Okatsune KST217 or KST231: Which Shears Should You Choose?
Okatsune KST217 and KST231 look very similar, so when choosing Japanese hedge shears, a natural question arises: which model should you choose?
Both models have short 300 mm wooden handles and are designed for trimming shrubs, hedges, and topiary forms. The main difference between them is in the working part.
The Okatsune KST217 has 175 mm blades and an overall length of 535 mm.
The Okatsune KST231 has longer 200 mm blades and an overall length of 570 mm.
A difference of 25 mm may seem small, but it is noticeable during use. Blade length determines how deeply the shears can reach into a shrub and how much surface can be processed with each pass.
Let's take a closer look at how these models differ and which Japanese hedge shears are better suited to different tasks.
Okatsune KST217: Versatile Model with 175 mm Blades
Okatsune KST217 has an overall length of 535 mm, 300 mm handles, and 175 mm blades. The weight is 800 g.
The short handles allow you to hold the shears close to the working area. This is especially convenient when shaping shrubs, performing detailed trimming, and working where longer handles may get in the way.
Okatsune describes the KST217 as a versatile model with short handles and medium-length blades. It is suitable for hedges, topiary trimming of boxwood and thuja, as well as work in confined spaces. The Kenzan Kiev website also states that Okatsune shears are made in Japan, with a significant part of the components produced by hand. (kenzan-kiev.com)
The main advantage of the KST217 is its balance. The shears are compact enough for precise work while still having a full-size 175 mm working blade.
Okatsune KST231: Long 200 mm Blades
Okatsune KST231 has the same short 300 mm handles, but features longer 200 mm blades.
The overall length is 570 mm, while the weight listed on the Kenzan Kiev product page is 880 g. Okatsune also describes this model as having short handles combined with a long blade. (kenzan-kiev.com)
The blades are 25 mm longer than those of the KST217. As a result, the KST231 can reach deeper into a shrub and process a larger surface area with each working pass.
This makes the Okatsune KST231 particularly interesting for shaping large shrubs, hedges, and large topiary surfaces.
At the same time, the short handles keep your hands close to the working area. The result is a combination of compact handles and a long blade.
Okatsune KST217 and KST231: What Is the Main Difference?
The main difference can be summarized by the length of the working part.
Feature | Okatsune KST217 | Okatsune KST231 |
Overall length | 535 mm | 570 mm |
Handle length | 300 mm | 300 mm |
Blade length | 175 mm | 200 mm |
Weight | 800 g | about 880 g |
Design | short handles, medium blade | short handles, long blade |
versatility and control | reach and cutting area |
The official Okatsune catalog states that the KST231 has blades 25 mm longer than the KST217. This allows deeper penetration into shrubs and faster work over larger surfaces. The KST217 is positioned as the more versatile model.
Why Do the Same Handles Feel Different in Use?
Both models have short 300 mm handles.
This is an important feature of the series.
When your hands are close to the working area, it is easier to control the position of the blades and guide the shears precisely.
However, the KST231 has a longer blade that extends farther forward. This increases the working area and makes movement more efficient when trimming larger surfaces.
The KST217 has a shorter working part, so the shears feel more compact and versatile.
The logic is simple: KST217 focuses on versatility, while KST231 adds more working length to the same basic design.
When Should You Choose KST217?
The Okatsune KST217 is worth considering if you need Japanese hedge shears for a variety of tasks.
They are convenient when you have to switch between different types of work during the same day: trimming individual shrubs, shaping boxwood, working with thuja, and correcting smaller sections of a hedge.
The short handles make it easier to work in relatively confined spaces, while the 175 mm blades remain long enough for full-scale garden trimming.
The KST217 is also a logical choice for those who do not want shears with the longest possible blades and prefer a more versatile format.
When Should You Choose KST231?
The Okatsune KST231 is more interesting when surface coverage is important.
If you regularly trim large shrubs, large topiary forms, or long hedge sections, the additional 25 mm of blade length allows you to capture more plant material with each pass.
The official Okatsune description specifically mentions the ability to reach deeper into shrubs and work faster over larger surfaces.
The KST231 is also suitable for work in confined spaces because it retains short handles even with its longer blade. (kenzan-kiev.com)
KST217 or KST231 for Topiary Trimming
Topiary trimming requires two things: control over the shape and efficient processing of the surface.
If you are shaping small decorative shrubs and frequently making precise adjustments, the KST217 provides a more compact working geometry.
If you work with larger forms where a significant surface needs to be shaped quickly, the KST231 allows longer working passes thanks to its 200 mm blades.
Both models have short handles, making them suitable for situations where your hands need to stay close to the shrub.
For a more detailed comparison of Japanese topiary shears, see [How to Choose Topiary Shears].
KST217 or KST231 for Hedges
For a small hedge or areas where careful trimming is important, the KST217 is well suited to the task.
For long hedges, the KST231 is worth considering. Its longer blades allow you to cover a larger surface, so fewer working passes may be needed.
However, plant density should also be taken into account.
In a very dense shrub, a longer blade does not always mean greater convenience. Sometimes the compactness of the KST217 is more useful, especially when you need to work inside the crown rather than only along its outer surface.
KST217 or KST231 for Boxwood
Boxwood is often shaped into balls, cubes, cones, and other geometric forms.
During this type of work, it is important to maintain constant control over the position of the blades relative to the surface of the shrub.
The KST217 is well suited to this type of work thanks to the combination of short handles and medium-length blades.
The KST231 can also be used for topiary trimming of boxwood, but its longer blade is especially useful when the plant has grown larger and larger surfaces need to be processed. The official description of the KST231 specifically mentions topiary trimming of boxwood.
KST217 or KST231 for Thuja
When shaping thuja, you may need to work both on the outer surface and in specific areas deeper inside the crown.
The KST217 is convenient where precision and control over a smaller working area are important.
The KST231 is interesting for larger plants and larger surfaces.
Both models have short handles, making them convenient to use directly next to the shrub.
What Does a Short Handle Mean?
A short handle does not mean that the shears are intended only for small plants.
The main feature of this design is that your hands remain closer to the cutting part.
This helps control the position of the shears and is especially convenient when shaping decorative forms.
This is why Okatsune uses short handles in both the KST217 and KST231, changing mainly the blade length.
Which Model Is Lighter?
Both models are relatively light two-handed hedge shears.
The KST217 is listed on the Kenzan Kiev product page with a weight of 800 g.
The KST231 is listed on the Kenzan Kiev page at 880 g, while official Okatsune materials also show a figure of around 800 g. For that reason, it is better to refer to the specifications of the specific product version and configuration when purchasing. (kenzan-kiev.com)
The weight difference by itself is not large, but during extended trimming the overall balance of the tool and how comfortably you can hold the shears can make a difference.
Which Shears Should a Beginner Choose?
For beginners, comfortable control is usually more important than maximum blade length.
That is why Okatsune KST217 can be considered for your first pair of Japanese hedge shears.
It provides a good balance between compactness and blade length and is suitable for several types of garden work.
At the same time, KST231 is not exclusively a professional model. A beginner can also choose it if the planned work involves large shrubs or large topiary surfaces.
In that case, the longer blade simply provides a different working format.
Which Shears Should a Professional Choose?
For professional work, the choice depends more on the type of jobs you handle.
If your work is varied and shrub sizes differ significantly, the versatile KST217 may be more convenient.
If most of your working time is spent on long hedges, large shrubs, and large topiary forms, the KST231 allows you to take advantage of its longer blade.
The important factor here is not the status of the model, but how well the tool matches the specific work.
How to Care for Okatsune KST217 and KST231
After trimming, it is advisable to clean the blades of plant sap and contaminants.
This is especially important when regularly working with conifers and shrubs, as plant sap can remain on metal surfaces.
After cleaning, the shears should be dried.
For removing contaminants, you can use [Japanese garden tool cleaning products].
For protecting the metal parts from corrosion, you can use [camellia oil for Japanese tools].
For more information about maintenance, see [Camellia Oil: How to Care for Garden Tools].
Okatsune KST217 or KST231: Which One Should You Choose?
The difference between the two models is not simply a matter of one being better than the other.
Okatsune KST217 has 175 mm blades and a more compact working part. It is a versatile option for shrubs, topiary trimming, hedges, and work in confined spaces.
Okatsune KST231 has 200 mm blades. The additional 25 mm allows deeper reach into shrubs and more efficient work over larger surfaces.
You can therefore use a simple principle when choosing.
If versatility, control, and a more compact working part are more important to you, consider KST217.
If larger cutting coverage and deeper reach into the shrub are more important, consider KST231.
Both models retain the general Okatsune design philosophy: short handles, Japanese production, wooden handles, and sharp Japanese steel blades. (kenzan-kiev.com)
The main difference between them is the blade length, so the choice should be based on the size of the plants and the type of work you perform.
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