By: The Andis Firm
Clipper blades are an integral a part of our on a regular basis life as a pet stylist. The choice on which blade to make use of depends on a number of components: the kind of coat, what sort of situation the coat is in, and the kind of trim the consumer is requesting for his or her canine. It’s also useful to first consider the coat and decide if any structural faults should be corrected by creating extra angulation. Choosing the proper blade for the job is important to fulfill the consumer’s expectations and have their canine wanting it’s finest.
Ceramic vs. Metal Chopping Blades
{Many professional} groomers spend money on a mixture of each ceramic and metal blades to make sure they’ve the appropriate instruments for any coat kind. There are some particular benefits for every blade kind, but it surely usually comes down to non-public desire. A ceramic chopping blade won’t ever rust and can keep sharper longer. Throughout use, ceramic blades keep as much as 75% cooler than metal. A cooler chopping blade is additional useful once you could be taking longer to groom, particularly on bigger canines. Metal blades are usually inexpensive, extra sturdy, and total simpler to take care of. In addition they have a particular coating that helps them to withstand corrosion.
Blade Lengths
Blades can be found in a wide range of completely different lengths and tooth patterns to assist obtain completely different trim kinds and completely different coat lengths. The quantity on the blade signifies what size of coat will likely be left on the animal. The upper the blade quantity, the shorter the coat size. For instance, a #10 blade will go away the coat shorter than a #4 blade. Blades can be found for lengths starting from #50SS with a 1/125” size (shortest) to #3/4HT with a 3/4″ size (longest).
Clipping With or Towards the Grain
Historically, groomers clip with the grain of the coat. Clipping towards the grain, leaves the coat as much as two blade lengths shorter than clipping with the grain. Nonetheless, clipping towards the grain might be useful to get rid of monitor marks. If you wish to showcase angulation, create extra angulation, and even add some pizzazz to a trim, clipping towards the grain in key areas is a fast and simple approach to take action. Whether or not you might be clipping with or towards the grain, it is very important keep in mind to all the time comply with the pure lay of the coat.
Sustaining your Blades
To maintain your blades chopping easily and lengthen the lifetime of your blades and the clipper itself, additionally it is necessary to recollect to carry out correct upkeep. Earlier than cleansing the blade, take away any particles with a gentle nylon bristle brush. Subsequent, pour a capful of Andis Blade Care Plus right into a shallow bowl, and with the clipper working, dip simply the tooth of the blade within the resolution for 8-10 seconds after which wipe with a clear material. This may de-gunk the blade in addition to assist hold it lubricated, disinfected, deodorized, and forestall rust. After cleansing, it is very important oil your blade. To optimize efficiency, use the 5-point oiling system for the blade. Along with your clipper blade pointing down, apply 3 drops of Andis Clipper Blade Oil throughout the blade’s tooth, then 1 drop at every again rail. Let the clipper run for 10 seconds to assist distribute the oil all through the blade. Wipe away any extra with a clear material. If you’re cleansing and oiling your blade commonly, it can lengthen the lifetime of the blade. When the blade begins dragging and tugging on the coat, it’s time to name Andis and ship your blades in to be sharpened.
Swapping Cutters
Sustaining sharp blades in your clippers is important for environment friendly and secure grooming, and swapping out a boring cutter is a straightforward resolution. As an alternative of changing a complete blade or sending it out for sharpening, having additional cutter blades readily available affords a cheaper and handy choice to hold your clippers acting at their finest. With only a few fundamental steps, you may change the cutter your self in minutes. Andis carries all kinds of cutters that match each normal and huge blade clippers, starting from extremely fine-tooth all the best way as much as medium and coarse cutters. Discover your excellent match at andis.com!
For a step-by-step information, watch a tutorial on methods to swap out your cutter blade right here: https://vimeo.com/1014535161
