[BBrwn]

I always read the bad reviews first and can usually spot the "cranks". However, some poor reviews give me pause such as "declining quality" - "received opened or used merchandise" or worse yet - "blades appear to be knock-offs". The question becomes not who to buy from but what blade manufacturers are producing their own products and maintaining quality control these days? Where do groomers who are "in the know" shop, and what brands of clipper blades are the most reliable? I clip only my own dog and just a few times a year at that. Nevertheless, precision and dependability are key. Thanks.

 

[ossodiseppia]

I would think that the professionals stick with Andis or Wahl. Like you, I groom my own dog. My wired clipper is an Andis. I just buy a new Andis blade when one wears out. I have a rechargeable Wahl that I use on my dog's face and legs. It has an adjustable blade. I buy a new Wahl blade for that one as well.

I used to have a mobile groomer come by. She uses a mobile local blade sharpener. If you have enough blades that have lost their edge, you might look for a mobile sharpener where you live. I have about four or five blades that need sharpening. I plan to look for someone to sharpen them.

 

[BBrwn]

Thanks for your input. There is a sharpening service in my area, however I am thinking about changing from guide combs to finishing blades, just two - but some of the online reviews scare me. It almost appears as though getting exactly the item you ordered and in good condition is a matter of luck. That's not right. Could it be the price one pays for "convenience"? If I dare say one negative thing about shopping "Mom & Pop" it is that returns and refunds become something quite personal. At least that has been my experience. That said, online seems to be the only option for many products unless you are something of a treasure-hunter at heart. I use Andis clipper and blades. Perhaps I should just go straight to Andis and see what happens.

 

[Buzzu2]

I own a Wahl, and there are tons of inferior knock-off replacement blades that appear in authentic looking packages. You see them a lot on eBay and Amazon.

 

[ossodiseppia]

I buy from Amazon. I’ve not ever received an opened clipper blade. I buy brand named ones. The ceramic blades last longer than the steel ones. But, I don’t know if the ceramic ones can be sharpened.

Amazon has an easy return policy and they pay the shipping. If you don’t shop Amazon, there’s always Chewy. Their shipping rates are fair.

As for the negative reviews, many of them are quite harsh, tho I do pay attention.