Hikozaemon no Jo Sukesada is counted among the foremost masters of the tradition, active principally during the Tenbun and Eiroku eras of the late period. Swordsmith indexes record three generations bearing the appellation Hikozaemon, and it is the second generation -- with dated works confirmed from Tenbun 16 (1547) through Tenbun 21 (1552) -- who is most fully represented among designated works. Together with Yosazaemon no Jo, Genbei no Jo, and Hikobei no Jo, Hikozaemon no Jo Sukesada stands as one of the representative masters among the many smiths who bore the Sukesada name, distinguished by especially high technical skill.
His working range is broad, encompassing two principal modes characteristic of this period: a koshi-hiraki of compound () structure, and a broad temper enlivened by and , with entering and the overall tending toward . In either mode one may perceive his high level of technique. His forging is a well-packed mixed with , frequently producing with fine , and at its best presents a strongly steely character (). The is typically a deeply tempered , and may enter. His blades characteristically display the late -period style: somewhat wide , a shaved-down producing a high ridge and broad , together with .
Though swords bearing his full signature are few, the has recognized works of especially excellent workmanship among them, terming individual blades representative works of this smith. Across both the and idioms, his output consistently displays the defining characteristics of craftsmanship at its highest level, and his pieces are valued for the clarity with which they express the conventions of the tradition while demonstrating a breadth of accomplishment unusual among smiths of this school.