Clipper blades are a vital part of any grooming routine—whether you're clipping horses, dogs, or livestock. Over time, even the best blades will begin to dull with use. The good news? Most clipper blades can be resharpened, saving you money and extending the life of your grooming tools.
The Masterclip premium A2 and A5 clipper blades are made from high quality, toughened steel for extra strength and longevity. With correct use and expert blade sharpening, these blades will last for many years so it’s worth sourcing a specialist when the time comes for your blades to be resharpened.
In this blog, we’ll cover which blades can be resharpened, how the process works, why it’s best left to the professionals, and where to send your blades when it’s time to give them a new lease of life.
What Type of Clipper Blades Can Be Resharpened?
The majority of detachable metal clipper blades used in grooming can be resharpened. This includes:
- A2 blades commonly used for horses and livestock.
- A5 blades (popular in dog grooming and small animal use)
- Livestock blades: Dagging and Shearing blades used shearing wool or clipping dirty fleece/coats of large livestock.
- Some speciality or ceramic-tipped blades* including our steel Showmate II trimmer blades. (*Depending on the brand and construction)
It's important to note that blades which have broken teeth, are chipped, severely corroded, or worn too thin may not be suitable for resharpening. A specialist will always inspect the blade first to determine whether it’s salvageable
What Happens During Professional Blade Resharpening?
There are various methods of resharpening blades, but professional services usually offer sharpening with a grinding wheel, lapping wheel and oil stone wheel. Each type of clipper blade requires a different sharpening process, and they may be flat or hollow ground with a slight curvature. If a blade is sharpened using the wrong type of wheel or technique it can essentially ruin the blade, costing you more money by having to replace it.
Expert sharpening ensures only the minimal amount of steel is removed during the sharpening process for a precision finish. This provides maximum longevity for your clipper blade, saving you money in long term by ensuring that each blade can be resharpened multiple times.
Professional clipper blade sharpening is a precise and delicate process involving:
Initial Inspection – Blades are checked for damage, rust, corrosion, excessive wear or breakages.
Pre-Cleaning – Loose dirt, hair and rust are removed before sharpening begins.
Sharpening – Using a grinding wheel, lapping wheel, or oil stone (depending on the blade type), the steel is carefully ground down by micromilimteres to restore a sharp edge.
Deep Cleaning – Solvents are used to remove ingrained dirt and debris.
Reassembly and Tension Adjustment – For A5 blades, the cutter and comb are realigned and tensioned to the correct setting.
Performance Testing – Sharpened blades are tested on faux fur to ensure cutting efficiency.
Final Clean and Inspection – Before being carefully packaged and returned to the customer.
Why You Shouldn’t Sharpen Clipper Blades Yourself
While there are DIY sharpening kits on the market, they often lack the precision needed for professional grooming blades. Incorrect sharpening can:
- Remove too much metal, reducing blade lifespan
- Leave uneven edges, leading to poor cutting performance
- Cause overheating or damage to the clipper
- Result in increased wear on both the blade and your clippers
Improper sharpening can ultimately cost you more in replacement blades and equipment repairs. Trusting a specialist ensures your blades are sharpened to the correct specification and safely handled throughout.
Blade Sharpening Partners: Shear Ease Ltd
At Masterclip, we occasionally hear from customers whose blades don’t perform as they did when they were brand new after a sharpening attempt. Usually the cause is due to poor sharpening technique or incorrect equipment being used. While Masterclip do not currently offer an in-house sharpening service, we highly recommend Shear Ease Ltd based in Anglesey. Their in-depth level of knowledge and skill backed with a fully equipped range of precision sharpening equipment will guarantee your clipper blades receive the best level of care.
Shear Ease Ltd. offers a fast and reliable clipper blade sharpening service using their free postal service available across the UK. They even provide robust, recycled plastic return cases for safe blade storage. You can find further details and download their free postal form from their website. For peace of mind and professional results, Shear Ease is your go-to.
Keep It Sharp – The Essentials
Most clipper blades can be resharpened – especially A2 and A5 types.
Avoid DIY sharpening , as it risks damage and poor results.
Choose a reputable service like Shear Ease Ltd for expert care and peace of mind.
With proper maintenance and sharpening, your Masterclip blades will continue delivering precise results time after time. Wondering which clipper blades would be best suited for your needs? Contact our friendly and knowledge team today.
