Taira Sadamori 平定盛, also known as Hikosuke 彦助, was a blacksmith of the Taira Takada school who forged between 1532 and 1558. He was the son of Taira Nagamori 平長盛, who was considered one of the best blacksmiths in this school. Between 1504 and 1644, there were 4 generations of blacksmiths named Taira Sadamori, this one, Hikosuke, represents the 2^nd generation. This blade was forged during the Tenbun era (1532 – 1555).

The former province of Bungo 豊後 is located in the current prefecture of Oita in Kyushu. Saber-making was particularly successful during the Muromachi period, as it took place between the Korean Wars and the Honshu battles for reunification.

The Takada School, founded by Takada Tomoyuki 友行 during the Nanbokucho period (1334-1338 A.D.), was renowned for its exceptional sword-making techniques. Tomoyuki was trained in the Bizen tradition in Osafune and he also studied the Soshu tradition in Kamakura with Sadamune 貞宗 before returning to Takada village to establish his school there. We even notice in the works of this school influences of 4 of the 5 great traditions, Yamato, Yamashiro, Bizen and Soshu. This tradition of excellence has continued for generations.

There are two Takada appellations following the time, before the Edo period, this school is nicknamed «Taira Takada», then at the beginning of the Edo period «Fujiwara Takada».

During the Sengoku period (from the 15^th to the end of the 16^th century), the Takada school produced many swords for the samurai of Kyushu. These blades were highly prized, often compared to the famous Mino and Bizen swords. The Bungo domain, under the rule of Otomo Yoshishige (also known as Sorin), experienced a great military and political force, the Takada school forging swords for warriors in the service of the Otomo clan.

Kyushu’s strategic position in trade with Asian countries has fostered a prosperous environment for sword-making. The reputation of the Takada school for the quality of its swords ensured a constant demand from feudal lords involved in regional conflicts.
In addition, high-quality raw materials (steel and coal) were plentiful on Mount Sobo Katamuki, near the village of Takada. Takada blades were even known to be able to damage Higo’s powerful Dotanuki blades.