Dog Grooming Clipper Blades Types | Numbers, Lengths, And Cuts

Understanding dog grooming clipper blades types comes down to one simple fact: the number stamped on the blade tells you exactly how much coat it will leave behind. Higher numbers, like #40 or #30, cut extremely close to the skin. Lower numbers, like #4 or #3, leave a longer coat. The “F” you sometimes see means finish or fine-tooth, which leaves a smoother result than a standard skip-tooth blade.

Blade Numbers And Cut Lengths

Every blade number corresponds to a specific length of coat left on the dog. Here is the breakdown of the most common blades you will find in a grooming kit.

The #7 is the workhorse for most short body clips, while the #4 leaves a nice plush coat. Blades at the #2 (5/8 inch) level exist but see less everyday use.

Skip-Tooth Versus Finish Blades

Beyond the number, the tooth style changes how the blade behaves. Skip-tooth blades have widely spaced teeth designed to move through thick or matted coats without constant jamming. They remove bulk fast but leave a slightly rougher finish. Finish blades, marked with an “F,” have closely spaced teeth that leave a smooth, polished look.

The practical rule: use a skip-tooth for the first pass on a heavy coat, then switch to the matching finish blade for the final look. Andis use-and-care sheets note that clipping direction relative to the hair grain changes the result, and fine versus coarse hair responds differently to the same blade.

Steel, Ceramic, And Blade Systems

Blades come in two main materials. Stainless steel holds an edge longer, making it the durable choice for regular work. Ceramic stays cool longer during extended sessions, which helps sensitive dogs, though it is more brittle than steel. Keeping blades cool matters because a hot blade against the skin causes discomfort.

The A-Series A5-style blade is the professional standard format, fitting most detachable-blade clippers on the market. Not every brand is interchangeable — some clippers use proprietary blade systems — so buy to match your clipper model. The Andis Supra ZR uses the standard detachable blade format and ships with a #20 blade worth noting when you shop.

Surgical Prep Blades And Which To Buy

The #40 and #50 blades are surgical-prep tools, not general body blades. They cut extremely close and are meant for vet work, Poodle faces, and pattern pieces. Andis recommends a #10 blade for most sanitary and pad work, which is close but less aggressive than a #30 or #40.

You also need to handle matted coats with care. Running too-close a blade over a matted coat pulls and cuts the skin; a skip-tooth blade is the right tool for breaking down heavy or matted coats first. With the blade basics covered, a quality clipper body matters just as much as the blade. Our tested roundup of the best dog grooming clippers pairs the right machine with the blade sizes you will use most.