Kanewaka of Kashu was originally from Province and later relocated to , establishing what would become one of the most distinguished lineages of the Hokuriku region. The first generation, known as Tsujimura Jinroku, began forging swords in with dated works commencing from Keicho 9 (1604); around Genna 5 (1619) he received the court title no Kami and changed his name to Takahira. The second generation, called Matasuke, was the third son of the founder, born in Keicho 17 (1612) and active from 'ei through Enpo, dying in Enpo 5 (1677) at the age of sixty-six. The third generation, Shiroemon, was the legitimate heir of Matasuke and carried on the family tradition from the era through Shotoku, a span of roughly fifty years. It is said that early in his career the third generation frequently produced works made in his father's stead and also executed pieces bearing his father's name as and . A fourth generation, Tsujiura Shiroemon, inherited the name after his father's death, and his works have been recognized even among the imperial collection.
The Kanewaka lineage retained a strong flavor deriving from its place of origin. The first generation's workmanship characteristically shows a tendency mixed with and pointed , with adhering well; appear, and the is bright. His forging displays with a tendency toward flowing grain, the standing out with and abundant , imparting an antique impression noted by examiners as characteristic of the northern provinces' workmanship. From the second generation onward, a clearly defined -ba became the family's most recognized hallmark: the valleys of the assume angular, boxed contours in a manner the consistently describe as . The second generation's with , angular , and deep clearly exhibits the traits of work, while sweeps conspicuously through the temper and appear. In the third generation, the tends to become more sharply defined, and works in forging, while comparatively uncommon, demonstrate the breadth of the school's technical range.
Taken collectively, the Kanewaka school produced swords of a forceful, spirited presence. Each generation was highly skilled, and the note that the third generation proved worthy of his father and grandfather. Particularly distinctive are their taka-no- influences and vigorous along the edge, with the characteristically finishing in . The school's works span , , , and , and examples bearing the maker's common name or precise dates are valued as documentary material. Among early smiths of , the Kanewaka line stands as a defining presence, and its finest works are praised as possessing both dignified and bold vigor.