By: Shannon Tupes, Andis World Educator
Clipper blades play an integral half in every workday for the skilled pet stylist. Deciding which blade to make use of in every state of affairs depends upon a number of elements: the kind of coat; the situation of the coat; and the kind of trim the shopper has requested for his or her canine. It’s also useful to first consider the bone and muscle construction of the canine to find out whether or not there are structural faults that have to be corrected by creating the looks of extra angulation within the reduce of the coat. Choosing the proper blade and attachment comb(s) for every job can be important to assembly the shopper’s expectations and ensuring each canine appears their finest.
Ceramic vs. Metal Chopping Blades
{Many professional} groomers spend money on ceramic and metal blades to make sure they’ve the appropriate instruments for all coat sorts. Each kinds of blades supply particular benefits. Ceramic blades keep sharper longer and don’t rust. Additionally they keep as much as 75 % cooler throughout use than metal blades. (A cooler slicing blade is particularly useful on grooms that take extra time, akin to when grooming bigger canine.) Metal blades are usually cheaper, extra sturdy and simpler to keep up, general. Ultimately, most groomers develop a private desire for one sort or the opposite.
Blade Lengths
Clipper blades can be found in quite a lot of totally different lengths and tooth patterns to attain totally different trim types and coat lengths. They’re differentiated by blade numbers; blades with increased numbers really reduce the coat shorter, and blades with decrease numbers depart the coat longer. For instance, a #10 blade clips the coat shorter (to 1/16 of an inch); whereas, a #4 blade leaves the coat longer at 3/8 of an inch. A variety of obtainable clipper blades makes coat lengths from 1/125 of an inch to ¾ of an inch achievable: The Andis #50SS, used primarily by grasp groomers and veterinarians, clips the coat to 1/125 of an inch in size. The Andis UltraEdge HT ¾-inch removable blade leaves the coat at a size of ¾ of an inch, offering the longest blade reduce out there. HT stands for excessive taper, which implies the blade is good for mixing totally different lengths of coat and leaves the coat longer than a normal blade.
Attachment Combs
Attachment combs can solely be used on removable blade clippers with #10, #15 or #30 blades (except in any other case specified on the product bundle). Andis provides a number of attachment comb choices, just like the chrome steel, spring-loaded units, which make it simple so as to add that “I simply stepped out of the present ring” look to your on a regular basis salon types. These combs glide by means of a correctly prepped coat and provides a good looking end. Utilizing attachment combs helps be sure that you groom safely—the danger of clipper burn is drastically decreased if you use combs—and obtain a easy and even end in much less time than you’ll utilizing a blade and shears for end styling.
Clipping With or Towards the Grain
Historically, groomers clip with the grain of the coat. Clipping in opposition to the grain leaves the coat as much as two blade lengths shorter than clipping with the grain. Nonetheless, clipping in opposition to the grain might be efficient at eliminating clipper observe marks. Moreover, if you wish to showcase angulation, create the look of higher angulation, or simply add some pizzazz to a trim, clipping in opposition to the grain in key areas is a fast and straightforward manner to take action. Whether or not you might be clipping with or in opposition to the grain, at all times observe the pure lay of the coat—clip precisely with or precisely in opposition to the expansion of the coat.
Sustaining Your Blades
Correctly cleansing and lubricating your blades prolongs the lifetime of your blades and clipper and retains your blades slicing easily. To scrub your blades, first take away any particles with a smooth nylon bristle brush. Subsequent, pour a capful of Andis Blade Care Plus right into a shallow bowl, and along with your clipper working, dip simply the tooth of the blade into the answer for 8 to 10 seconds. Then, wipe with a clear fabric. This de-gunks the blade and helps hold it lubricated, disinfected, deodorized and rust-free. After cleansing, it is very important oil your blades. To optimize efficiency, use the five-point oiling system: Along with your clipper blade pointing down, apply three drops of Andis Clipper Blade Oil throughout the blade’s tooth and one drop at every again rail; let the clipper run for 10 seconds to assist distribute oil all through the blade. Wipe away any extra with a clear fabric. Cleansing and oiling your blades repeatedly extends the lifetime of your blades. When a blade begins to tug and tug on the coat, it’s time to name Andis, and ship your blades in to be sharpened.
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