Blade Lengths For Dog Grooming, Explained

Comb attachments (or "guards") vs. blades... Mini clippers vs. "big" corded clippers... So confusing! I'm doing my best to demystify the subject for all who want to know.
Comb Attachments have a different "number" scale than big-clipper blades. This makes these tools all the more confusing. For example, the 5 comb is NOT the same length as the 5 blade...
When you're a beginner trying to learn how to groom a dog, trying to make sense of the tools can be overwhelming. This video should help clear a few things up.
Thanks for watching!
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PRODUCTS DISCUSSED
BIG, CORDED CLIPPERS (THAT TAKE A5 TYPE BLADES)
Andis 5-speed From Amazon:: amzn.to/3GnenGR
Andis 5-speed From Ebay (usually better price): ebay.to/3zELzXU
COMB ATTACHMENT SETS FOR BIG A-5 TYPE BLADES
Wahl: amzn.to/3HmTWeu
Oster (up to 2” length): amzn.to/3w6DpIL
Artero (up to 1.25” length) (from grommersmart.com): groomersmart.c...
A5 DETACHABLE 30 BLADE (for under comb attachments on big clippers)
From Amazon: amzn.to/3tnTEj7
MY MINI CLIPPERS - (WAHL BRAVURA)
From Amazon: amzn.to/36lul7W
From PetEdge: bit.ly/3gR8wQI
(Don't be afraid to check e-bay for the Bravura!)
5-IN-1 ADJUSTABLE BLADE
From Amazon: amzn.to/3ASJCbu
From PetEdge: bit.ly/2TWI4fx
COMB ATTACHMENTS FOR 5-IN-1 MINI CLIPPER BLADE
From Amazon: amzn.to/3rmbCkE
CLIPPER COOL:
My Fave but I can’t currently find: store.ryanspet...
Not my fave but works fine: amzn.to/3q4lQFh
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TIMESTAMPS
00:16 Rundown of both kinds of clippers
03:05 Comb attachment (a.k.a. guards) lengths explained
05:23 “Big” clippers and A5 type blades explained
10:14 Are there comb attachments longer than one inch??
11:29 Which kind of clipper should I buy?
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Disclaimer: This video was not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned. All opinions are my own. Some links above are affiliate links.

[@lissetteengel265]

This was extremely helpful!!

[@DiamondW66]

Thanks!

[@user-nq7pu3hy1e]

I’m in australia and own a cavalier King Charles spaniel. I recently decided to buy a set of clippers and try to trim his hair myself… which was a disaster lol this video really has helped me understand lengths ALOT better! Thank you

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I’m so glad this was helpful!

[@cassondramurray6100]

Great video! I will watch again and take notes!

[@vivianhames8161]

Thank you so much for explaining these clipper blades.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

You’re so welcome!

[@QuestionsAboutDogs]

I love Wahl bravura and your helpful information.

[@tatyanafittipaldi]

Brillant! Awesome video; very clarifying! Thanks for sharing!

[@-touya_todoroki]

ive needed this, a friend of mine said i can practice on their dog and i plan to with my knoledge get them as good as possible however i know how to groom my dog really well, i do know how to shave but ive never done it on a dog full body so im touching up on what ive watched and learned before i do later when he gets fur growth

[@clairelapierre1068]

Brillant ! Thank you so much . Montréal QC Canada

[@beedatbish9133]

Tyvm! Appreciate the information & I think I saw a 2 in a Wahl Adjustable pet clipper kit

[@madisonperry1103]

Thank you so much for this! I did a little bit of training at petco but ran into some complications and had to quit the job but am now working on grooming on my own and I never was trained in hair cuts and your videos really help me!

[@Rotorqueen1]

Lol..Clear as mud!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

😂🐶💕

[@athingcalledkarma4]

Thank you! :)

[@vibrantly50]

Gosh, I love your channel! I don’t have the Bravura, (can’t seem to find one in the EU,) I just purchased the Wahl KM5 and the combs that go with it. I also have a 7F detachable competition blade. I’m learning to groom a Mini Schnauzer - he has Congenital Myotonia and prefers to lie down!

[@vibrantly50]

Can you do a video on how to work with a special needs dog? Perhaps an elderly one or one who cannot stand for long periods? I tend to break up his grooming sessions over a few days time - yet, I know he is no longer freshly washed! I do his feet and ears first, body next day and face the next with a beard bath before! I’m also trying to learn Asian for his face. He needs his food to be mixed with a bit of canned to help him with swallowing and a long Schnauzer beard is too difficult to maintain!

[@deedeebee7729]

Thank you. ❤

[@missdaisysunshine8633]

Thank you!!

[@shadeybeep2]

Very useful video, thank you!

[@austinandsarahmedina]

Grate video! thank you so much❤

[@ildikoharaszi]

This really helpful! Thank you! ❤

[@booswalia]

So confusing. So the bigger the number the shorter the cut? (Somebody wasn't thinking when they engineered these things.)

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Yep! I agree, it’s awfully confusing. I also don’t understand why they had to make dog grooming blade numbers different than hair cutting blade numbers… hopefully this video clarifies some of the dog grooming confusion. Thanks for watching!

[@kyledycio2865]

Very good! Thank you!

[@annettetozer894]

I finally found a slighter better video describing how the blade actually trims, i.e. the trick having to do with placement for longer hair. Yet, I am still confused as even with all the clips in place, it appears that the actual cutting part is really still in the same spot so hence no matter what it would still cut at that length. Is there a video showing a close up of I e. Fake fur and how the hair cuts I e. .5 m. Versus 1 inch? I'm scared to use the clips on my dog and press it completely against his skin as I only want to trim a mm or so and not trim off any of his under coat. I'd love an up close view of how these clip ons really work in cutting or trimming a coat. Is this possible? Thanks!!

[@Bull1the1Great]

You didn't make the video on how each clipper blade leaves a finish on a dog ? Really would like to see that. I bought moser 45 corded clippers but only have 1mm blade and 10mm comb , which is too long for my dog

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Here’s what I made to show what each blade length looks like on dogs! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6th6hsn9irq8ksi=EjX4bnT19vzpn7Qk

[@maseygunner]

I have the Andi's clipper with cord. If I want long length I would choose a 22 or 25"? correct? have a standard 10" that came with it.

[@lallyji8051]

For detachable A5 clippers. Why do you say 30 blade is better then 10 to use with comb attachments? What makes it better? And 2nd question is how many minutes the blade last before they heat up too much and you have to change them and get that rotation going? Thanks Loved the vid and subscribed

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Honestly that’s just been my experience. Seems like the tool works better when it’s a 30 blade under a comb attachment than a 10. Don’t know if there’s a mechanical explanation for that (probably) but I just know I liked using 30’s better than 10’s because it cuts a little better! (On the mini clippers with the 5-in-1 blade, you set the blade on a 40 if you’re using a comb attachment. Seems shorter is simply better under comb attachments.) Keep your blade well oiled, well maintained, and sharp to get longer amounts of time before the heat. I have never timed it! I have no idea how long it takes me to need to switch to a cool blade. At first, I recommend shutting off your clippers briefly to press the flat blade against your forearm every minute to feel the heat. Your forearm is likely more sensitive than the dog’s skin, (depending on the dog) so when it’s “too hot” for comfort on your forearm, switch it out. You’ll also start to learn how many minutes it takes for that to happen.

[@lallyji8051]

@@GoodDogGrooming Thank you for such a detailed reply. God bless you.

[@tsth572]

Have you done the video of the actual blades on a dog's body yet? Waiting to see this...thanks!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I’m formulating that video as we speak! Probably will launch it within a month or so!! It’s gonna be a good one I think :)

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Ok I’m looking back at this and I must apologize because this video IS indeed being made but not within the timeline I originally thought. So sorry! I am working hard on it though and I will try to remember to reply to this comment again as soon as I post the “fur lengths” video!

[@emalior5000]

Wouldn't you need to add the length the blade cuts to the comb length? For example a wahl 10 blade cuts 1.8mm on its own, combine it with a number 2 comb which cuts 6mm wouldn't the final length be 7.8mm? Or if the number 2 comb is combined with an andis 30 blade which cuts 0.5mm wouldn't the final length be 6 + 0.5mm = 6.5mm So what im asking is does the blade size under the comb change the final length like the examples above, or does it cut at the stated comb lenght regardless which blade is used underneath?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

That’s a great question! Basically, yes I suppose that is probably accurate, but grooming pet dog hair isn’t as precise of a science as that. Now, in show dog world, does that matter? Maybe… I would actually guess probably not, but I personally don’t know anything about show dog grooming and how precise they get. I don’t favor using a 10 blade under the comb attachments (I prefer as short as possible, 30 or 40.) I think what’s mor important is using the numbers to compare lengths on a dog. If I do a 2 comb on a dog’s body and the owner says next time that they want longer, I’ll try out a 1 comb or 0 comb the next time. Here’s a vid visually comparing haircut lengths, where I grouped certain blade lengths into categories: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6th6hsn9irq8ksi=5sW8KRKUj_Hs2HcB For me personally, there’s not enough difference between a 1-comb and an 0-comb to put them into different categories. Does that help?

[@zmccarthy4634]

Do you see a difference in the clean and evenness of the cut when using just the blade versus a guard?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Especially for beginners, it seems to be easier at first to get a smooth finish at first with a blade. Once you are a seasoned groomer and you learn all the tips and tricks for a smooth haircut, guards work very comparably. (At least, that has been my experience.) Sidenote: the 3mm guard, which is the #5 comb on the Wahl set, is the most "liney" and should mostly be avoided because a #7 blade gets better results for a short haircut.

[@krisday9250]

Hi! Useful, thank you! I learned from you. Question, please: What does A-5 stand for- I mean what does A-5 mean? And do you know if the Oster Vilt is an A-5 clipper and would take the same blades as say an Andis A-5 clipper? Thanks.

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I don’t rightly know why they’re called A5! But it looks to me like the Oster Volt does take A5 type blades. Hope that helps!

[@grey3414]

I'm more confused now than before I watched

[@lindagarcia868]

Please help! I recently had my male maltipoo groomed and I asked what size they used and she said,”Zero.” What’s a Zero? 16mm=5/8”? I want to groom myself & I own a Holdog Clipper 5-speed tuning knob 0.8-2.0 Which do I choose? Comb attachment 15mm=5/8”.Do i turn knob to 2nd dot which I believe is 1.1mm & attach comb 15mm (5/8”)?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

It is very possible that she was talking about what we sometimes call the “O” comb (as in “oh”) on the wahl set of comb attachments. That is indeed 5/8”. It is actually a zero, but for some reason everyone calls it an O comb. This video may help confirm that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6th6hsn9irq8ksi=sAcj25MloWjZ6pkX Hopefully you can find in the video (based on the pictures) which ‘length category’ your dog’s haircut is, and therefore which blade and/or comb attachment length may have been used!

[@Cindrabigley]

interested in what to use for my toy poodle feet , is there a smaller one ? I have the wall 10 that I just used today on her, I used the 10 blade for her feet (not in between her toes, she would not allow plus seemed too big ) Then I used the #5 comb over the 10 blade and it came out choppy . So I am going to buy the 30 blade for the wahl 10 but also going to buy a small one that is made just for small pups that has power for inbetween the toes. any suggestions ?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

I am not familiar with the tiny clippers options. However, I use my Wahl Bravura for even the smallest poodles. I do clean feet on a #40 blade personally. I understand wanting a smaller blade though. I know there’s a Bravura Mini, but I have never used it. I would suggest joining a Facebook poodle group and searching for that inquiry within the group, I bet it has been addressed many time over! I hope that helps at least a little… best of luck!

[@Vexx_Line_]

Are there any mini clippers that use a 10 blade to do sanitary trims? Thanks!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Hello, Anything that takes a 5-in-1 blade (such as the Bravura that I used in this video) has a 10 blade. I usually use a 15 for sanitary but many groomers use a 10. The 5-in-1 blade has 5 lengths: 9, 10, 15, 30, and 40. Hope that helps!

[@zmccarthy4634]

Do you find you get a cleaner more even cut with just blade vs using a comb attachment?

[@GoodDogGrooming]

See my above answer. Also, thanks for watching!!

[@straight.no.chaser1708]

I’m thinking of reverse shaving my yorkie apso this summer what length should I ask for? My groomer hasn’t done it before wondered what you thought

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Are you talking about going against the grain with the clippers? If I’m trying to do a #7 on a drop coat dog (like a yorkie) I sometimes switch to a 2-comb in reverse. It comes out about the same length and seems to get more of the long hairs that my 7 won’t grab. Whatever length you choose, doing that blade in reverse will be a fair amount shorter. Here’s a video that may help understand how some blade lengths will look on dogs. All of these in the video are talking about “with the grain.” kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH6th6hsn9irq8k

[@sashalawrence4786]

@@GoodDogGrooming yes against the grain is what I’m referring to. Thanks for the reply 💫

[@sashalawrence4786]

@@GoodDogGrooming yes against the grain .Thanks for your reply.

[@karlaharvey2623]

I apologize, but the way your explaining is very confusing 😊

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Man these systems are inherently confusing to begin with. It’s definitely a challenge to explain clearly in 1 vid. Thanks for the feedback!

[@GoodDogGrooming]

Man these systems are inherently confusing to begin with. It’s definitely a challenge to explain clearly in 1 vid. Thanks for the feedback!

[@bevb752]

If you know anything about grooming combs it’s not confusing

[@noifsorbuts]

@@bevb752I’m here because I don’t…

[@noifsorbuts]

Better still, shave a dog and subtitle blade and comb…😬