Period:

Basic Shape:

Many shapes are found, but a round shape was used most frequently.

Seppa-dai:

Elongated. Similar to those of the Owari sukashi tsuba but may be slightly inferior; the top and bottom are usually rounded. Tohachi's seppa dai are usually a full oval.

Forging:

The forging is splendid and feels hard. Later work is softer iron, or hard iron well tempered. The iron has good color and beautiful variations to the surface and texture. A very skillful arrangement of the hammer marks, on a polished surface, is commonly found. In the early work the iron is usually hard with strong hammer work on the web.

Thickness:

Usually a little thicker than average (5 to 6 millimeters), or more.

Edge:

Round, kakumimi koniku, or marumimi kakumi.

Design Characteristics:

The early work resembles the styles of openwork of Owari or Kyoto, on occasion we see Kyo-Shoami style. There are also shapes and designs of the early period which would seem to be of original conception. In later work the designs are kiri plant, chrysanthemum, snow flakes, plum flower, plum branch, seven cherry blossoms, pine tree in distance, bamboo, catfish, crane, family crests, and others.

Plate Metal:

The majority are iron. Very rarely copper, shakudo, or shibuichi will be found.

Sukashi:

The openwork is very skillful with the edges of the perforations slightly rounded, this is called menwo toru.

Inlay:

High relief inlay is not to be found, but nunome and hira-zogan are fairly common. The inlay is tastefully done, and strongly applied. The niju karakusa is very deftly applied, the parallel lines never touching, and the distance between the lines remaining uniform.