Kanetsugu is the first-generation smith of the Naoe lineage in Province, traditionally identified as either a son or a disciple of Saburo Kaneuji. Kaneuji himself, counted among the celebrated Ten Disciples of Masamune (Masamune jittetsu), came to reside in the area of and established a flourishing school there. Subsequently, his students Kanetomo, Kanetsugu, Kaneshige, Kanenobu, and others relocated to Naoe within the province and forged swords in that locale; accordingly, the smiths of this group are collectively referred to as Naoe . In signed works, the form of the character closely resembles that used by Kaneuji, suggesting an intimate master-disciple relationship. Kanetsugu is assigned to the Kanno era (from 1350), and a dated bearing an inscription of Kanno 1 survives as an exceptionally important chronological anchor.
The workmanship of Kanetsugu operates within the tradition yet exhibits features particular to the lineage. The forging typically shows mixed with and , tending toward , with thick and prominent . The is characteristically tempered in mixed with and , frequently displaying a -tendency; adheres well, with and running through, and uchi-noke and appearing to produce a powerful, compelling impression. The is typically or , turning back with in a rounded return. Works attributed to proper show a manner closest to Masamune among the jittetsu, while Naoe pieces demonstrate a that is deep and bright, with fine well adhering.
Signed works by Kanetsugu are exceedingly rare, and reliable examples number only a small handful. Each constitutes not only valuable reference material for identifying both this smith and the broader Naoe group, but also provides an important foundation for the study of the lineage as a whole. The finest examples display excellent clarity in both and , with a commanding sense of spirit that fully upholds the legacy of the - as transmitted through .