Kokubunji Sukekuni resided at Abehigashi-jo in Tojo, Bingo Province, and is recorded as having worked in both Bingo and provinces -- one tradition holding that these two attributions refer to the individual. The long-held -period identification of him as " Province Kokubunji" is now regarded as erroneous, with the character zen likely a scribal error for shu, pointing instead to Bingo. The Kokon Meizukushi treats Sukekuni as the founder of the Hokke Ichijo lineage. Extant dated works bearing the era names Gentoku, Kenmu, Genko, Mototoku, and Karyaku place his period of activity in the late to early period, and extant signed works by this smith are extremely few.
Sukekuni's workmanship encompasses several distinct modes that reflect his position between the Yamato and forging traditions. His differs from the high-, broad form characteristic of Ko-, presenting instead a more conventional appearance -- at times powerfully wide with and -zori. His forging shows , sometimes tightly packed as , mixed with and flowing grain; adheres thickly, fine enter, and appears, ranging from to a whitish tendency. His spans multiple manners: pieces in a -based style with conspicuous that call to mind the unrui appearance associated with ; works with strong Yamato character resembling old ; and somewhat more florid incorporating and with tendencies. Throughout, and enter well, with and appearing, and the temper is predominantly with a tight .
The consistently emphasize Sukekuni's capacity to display abundant variety within the , noting the lively effect produced by the mixing of small , angular forms, and pointed elements within a foundation. Works retaining with pronounced -zori and are praised for forming an especially good and convincing shape, while blades with ample and (sound and well-preserved) condition are singled out as excellent signed works among his oeuvre. His position as a transitional figure -- bridging the Yamato character of Ko- with certain qualities -- affords him a distinctive place within the broader Kokubunji tradition.