Sukehira of Province has been celebrated since antiquity as one of the " Sanpira" --- the Three Hiras of --- together with Takahira and Kanehira. His period of activity falls within the late to early period, placing him among the founding figures of the tradition. Of the three legendary smiths, extant works by Kanehira are encountered from time to time, whereas those by Sukehira are extremely rare; as for Takahira, no fully reliable works have yet been confirmed. Notably, every authenticated example of Sukehira's work bears the long five-character signature " no Sukehira," boldly cut with a fine chisel and positioned below the toward the --- a convention that distinguishes him from Kanehira, whose surviving blades include both long and two-character signatures.
Sukehira's characteristically present a slender build with pronounced , high that grows shallower toward the tip, and a , together producing what the describes as a graceful and elegant silhouette. The forging shows mixed with , with well adhering and fine entering repeatedly; a standing is distinctly visible. The is based on a temper mixed with , , and , containing and with thickly adhering . Fine and run throughout, while along the hardened edge intermittent and mingle --- features that evoke the archaic fragrance and deep flavor characteristic of early work. In subtly shortened examples, a low-tempered -based with a subdued shibumi flavor prevails, both and richly covered with .
The has repeatedly praised Sukehira's finest surviving for their dignified yet austere demeanor, noting that the desirability of the form is especially notable. His authenticated works are recognized as exceptionally valuable documentary material, and the fact that both and remain in condition --- sound and well-preserved --- is singled out as particularly commendable. Altogether, these works clearly manifest the koko and points of appreciation that define the earliest stratum of the swordsmithing tradition.