A new groomer asked, “How do I safely use a #7 blade?” She had previously nicked a dog while using one and was hesitant to try again. Here is the deal. Number seven blades are great for shaving down matted coats. Becauseof how their teeth are spaced and shaped, they can often get under tight matting while still leaving a tiny bit of length and a smooth finish. They are handy tools. However, that same shaping and spacing of teeth can also allow the blade to snag the skin in areas like the tuck-up or where the nipples are. Lips and ear edges can also fall prey to being damaged if you use a seven-blade on them. And forget about armpits; that skin practically leaps between the teeth.
Before the invention of finish blades (designated by an “F” after the number size,) many groomers used #7 skip-toothed blades. These dandy blades have gone out of fashion because while they could plow under tangles, the very sharp points to the teeth and the spacing of the every-other shorter blade could cause nicks and cuts even on flat areas of the pet. I once sliced the hock on a tiny Yorkie using one. It was a poor choice and an unforgettable lesson for me many years ago. But I digress. The safest way to use a #7 blade is by planning what areas you want to clip and being mindful while working.
Imagine you have a Doodle on the table that hasn’t seen a brush or a groomer in months. The pelted coat must come off, and you decide your #7 blade will be the best choice. Clip that matted mess, but avoid any areas with skin folds. Leave the armpits, tuck up, face, ears, and belly (because of the nipples and genitals) until after you have clipped the bulk of the matting with the #7. Go back and clip those potential danger zones with a #10 blade or, if you have one, an 8 ½. The latter will leave a similar length that the #7 will, but the teeth are shaped more like those on a #10 blade and are less likely to cause accidental damage.
Another good use for a #7 blade is on the flat top of the head and cheeks of, for instance, a Standard Schnauzer. It leaves a more natural finish than a #10 blade, and it is easier to blend into the body coat.
#7 Blades are workhorses and an important part of your tool kit, but they have limitations and should be used with knowledge and care.
