Happy Friday Daily Groomers!

Today, I want to write about a topic everyone’s been talking about recently: clipper blades.

Whether you’re new to grooming or an old dog still learning new tricks, everyone seems to have an opinion on this.

So I spent my week going DEEP into the research with experts to really understand what makes clipper blades so different.

This quick email is a summary of my findings! Let’s dive in 👇

Let’s start from the top

The first step in choosing the right clipper blade is knowing the specific needs of your dog’s breed. Different breeds have different coat types and hence require different blade sizes.

For instance, trimming a Miniature Schnauzer might involve using a 4 blade, a 5 blade, or a 7 blade on the body. For the pads of the feet, a 10 blade is often recommended, while attachment combs can be used for the legs and furnishings.

For breed-specific advice, it’s always best to look at a clipping guide to get blade recommendations.

What’s the deal with blade sizes?

Understanding blade sizes is crucial for effective grooming.

The rule of thumb: the higher the number, the shorter the clip.

For example, a 7 blade will produce a shorter clip than a 5 blade, and a 30 blade will clip shorter than a 15 blade. Knowing this can help you avoid over-clipping and ensure that the dog’s coat is cut to the desired length.

Standard Blades vs Skip Tooth Blades

Standard blades are the go-to for most grooming tasks.

However, skip tooth blades, characterized by their alternating short and long teeth, can be used for cutting through matted or thick coats. While effective, skip tooth blades pose a higher risk of cutting the dog’s skin, so they require a little bit more experience (and careful handling!).

How to ensure you don’t damage the skin

Certain blade sizes can pose dangers to your dog’s skin.

A blade size shorter than a 7 on a dog’s body can potentially irritate the follicle and skin, possibly leading to infections.

You guys all know this, but it’s worth repeating that maintaining an appropriate coat length is vital for the dog’s health. For sanitary trims or trimming around the ears and head, word around town is to avoid going shorter than a 10 blade to prevent irritation and injury.

Choosing the right blade brand

When it comes to blade brands, there are so many flying around your face it’s hard to know!

Options like Andis, Wahl, and Oster dominate the market. While all detachable grooming blades are generally universal and fit most clipper brands, personal preference plays a role in choosing the right brand. For instance, Wahl blades, particularly the Competition Series, are favored for their long-lasting sharpness and durability. (We have no affiliation to Wahl btw).

Cleaning your blades

1. Remove Hair Residue: Use a toothbrush to remove hair trapped in the blade. Brushes from dollar stores work perfectly for this purpose.

2. Disinfect: While the clipper is running, spray the back and the clipping edge of the blade with a product like Andis Cool Care Plus, which acts as a disinfectant, lubricant, cleaner, and rust preventative.

3. Wipe Excess: After spraying, wipe off any excess product with a rag or paper towel.

💭 We Want To Learn From You:

✋The Groomer’s Toolkit

📚 Read - “My clippers just broke! I would love to know what your favorite budget friendly one is?” was a popular conversation topic in the private Facebook group this week! Join here to view the replies👉 The Daily Groomer Facebook Group

📺 Watch - The dog grooming nerd drop doodle sized research on which blades to pick: You can watch on YouTube here.

🎧 Listen - From battling ovarian cancer as a teenager to building a 4 location grooming business, all at the age of 26! Mary Kathryn Kent tell her story on the most recent podcast! Check out our episode here.

That’s all folks! Until next time, let’s rock ‘n roll 🐶🤘