Sadatsuna is traditionally regarded as belonging to the lineage of ancient Hoki Yasutsuna of Hoki Province. Beginning with Yasutsuna, and including Sanemori -- traditionally said to have been his son -- as well as members of the line such as Aritsuna, Yasuie, and Sanekage, this group is collectively referred to as "Ko-Hoki." They flourished from the late period into the early period. According to sword reference works, Sadatsuna is traditionally recorded as the son of Ohara Sanemori, though one theory holds he was Sanemori's grandson. Extant signed by this smith are exceedingly few, making preserved examples with and legible signatures exceptionally valuable as documentary material. The prominent file marks seen on Sadatsuna's tangs do not appear on Yasutsuna or Sanemori, but they are observed on Aritsuna, who is also regarded as belonging to this group.
In manner of workmanship, Sadatsuna's forging shows mixed with and flowing grain, frequently incorporating with a conspicuously standing texture known as . The steel intermingles and dark mottled patches called , producing a characteristic blackish cast, while often emerges across the ground. Compared to contemporaneous works, which the Ko-Hoki group superficially resembles, the texture of the forging possesses a more rustic, vigorous character. The is typically based on or , mixed with , , and ; adheres thickly and in places becomes rough and strongly expressed. The frequently shows , while , , and run conspicuously throughout. The characteristically takes on an tendency -- a moist, soft quality -- with a or subdued character that distinguishes it from the brighter edge lines of . Within the Ko-Hoki group, Sadatsuna's work is further distinguished by height variations in the tempering and a florid, variegated quality to the hardened edge, at times incorporating of somewhat larger, tufted form that reveals a perceptible temperament.
Sadatsuna's works occupy a distinctive position within the Ko-Hoki tradition. While the group as a whole shares a markedly rustic and untrammeled flavor that sets it apart from the refinement of , Sadatsuna's blades often display a particularly brilliant interplay of activities in both and . His finest examples combine a powerful and dignified -- frequently retaining , high , and a graceful silhouette concluding in -- with abundant and plentiful throughout the hardened edge. The comparatively well-kneaded forging seen in certain attributions, together with fine yet varied activities extending through both ground and edge, provide nuanced changes that elevate his best work to an especially outstanding level of craftsmanship. One signed was transmitted in the Tokugawa shogunal house, attesting to the esteem in which these blades have been held. As extant works by this smith remain rare, each example carries considerable significance for the study of early Japanese swordmaking in the San'in region.