Okatsune 217 Trimming Shears Type 60 — 21.1" Short Handle, 6.9" Long Blade, Durable Japanese Steel

Okatsune 217 (7744ai) Type 60 trimming shears are heavy-duty, Japanese-made short-handle shears designed for precise hedge and shrub shaping with a long blade and robust build.

These Okatsune trimming shears combine a lengthy cutting blade with a compact grip profile to give professional gardeners and serious home landscapers reach plus control. Built in Japan from special steel and assembled with square bolts and Oddie nuts, this model balances cutting power, durability, and serviceability. The Type 60 short handle variant gives you leverage without sacrificing maneuverability when working taller hedges or broad shrubs.

How long and large are these shears for cutting bigger hedges?

The Okatsune 217 measures 21.1 inches (53.5 cm) overall with a 6.9-inch (17.5 cm) cutting blade, making it well suited to medium-to-large hedges. The long blade reduces the number of strokes required on a flat plane and helps produce cleaner, more uniform cuts across broad surfaces.

• Total length: 21.1 inches (53.5 cm) for extended reach
• Blade length: 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) for sweeping cuts
• Designed for continuous trimming across wide faces

What materials and hardware make these shears durable?

Okatsune equips the 217 with a special steel blade forged and finished in Japan for wear resistance and edge retention. The shears use square bolts and Oddie nuts to maintain secure, serviceable pivot alignment that can be adjusted or tightened over time.

• Special steel blade provides long-lasting sharpness
• Square bolts prevent unwanted rotation at the pivot
• Oddie nuts enable easy maintenance and adjustment

How heavy are these shears and what does that mean for user fatigue?

The 217 weighs 28.1 ounces (approximately 800 g), giving it a substantial, balanced feel in the hand that helps drive cutting power without excessive vibration. While heavier than ultra-light models, the weight supports steady, controlled cuts—especially useful when trimming denser branches or maintaining a consistent blade angle.

• Weight: 28.1 oz (≈800 g) for stability and momentum
• Short handle design reduces wrist strain during repeated strokes
• Recommended for users comfortable with a slightly heavier tool

How do I care for and maintain the Okatsune 217?

Regular cleaning, light oiling of the pivot, and periodic sharpening keep these shears performing at their best. Because the pivot uses square bolts and Oddie nuts, you can tighten or replace hardware easily to maintain precise blade alignment and smooth action.

• Wipe blades after use to remove sap and debris
• Oil pivot and blades to prevent corrosion and sticking
• Sharpen on a fine stone and adjust the Oddie nut for proper tension

Who is this for: The Okatsune 217 (7744ai) Type 60 short-handle trimming shears suit professional gardeners, landscape contractors, and experienced home gardeners who need a durable, Japanese-made tool for shaping medium-to-large hedges and shrubs. If you value long blade coverage, simple serviceability, and a stable cutting feel, this model gives the reach and build quality required for regular trimming tasks.