Suketsugu is traditionally regarded as the son of Toshitsugu, with the name continuing through several generations from the early period down into the late period. The group of province is said to have begun with Yasutsugu around the Shodan era (1171–1175), thereafter producing many distinguished smiths through the late period; works dating no later than approximately the mid- period are designated . Representative smiths — Moritsugu, Tametsugu, Tsugie, Tsugutada, Sadatsugu, Yasutsugu, Kanetsugu, Tsunetsugu, Toshitsugu, and Suketsugu — share the character "tsugu" (次) as a common element in their names. According to the early eleventh-century Sarugakki, swords were already counted among notable regional products, and the school, with and Manju as their base of activity, came to prominence as heirs to that high reputation.
In workmanship, Suketsugu's forging characteristically shows mixed with and , with a finely standing grain that produces the (crêpe-like texture) regarded as entirely characteristic of . Minute adheres well, with conspicuous , and — sometimes — appears rising toward the side. The is typically based on mixed with small , accompanied by , , and ; adheres well, with fine and running through the tempered edge. The tends toward tightness. Signatures are cut on the side — a distinguishing convention of that differs from — and the file marks are consistently , executed with a bold, heavy chisel. The observes that compared with contemporary works, blades "convey a somewhat quieter and more subdued () taste."
Suketsugu's are repeatedly praised for possessing an "imposing and dignified appearance," with archaic, -based exhibiting — a moist, soft quality — and "a high degree of refinement." The and are noted for manifesting " characteristics in many respects," and examiners consistently affirm that both and are (sound and well-preserved). At their most expressive, his works depart from the school's quiet norm to display wide, vigorously fluctuating mixing , , and — a mode compared to the National Treasure by Yasutsugu transmitted in the Shimazu family. Across the full range of his oeuvre, Suketsugu is recognized as a representative smith whose works possess "a deep and richly savoring quality" and "a deep and lasting appeal."