Arcticfox

Ok, it sounds like Andis comes with better recommendations so far. What is the difference between all the Andis models? So far only UltraEdge and Plus+ AG was mentioned specifically.
I should also get an extra #10 blade for FFT. What about body trims? Should I use a different blade for that or just the #10 with a comb? The Wahl metal combs were suggested, so I'm assuming the blades and combs are interchangable between different brands?

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tortoise

I have never had luck with combs. I've tried dozens of dogs, different coat types, never good results.

UltraEdge is not the clipper, it is the brand name for the blade. AG is the clipper. It comes as "+", the plus isn't the clipper it refers to getting the ultraedge #10 blade with the clipper. I think we are all recommending the same Andis clipper. "Andis AG+ 2-speed"

Does that make sense?

Blades and combs are interchangeable between brand names.

mom24doggies

Are you sure about that? My clipper says quite clearly "Andis UltraEdge" on the body...and yeah, AG2 is part of the name as well....

Were you using plastic or metal combs? I had the same results as you with plastic combs, but when I switched to metal, everything was great. Also depends on what you use underneath them. Typically I use a #15, or a #10 or #30, depending on the dog's coat type.

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"Love is the emotion that a woman feels always for a poodle dog and sometimes for a man." ~George Jean Nathan

tortoise

Y'know, you might be right. I'm pretty sure I bought my clipper before they released the ultraedge blade. I bought new housing for my clipper this past year, I don't remember what is on it.

But I think we're all still talking about the same thing?

I have plastic combs and I have tried 10, 15, and 30 under it. The 30 was the worst. I hate my Oster 30 blades. I have never had a good experience with them. I'd give them away except the technically belong to my boss.

mom24doggies

Hmmm...either way, yeah, I think we're talking about the same thing...I linked to the clipper I use if you want to look at it.

You might want to try metal combs; I'm serious, they are amazing! They cut down on my scissoring time sooo much.

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"Love is the emotion that a woman feels always for a poodle dog and sometimes for a man." ~George Jean Nathan

Ladyscarletthawk

I have the black Andis Ag 2 speed and I love it. I tried the ultraedge and just didnt care for it mainly because it didnt feel comfortable in my hand(I have small hands) and that you have to press a switch to remove your blade.. I believe the black andis is easier to maintain as well.

As for the Oster they run hot(in your hands) and loud, but it cuts like a dream. Not my cup of tea. NOw when it comes to the blades.. if I can I will purchase the oster blades over the Andis as they give a smoother cut IMO. I love the Laube big combs for longer trims. Never used the wahl combs but they look like they give a very smooth cut on some coats.

Personally I love the shorter blades for FFT and use a 50 on my girls. BUt on clients I use my oster or Geib 10 blade. I find I nick rarely if ever with my 50, but like crazy with a 30.. 40 are ok but not short enough for me lol. You have to make use you have a light touch or you can cause clipper irritation(commonly known as clipper burn) with the short blades 10 and lower. It is caused by the friction of the blade on the skin not unlike us dry shaving. Keeping the blades cool is just more comfortable for the dog. Depending on what combs you go with and what lengths you are going to do on the body will determine what blades you should get. Cheapest route and if you keep him matt free you can stick with a few blades and a comb set. Also if you take care of your equipment properly they will last a long time.. I find my coworkers get their blades sharpened 4x more often than me and only a handful get sharpened at a time if that many.

I would rec that the baby go to a professional until the baby is used to grooming/clippering if they are not already before you attempt to do the grooming yourself. Then you can start with FFT until you are comfortable to start clipping the body yourself. Have to be extra carefull with armpits, tuck ups and toe webbings. I think its great to groom your own dog. After a long day of grooming other's dogs and if I have the energy I find it relaxing to groom my own girls. It really is a bonding experience and you can feel good at a good job done.

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Laura, Eve, and Fergie

Arcticfox

I think the AG and UltraEdge are different, they have different prices and I think different SPM
UltraEdge
AG Plus

They both come with a 10 blade. What other blade should I get if any? Do the Wahl metal combs come as a set or individually? If single, what size comb do I need if my range is super short summer cut to around one inch when it's chilly.

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tortoise

I think you'd be very happy with a #3 blade. It is the most popular cut my poodle clients ask for. Here are a couple of photos:

This is a Standard cut with a #3 and a #10

Standard Poodle Modified Puppy Cut by tortoise11, on Flickr

This is a Toy cut with a #3 and a #10

Toy Poodle Modified Lamb Cut by tortoise11, on Flickr

This is a Toy shaved down with #10 (ETA: Actually I think that is a #7 on a thinly coated dog.)

Toy Poodle Utility Shave by tortoise11, on Flickr

This is a (very old, lumpy, bumpy) Standard in a very short kennel cut. Her body is shaved with #10.

Parfait Short Kennel Cut by tortoise11, on Flickr