I have two shiatsus and I want the right blade to give them a 1/2 inch trim all over and do I need to use a guard over the blade too and if so what sz
1662488
Shih Tzu's mat quite easily, therefore if you want 1/2 inch length you will need them to be mat free and use a longer guard over a 10 or 15 blade. A 3F or 4F without a guard would be a good blade if they tend to be matted. If they are very matted then a 5 or 7 (very short, but I only suggest those blades being used by professional groomers.) Any blade can grab the dog's skin and tear it if the mats are tight.
1662489
I get a beautifully cut with a #7 then I used # 10 around the feet for a nice finish look
1350418
The Oster website has an awesome chart for dog breeds and different types of cuts with the corresponding blades to use for each. I would personally use a 5 with a cutting guard...the smaller the number the longer the hair.
1522897
It goes down the blade to the hilt. It keeps the guard from coming up or off. It will be stiff and tight fitting, just how it is built.
1242621
I agree. The No. 2 blade is just too long, while the No. 1 is just too short... Need like a No. 1.75 or so (4 or 5 mm)
2239918
There is no guard for the blade, just dial it down to a level position. I've had no problem, no cuts. I store it on it's side in an upper cabinet so there's no chance the kids will grab it. I think it's a great tool for the kitchen and I still recommend it.
1641168
You can use most double edge safety blades. I bought a pack of these for 13 dollars and they work great Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades ,100 Blades (20 x 5)
2131357
Im sorry I also should have recommended that it be put on a cutting mat. This will protect your blade and keep it sharp and with grid lines help make straight lines.
1378444
Yes you need the guard it need to help keep it in the door very easy to cut with some hand snips but do have to say cheek the screws that come with the guard they might be to long and go through your door
1199717
Not sure, I just used the guards over the Clipper blades that went with the Andis clippers I bought to get my different hair lengths.
1451897
Yes, you can use it without the guard for a closer shave. However, don't recommend this trimmer at all! Have to run over the hair multiple times to get it to cut, and the guard is useless as it practically prevents the hair from getting through to the blades. Regret buying this..
139106
Would not recommend this product for the vibration only. There is a model by HoMedics without the shiatsu feature, that is what you want.
1384307
Don't press down so hard let the trimmer do the work. The blade meets the top of the guard if you apply a lot of pressure it will bite. One other thing is if you use them a lot check and see if your blades are sharp
732515
The 10 blade is a surgical blade. I don't use it except for trimming potty area. Use it very carefully though. I did go get a 5FC blade that I use on the body. I scizzor the face & legs. I have a shih tzu. I do have the guards which can be used with the 10 blade. I just prefer the 5, and I may get a 2 blade as well. Good luck. I'm not a professional groomer. Just got tired of paying $40 every time she needed grooming.
2056856
There are ⅛, ¼, ⅜, and ½ inch guards in the package. For fur around the legs/paws, booty, or other parts you might want a little shorter you can use the ⅛ or ¼. For bod where you want a little fuller fur use the ½. It'll be pretty short but fur grows so the cut should last you a while.
2122166
I always use the 1/8 guard when cutting my hair and that's close enough for my liking. Without the guard the cut would be extremely close. I use the trimmer without guard on the neck area and it works perfectly for me.
1265452
If you use the guard it is great...but without it .. It is a finger slicer..I love it but have to be very careful.
1920906
Any standard double edge blades will work. The quality of the blades they supply with this razor are questionable.Also, if you are new to using a safety razor, you should buy a sampler pack of blades of several different brands.One type of blade will not work for everyone. You need to try them yourself and see what works best for you.