Blade Woes: Why Your Professionally Sharpened Clipper Blades Don't Last As Long

As hair cutting enthusiasts, you rely on clipper blades to deliver clean, precise cuts. After investing in professional sharpening services, it's frustrating to witness the once-sharp edge fade away much quicker than expected. But fear not! In this blog post, we'll explore the different reasons why clipper blade edges don't last after having them professionally sharpened. By understanding these factors, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to identify an experienced clipper blade sharpening service, and also how to prolong the lifespan of your clipper blades and achieve consistent cutting performance.

The Role of Blade Material: Not all clipper blades are created equal. Understanding the type of material used in your blades can shed some light on their durability and edge retention, but the sharpener plays just as much of a role in this. Not to mention, it's not always practical as a hair cutting professional to take the time to understand all of the intricacies involved with all of the different types of steel available on the market. To be honest, unless your a metal-specialist, you'd be hard pressed to even begin to be able to identify all of the different types of metal and all of the various components used when constructing clipper blades, and it's always best whenever you hear certain terms such as, "stainless steel, carbon, titanium, etcetera," to take it all with a grain of salt. It's not that these terms are not relevant, but the majority of hair cutting specialists are not privy to all of the specifics, which allows these terms to become what we'd like to call, "easy marketing terms." For the hair cutting pro, the best thing you can do to understand what blades work best are to ask those in your industry. You can obtain as much knowledge as possible about clipper blades, but actually using them and caring for them properly will allow you to determine for yourself what brand and type of blade works best for you. The same can also be said for ceramic blades. Ceramic blades don't retain heat in the same way as steel blades, and ceramic is a stronger material, but ceramic is also more brittle and if not used properly can be damaged sooner than the average steel clipper blade. The best advice is to get your hands on different types of blades and ask those that you trust for recommendations.

Sharpening Techniques and Quality: The art of sharpening clipper blades requires skill, precision, the right equipment, and an understanding of the shape that is required to create an edge that is durable and lasts. Clipper blades do not operate like single-edge instruments such as a knife. Just because someone can sharpen knives absolutely does not mean they have the capability of sharpening clipper blades. You see this all over the internet with people who sharpen clipper blades on a flat stone. Sharpening clipper blades on a flat stone can sometimes get a clipper blade to cut, but it's hit or miss and you can guarantee that the edge will go dull sooner than you can imagine. While professional sharpening services are widely available, the techniques employed and the expertise of the sharpener can vary. The best advice is to avoid the flat stone at all costs if you use clipper blades professionally to earn a living.

Blade Maintenance and Care: Proper maintenance and care play a vital role in preserving the sharpness of clipper blades as well. Neglecting essential cleaning, lubrication, and storage practices can accelerate the dulling process. The tension applied between the two blades, the alignment of both blades, and the shape ground on the underside of the blade are just a few key components for making sure blades cut properly, not to mention, the key parts of the clipper itself that assist in cutting hair. Always remember, clipper blades do not cut on their own and require the assistance of the clipper as well and vice-versa. The clipper blade and the clipper itself work in harmony, to produce precise cuts. Keeping the blades oiled and free from debris, will help keep the edge in tact over a longer period of time as opposed to not focusing on these important points. The environment in which clipper blades are used can also impact their edge retention. Factors such as humidity, exposure to harsh chemicals, and the presence of dirt and debris can accelerate blade dulling.

Frequency of Use and Cutting Conditions: The demands placed on clipper blades during use can affect their longevity. Factors like the frequency of use, the type of hair or fur being cut, and the condition of the coat can all contribute to the wearing down of the blade edge. There are numerous factors that go into how long an edge will hold up and it's not always easy for the hair cutting professional to identify what the specific cause is for a blade that goes dull sooner than later. The issues we are discussing here are only the tip of the iceberg, and there's a variety of factors to take into consideration.

Conclusion: While it may be disheartening to see your professionally sharpened clipper blades lose their edge faster than anticipated, understanding the reasons behind this issue empowers you to take action. By considering the blade material, selecting reputable sharpening services, practicing proper maintenance, and being mindful of environmental and usage factors, you can extend the life of your clipper blades and achieve consistent, sharp cuts. With these insights, you'll be well-equipped to ensure your blades stay sharp for longer, saving you time, money, and frustration.

Remember, a little knowledge can go a long way in preserving the cutting prowess of your clipper blades!