda Shinto School, please appreciate it.