How to Know Your Clipper Blades Need to Be Sharpened

April 01, 2025

Factors ranging from improper sharpening and cleaning methods to clipping through dirty coats will affect how long your blades stay sharp. Also, the more frequently you use your blades, the more quickly they will get dull from overuse. 

Instead of tossing your dull blades in the trash, though, you can have them professionally sharpened. Most blades will have several sharpens in them before they need to be thrown out. 

The sharper you keep your blades, the easier it will be for you to cut through thick, coarse coats and still achieve a precise, professional finish. There will be less chance of snagging coats or having to do several passes before you can finally cut through the coat.

5 Signs You Need to Schedule a Clipper Blade Sharpening Service

Not sure if your clipper blades are due for a professional sharpening service? Most of the time, it will be obvious because your clippers will be: 

1. Noisy: While all clippers will make noise when they are in use, dull blades put extra strain on the clipper. It will take more effort for the clippers to cut through a coat, resulting in a much noisier grooming process.
2. Overheating: Similarly, the extra strain from dull blades can cause the clippers to overheat when in use. This is not only uncomfortable for your horse, but it can also be damaging to your clippers. 
3. Less efficient: Dull blades will negatively affect your efficiency if you have to repeatedly go over an area several times before achieving a sleek clip. It will take more effort and take much longer to full body clip a horse if the blades aren’t as sharp as they should be. 
4. Snagging hair: If you’re trying to cut through your horse’s or dog’s coat and your blades are dragging or snagging the hair instead of gliding through it, it’s time to get your blades sharpened.
5. Cutting unevenly: Dull blades won’t be able to evenly cut through coats, especially thick winter coats. When you try to clip, you’ll see uneven or choppy lines instead of a smooth, seamless finish.

How to Keep Your Clipper Blades Sharper for Longer? 

Want to extend the lifespan of your blades? Check out a few tips on how you can keep your clipper blades sharper for longer:

• Only clip a clean horse or dog: Even though it may be tempting to clip through a dirty horse or dog if you are short on time, all of the built up dirt, grease and hair can clog up the blades and make them dull much faster. It’s best to thoroughly wash and groom your horse before you start clipping to ensure you get the best results possible. 
• Keep blades oiled and lubricated: When using your clippers, you want to make sure that the blades stay oiled and lubricated. This ensures that the blades easily glide through the coat and don’t overheat. It’s best to apply some clipper oil every 5-10 minutes to keep everything running smoothly.
• Maintain the right tension: While the tension of your clippers can be adjusted, it’s best to keep it at the lowest possible setting. Most clippers will come with an instruction manual that will list exactly what tension is best for your specific model. 
• Thoroughly clean after using: Even if you brush out loose hair while clipping and keep your blades well oiled, you want to give your equipment a thorough clean once you are done clipping to remove any lingering hair and grease. Then, apply some more clipper oil before you store them away.
• Keep blades professionally sharpened: Your clipper blades will start to dull over time even if you keep them well maintained. Instead of replacing them, you can have them professionally sharpened to extend their life.

Where to Get Your Clippers Serviced and Sharpened

Whether you are a local equestrian in the Alpharetta, Milton, Canton or Cumming area or board at a barn outside the state, Wilsun Custom Horse Products can provide you with the blade sharpening, clipper maintenance and clipper repair services you need.

Looking for a new set of clippers? We also carry Progress Light Weight Wide Blade Clippers, which are designed to effortlessly clip through coats. These lightweight, quiet clippers come with all the accessories you need, including a carry case, blades, screwdriver, oil and brush. Crafted with comfort in mind, these clippers will make it easy for you to clip even the most nervous horses.

Ready to Schedule Your Clipper Maintenance and Blade Sharpening Services?

At Wilsun Custom Horse Products, our professionals will make sure your clipper blades are serviced and sharp so you can achieve a sleek finish. No matter if your preferred brand is Andis or Wahl - or anything in between - we can work on your clipper machine and blades.

To schedule a service, give us a call at (770) 558-1679, stop by our storefront or ship your blades or clippers to:

Wilsun Custom Products 

2020 Grassland Pkwy Suite D 

Alpharetta, GA 30004

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