Which clipper blades??

[MagicMelon]

So we've just bought a Wahl Moser Swithblade clipper for me to have a go at clipping our labradoodle. She's 3/4 poodle and 1/4 lab so she's very shaggy and scruffy currently. The clippers have come with a number 10 blade but these are obviously very short being 1.6mm. We just want to half the length of her coat (a mix of fluff and wire), no weird poodle clips or anything, just a general tidy up all over. I've looked at what blades are available and there seems like a lot so I'm rather confused! I can see the numbers mean what length a cut they give - so what number do you think would suit? I was thinking 16mm? And what do the letters mean, some say E or F after the number...? And wide blades, what are they for? Horse clipper blades are a lot more straight forward!

 

[PucciNPoni]

LOL, yes horse blades are far simpler!

Okay, if you want to a scruffier trim and can get a comb all the way through the coat easily (I mean everywhere) then you could get yourself a snazzy set of snap on combs - the Wahl stainless steel ones are fab and can be used over the 10 blade. But you must be able to get a comb thru the coat or you'll find that the combs just snag and won 't give the desired affect.

If you want a plush finish, you could go with something a bit longer, like a 4f. It will leave the coat about 10mm. If you like 16mm, you would be better with the comb attachments - I own a 2F which does 16mm but I sincerely do not get along with it. But even a 3 3/4, my favourite blade - is a bit tricky to master - hence my suggesting the 4f. I'll try to upload some pictures of dogs groomed with those blades so you can see the difference.

the markings on the blade - F means full tooth (as opposed to skip tooth - and in my opinion steer away from those - they are REALLY good at grabbing folds of skin and cutting it if you're not extremely careful). C means ceramic cutter. I have some E blades, but not really sure what the E is for, but they tend to be a lesser expensive blade, and don't last as long. I'd give it a bash as a hobby groomer.

Wide blades are fabby - I use 7Fwide all the time even on small dogs. Makes a good job of finish and reduces the time you spend clipping - but I tend to use a heftier motored clipper than a switchblade. Personally, I'd stick with the ordinary sized blade and play about with them. Right, I'll try to dig out some photos.

 

[PucciNPoni]

Okay, here's a 3 3/4 all over - meaning that body and legs were clipped with the 13mm blade but I'll have scissored the head and shaved the ears much shorter

 

[MagicMelon]

Thanks PucciNPoni, that's really helpful. I'll go and have a look at those now but perhaps the 4F sounds safest for my first time! Have found this one on Ebay although it says 8mm and not 10mm? so is this the correct snap on one for my switchblade (or do all Wahl blades fit all Wahl clippers)?:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NO-4F-8-0...9?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item4869132bb9

Also, do you just clip the whole body down to the feet (and tail?) and neck with this? Then just scissor the head and ears? I did wonder how on earth I would do her ears as its quite hard to tell where her skin is if I cut!