Dog Grooming Blades
When you choose to invest in quality dog grooming equipment, you choose to invest in a healthier, happier dog. Being equipped to properly groom your furry friend is a great step, giving you impetus to build trust with the pet and also to save on grooming salon costs—often substantially, depending on breed.
Purchasing an electrical clipper is often a must for do-it-yourself grooming tasks, but a clipper is only part of the story. You will need clipper blades as well. How do you choose which blades to get? How many will you need, and which ones will you use for different dog grooming chores?
Keep reading to find out all you need to know about dog grooming blades to go with your new clippers.
Dog Grooming Blades: Different Strokes for Different Folks
There are a variety of clipper blades available.
Some are compatible with one clipper and some with a different one, so make sure your clipper matches up with the blades you select.
In addition, different blades cut the hair at different lengths. Check the number on the blade to find out how short it will cut.
Finally, material matters; inexpensive blades may be made out of soft metal that will quickly dull and even deform, causing poor performance and pinching.
Check Your Clipper for Compatible Blade Styles
Choose your clipper before you try to select your blades. Do you want cordless or corded? What’s your budget? Can you spring for a high RPM and multiple motor speeds?
Once you pick your clipper it’s time to choose your compatible blades. In general you can rely on blades fitting clippers from the same manufacturer. In fact, many blades are interchangeable even across brands, but double check the size and distance between the screw holes. If you buy a compact model of clipper you may need special small blades.
Cut Length: Which Clippers Are Right For My Dog’s Coat?
Each clipper will have a number etched or printed on it, anything from 1 to 40 or more. These may be accompanied by a letter or letters, often an “F” for Finish or “FC” for Finish Cut.
The lower this number is, the longer the finish cut. A 4 FC will cut the hair to 9.5 mm, while a 30 FC will cut the hair to only .3 mm.
Which blade to use depends on your task. If you want to just shorten up some long hairs in untidy places, a 4 to 6 might be perfectly appropriate; but if you need to give a very close shave, such as for heat mitigation or for medical reasons, you might want to go all the way to a 40 FC.
Material Considerations For Dog Grooming Blades
You can buy large packages of dog grooming blades for relatively cheap. At first glance this might seem like a great way to save money. Just make sure to check the manufacturer.
Ceramic edge blades hold an edge beautifully and resist rust, so they are an awesome option even if they cost more. A less expensive blade will dull faster and may break, potentially injuring your pooch.
And if your blade is compromised by dullness or bending, it will not only be more likely to pinch your poor pooch, but it also will create more resistance, making your motor on your clipper wear out much sooner.
Invest in quality blades to extend their life and the life of your clippers, and to safely achieve excellent results from your grooming efforts.
