When you are shopping for Oster clipper blades you may not be sure what size blades you will need. It can be a bit confusing being there are so many different sizes to choose from. In this article, I will review the Oster clipper blade sizes and explain to you the purpose of each blade. This will help you determine the blades you need to purchase.
About Oster
I have been using Oster clipper blades and Oster clippers ever since I started my pet grooming career back in 1978. I have tried other brands but in my experience, I have found Oster products to outlast the others. The blades are made using a patented Cryogen-X 12 step process that ensures superior cutting quality. Oster has been making high-quality products since 1924 and has built a very good reputation for themselves. The Oster Brand promises high performance, versatility, and durability in every product they produce.
Tips For Using Clipper Blades
- When using blade sizes #50 through to #10 you will need to make sure they do not get hot. A hot blade that cuts close to the skin will result in razor burning your pet. To prevent razor burn you need to check the blade while clipping your pet by tapping the blade on the underside of your wrist every few minutes. If it feels hot to you it feels hot to your pet. You will need to spray the blade with Cool Lube or change blades.
- Do not continue to use a dull blade. Because once the blade becomes dull it will pull your pet’s hair which can result in razor burn. Using a dull blade hurts and will make your pet fear the clippers.
- Use an old toothbrush to clean any hair that builds up between the teeth of the blade. This will keep the blade cutting smoothly and evenly.
- Never use a dry blade. Using a dry blade will cause more wear and tear on the blade and the clippers. Always use the proper oil on your blades.
- Handle your blades carefully. Because one drop on the floor can break the blade and/or make it dull, resulting in you having to spend more money.
- Do Not use your blades on wet hair. Because the hair will build up between the teeth of the blade resulting in an uneven cut. Water will also harm the finish and dull the blade.
- Scroll down on this page to watch the video on how to clean and oil your clipper blades.
Oster Clipper Blades Chart
Below you will find a chart of every size blade that Oster makes. You can see in this chart the recommended type of hair and body part that each blade size is used for. This will help you determine what blades will work best for your pet. Keep in mind that this chart shows the length of hair left when cutting against the natural grain of the hair/coat. You will not be cutting against the grain. You will be cutting your pet’s hair in the same direction of the grain. This will leave the hair a bit longer than stated on the chart.
Example: The #5 blade will cut the hair to 1/4 of an inch going against the grain and will cut the hair to about 3/8 of an inch going with the grain.
Oster Clipper Blade Sizes
#50 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/125 of an inch. This blade cuts close to the skin and is commonly used by veterinarians to remove hair before a surgical procedure.
#40 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/100 of an inch. This blade is perfect for shaving the pads of any breed that grows hair between the pads. The #40 blade is commonly used for shaving show Poodles feet because it gives a smooth velvety look. I have found the #40 blade to work very well at removing matted hair between the pads.
#30 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/50 of an inch. The #30 blade also works well for shaving pads.
#15 blade: Cuts the hair down to 3/64 of an inch. You can use this blade for cutting hair on the pads, face, and ears.
#10 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/16 0f an inch. The #10 blade is also used for pads, face, and ears but is recommended for animals with sensitive skin.
#10 Wide Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/16 0f an inch. This blade is used for shave downs. The wider blade helps you get the job done faster.
#9 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 5/64 of an inch. You can also use this blade for shave downs. It will leave a bit more hair than the #10 blade.
#8 1/2 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 7/64 of an inch. I like to use this blade for Saddle Cuts in the summer. A Saddle Cut is a cut that removes the hair from the back leaving the skirt and legs longer. Example: Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and West Highland terriers. The #81/2 blade leaves enough hair to protect the skin from getting sunburned.
Oster Clipper Blade Sizes Used for Full Body Cuts
A word of caution when using skipped tooth blades. Being the teeth are spaced further apart your pet’s skin can get caught between the teeth resulting in a gash. As you use these blades pull the skin tight and never run it parallel to lose skin, skin creases and rolls. Never use on animals with thin skin like cats and older animals.
#7 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/8 of an inch. This is a skip tooth blade that works well on matted and coarse coated animals. The #7 blade gives a nice natural blended look on most terriers.
#5 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/4 of an inch. This is also a skip tooth blade. You can use this blade on a course and thick haired animals. Example: Terriers, St. Bernards Newfoundlands, and horses,
#4 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 3/8 of an inch. This is another skip tooth blade that you can use on a course and thickly coated animals.
#3 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/2 of an inch. You will use this blade the same as the #4, #5 and #7 but it will leave the hair a bit longer.
The F stands for a full-toothed blade in the following 4 blades.
I personally like to use the full-toothed blades over the skipped tooth blades because they are much safer. The full-toothed blade does not have sharp points and the teeth are close together. They also make a smoother cut without leaving uneven razor marks on your pets coat/fur.
#7F Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/8 of an inch. You can use this blade to shave the entire body. It is also commonly used for Saddle Cuts.
#5F Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/4 of an inch. The #5 blade is one of the most commonly used blades because it gives a nice even short haircut. You can also use this blade for Lamb Cuts and Saddle Cuts.
#4F Blade: Cuts the hair down to 3/8 of an inch. This blade can also be used for full body haircuts but it will not cut through matted hair.
#3F Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/2 of an inch. You can use this blade to keep the hair a bit longer than the #4 will.
#5/8 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/32 of an inch. I found this blade to work very well on smaller animals feet, ears and other difficult areas.
#7/8 Blade: Cuts the hair down to 1/32 of an inch. Another great blade for getting into those difficult areas.
Caring for your Blades
It is very important to know how to keep your blades clean and lubricated. The lubrication will keep them cutting smoothly and helps to keep them from becoming too hot.
You have invested a lot into your blades and you want them to last. Don’t you? The only way to make sure they last a long time is with the proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about Oster clipper blade sizes you will be able to purchase the blades you will need. I searched through Amazon to find the best price for each blade. For your convenience, simply click on the image of the blade/blades you want to purchase.
“Always be prepared with a spare”
I recommend purchasing two of each size blade you will be using. This will save you from stressing out if a blade goes dull in the middle of a haircut. Furthermore, no one wants to have a half groomed pet running around the house.
Remember to always take your time as you learn new techniques, you will get better with practice. The most important part of learning how to groom your pet is the bonding time you will be spending together.
If you have any questions or need some help please leave me a comment.
Happy pet grooming,
I have a Oster Golden A5, 2 speed dog clippers, Model#078005-140 PN171144. My dog clippers quit after over 20 years. I am having trouble replacing the unit. I have over 20 blades for grooming.
What dog clippers are “COMPATIBLE” for me to use my 20 blades as I can not find Oster Golden A5, 2 speed dog clippers. I found one reg. $239.99 on sale $143.99 (maybe).
Amazon sells Oster Dog clippers but they are REDICULIOUSLY expensive and Oster is “clearning out their stock”. Maybe Oster will exist no more????
I need dog clippers that I can use my 20 Oster interchangeable blades on. Please adivse – what dog clippers can I purchase?
I found a Oster A5 for $123.85 on Amazon.
You can also use your Oster blades with a Andis clipper.
I hope Oster stayes around, they are my favorite clipper.
I hope this helps.
Happy grooming, Cathy
Hi , I have a nine month old poodle pup and want to give him just a puppy or lamb cut . Which blade would you recommend ? Can I use the same blade for my goldendoodle ? She looks more golden than poodle . Thanks l love your video on blade cleaning . Dot
Hi Dottie,
Yes you can use the same blade if you want the same length of hair left. Its good that you are getting her used to being groomed as a puppy, it helps a lot. Glad you enjoyed the video. Please let me know if you need any more help.
Happy grooming, Cathy
ik heb een koning of grote poedel,en een osterpowermax met snoer en twee snelheden, er zit bij mes 10 en 7, ben met zijn snuit en poten klaar door mes 7 te gebruiken welk mes moet ik hebben voor zijn body rug en buik, als ik de kammen gebruik op mes 10 loop ik vast ,van daar?
Hi Will,
You should be using the #10 blade on his feet, face,belly and butt. You can use the #7 on his body but it will be short. If you want the hair longer on the body use a attatchment comb or purchase a #4f blade. Please let me know if you need more help.
Have a great day, Cathy
Hi Cathy
What would you recommend the best sizes are for Shitz Zhu.
Currently I use a 4 and 5 Oster.
Do you have your blades sharpened,if so after how many cuts?
Regards
Simon
Hi Simon,
Have you tried the #4F or #5F blades? Thay give a nice even cut, better than the #4 or #5.
Your blades should last for many cuts if you are taking care of them after each use. Please watch the video on Caring for your Blades.
I hope this was helpful, please let me know if you need further help. I am sorry for the delay in my reply, I was offline for a while due to family issues.
I have a Mutt that is mostly Australian Shepherd in his coat. I want to keep him neat and trim. I do not want his long wispy-silky hairs. I am finding it incredibly difficult to trim him with clippers though. I recently bought an Oster Turbo A5. The #10 blade is just not able to get his silky hairs that are on his underneath side.
What blade do you recommend I use to quickly trim his coat and leave it looking smooth (no razor lines)?
Thank you for helping this novice!
Hi Nanette,
I am sorry for the late reply. I was offline for some time due to family issues. I am not sure I understand what it is you are trying to do. I do not recommend shaving your dog with a #10 blade. I would use a #4F or #5F to do a full body trim. Please let me know if this helps.
I was a professional groomer in the 1970’s, and clipped all sorts of dogs, but mainly poodles and terriers. Then there were not the choice of blades that there seems to be today. We used No 15,10, 7 and 5, and rarely a number 30. We only used Oster clippers. And F or FC didnt exist. I now have a Cavapoo puppy with hair that is not curly, but getting long. And of course I will be clipping him. I would like to know what would be the best size blade for the body? I think a 5 would be too short, so thinking about getting a 3F or 4F, ? Blades are expensive, so which one would be best?
Hi Judy,
Yes, I remember those days lol! Supplies have come a long way since then and the price to have a pet professionally groomed has gone way up. The 4F is a good choice, it gives a nice even cut. If you want to leave your dog’s hair longer, I recommend the comb attachments. They come in many different sizes plus are way cheaper than the blades. Check out my page on Comb Attachments.
Hope this helps, Thank you for visiting my site.
Hi Cathy, I lucked out finding your site, I have a Bouvier de Flanders with a very thick coat. Local groomers do not want to clip him because of his size, (apparently they want him up on a table) and can’t lift his 115 lbs. I bought a Oster Golder A5 which came with a #10 blade. Also bought a snap on comb for 1/2 inch cut. The #10 cut to short, the comb does not pass through his coat. Oster recommended a #3 skip but it also does not pass through hair, gets (stuck). What do you recommend?
Hi Hadley,
I’m glad you found my site. First, comb attachments will not work on tangled hair. If the hair is brushed out first you should be able to use the comb. Can you please let me know what your dog’s coat condition is so I can help you further with the problem. Hope to hear from you soon!
Hello I have an Australian Shepherd and a groomer usually gives him a summer cut. What blade and guard would I use?
Hi Marshall,
This depends on how short you want his hair to be and the thickness of his coat. I do not recommend shaving down to the skin. I would use a #7F blade which will leave 1/8th in. of hair. If you want it a bit longer try the #5F or #4F. You may find it difficult to use the comb attachments on dogs with thick coats. Please let me know if you need more help.
Thank you for the visit!
I have been trying find out if there is an Oster 10 blade for a 1 inch (or longer) cut. I only see up to 1/2 inch. Suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Ashleigh,
For a longer length, you will need to use attachment combs. Please visit Andis Clipper Comb Attachments, you will find a list of all the comb sizes and the length of hair they leave. Please let me know if you need further help. Thank you for visiting my site!
My older cat gets matted on her back. I have a lucky dog oster clipper. What blade do you recommend?
Hi Lori,
Cats have very thin skin that can easily get snagged by the blade. I recommend a #10 or #15 blade, it depends on how close the mats are to your cat’s skin. You can also try to brush her more often if she will tolerate it.
Hi,
I have an Oster Turbo A5 for grooming my 60lb. Golden doodle. I’ve been using a #10 blade with 1/2” comb attachment for the body and a 3/8” curved blade for the legs, stomach, etc.
How many cuts should I expect before my #10 blade goes dull?
Hi Steve,
That’s a hard question to answer. A lot depends on how thick your dog’s hair is and how often you clean and oil the blade. A blade could last for over a dozen groomings before going dull. If the blade starts to get wobbly you will need to make sure all the screws on the blade and on the clippers are secured tightly. Also cutting dirty hair will dull out your blade faster.
Thanks for your visit, happy grooming!
Hi,
I have a 1970 somthing
Electric oster lucky dog home animal clipper.
I m looking for a compatable or replacement blade.
model 113 series e
Size medium
N0. 91362
Regards
Charice Gwinn
Hi Charice,
Your in luck, Oster has been making clippers for a long time and they have never changed the way a blade fits on the clippers. They are all universal and will fit on any electric animal clipper that has changeable blades. Thank you for visiting my site and have a great day!
Hi,
I need a blade guide to provide to my parlour when grooming a Wire Fox Terrier. Something visual preferably.
Please help because if they muck up my wire again im going to ring their necks.
Thanks
Niek
Hi Niek,
I know it can be very frustrating when your pet is not groomed correctly. I recommend getting the All Breed Dog Grooming book by Sam Khol. It has step by step directions on how to groom your Wirehair Fox Terrier. You could even learn how to groom your dog at home and save yourself some money. Thank you for visiting my site, please feel free to ask for help.
I have a pomeranian, I would love to give her a cut, but I only have a size 10 wide blade, and that cut is to low for my liking, is there a blade guard? or what blade would do best?
Hi Beth,
Thanks for stopping by. The 4F blade leaves the coat 3/8 of an inch. If you are looking to leave it any longer I would recommend getting a regular width #10 blade and a set of snap-on comb attachments. This way you will have more options for now and in the future.
Hello Cathy,
it is very usefull writing about Oster Clipper. I have also han handsome boy. ( he is cat and 7 years old.) he moult sometimes in a year. I want to use it but he affaid of voice too much. How can I use this clipper ? do you have any idea?
Thank you
Nil
Hi Nil,
It will help me to know what kind of cat you own. You may be interested in reading my post ” How to Groom a Cat‘ You will find it to be helpful. Thank you for visiting the site! >^.^<