Mitsukane is regarded as a disciple of Kunitoshi of Yamashiro Province and is an unusually distinctive smith within the school. Tradition holds that he also traveled to in and studied under Nagamitsu, though many transmitted records state that he first studied under Nagamitsu and only afterwards entered the school of Kunitoshi. Because of a legend that he secluded himself in the Konpon Chudo of Enryakuji on Mount Hiei to forge swords, he is known as "Chudo "; he is likewise called "Totsu " from having lived and forged at Totsu in Omi Province. Active in the late period, Mitsukane signed only the two characters "Mitsukane" and is not known to have used the character "" above them. Extant signed works are extremely few — no survive, and his oeuvre consists only of . Most show a closely resembling that of Kunitoshi; however, a single work exhibiting a predominantly -based — the celebrated " Mitsukane" (Important Cultural Property) — appears to support the tradition of his connection with the Nagamitsu lineage, its workmanship at a glance calling to mind Kagemitsu while retaining a strong Yamashiro coloration.
A hallmark of this smith's is the markedly thick, strongly apparent bedding of , giving a forceful visual effect; conversely, the relaxed and gentle texture generally termed "-" is comparatively uncommon in his work. The Nyo Tebi-kisho observes that "compared to Kunitoshi, the ground is bluer in tone, clear down to its depths, and the are fine and vivid — like the brilliant of Yoshimitsu." His tends to be stronger and clearer than that of Kunitoshi and Kunimitsu alike. Construction is characteristically stout, with thick and slightly extended proportions. He tempers a in with deep ; adheres well, and appear. Rather than simply following his master Kunitoshi, he shows greater variation within the tempered edge, and stands out toward the . The is a further point of distinction: with a large roundness and a broad, long return of the hardened area, with in the markedly stronger than in Kunitoshi's work.
The has repeatedly described Mitsukane's and as showing workmanship that is "outstanding" and of "superior" quality, with pieces assessed as manifesting his characteristics "splendidly" and in "especially outstanding" condition. His finest works display of exceptional clarity and a that is "bright and clear" (), the tight and luminous. That his unsigned works can be confidently attributed on the basis of style alone — and that the has judged some to "even surpass signed Mitsukane examples" — testifies to the strength and consistency of his artistic identity. Within the broader lineage, Mitsukane occupies a singular position: a smith whose and are a step more forceful than those of his master, whose deep and vivid distinguish him from the prevailing aesthetic, and whose rare surviving works stand among the most prized blades of the Yamashiro tradition.