The first Kinai was from Ōmi (present Shiga pref.) and gained fame by creating remarkable carvings as a sword engraver, particularly for the first Yasutsugu of the Shimosaka school of swordsmiths.

 The school relocated to Echizen (present Fukui pref.) and thrived for about seven generations throughout the Edo period, inscribing their work with "Echizen-koku Kinai-saku" (Made by Kinai in Echizen Province).

 This circular iron Tsuba is polished and engraved with reliefs of charcoal, writing brush, a fan, Tanzaku (paper strips), and heart-shaped Inome cutout. The school traditionally inscribed 'Echizen-jū' on the right side of the rear Seppa-dai (the base of the Tsuba), and 'Kinai-saku' on the left side.

Late Edo period