another poodle question

Question
I have a silver miniature poodle with an exceptionally thick curly coat which My Oster clippers will not go through. This is a first for me. The blades were clean, sharp and oiled. I took him to a groomer. Her clippers would not go through his coat.  We both used #10 blades. She switched to another blade, which worked, but will not tell me what size. Why, I don't know. Finances being what they are, I need to start grooming my dog myself.  Any suggestions as to blade size/type? I keep him in a 1/2 inch kennel clip.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Peggy-
I don't know why you would use a 10 on the coat unless you want a skinned dog...
Try a skip tooth blade to lift and cut the coat and leave some hair- A 7 skip tooth is pretty short, a 5 is a bit longer and will leave a nice curl. The trick is to wait no longer than every 6 weeks- 4 preferably. That's what I would use. If you wait too long between clipping then the hair will matt and you won't get the blades through.
Brush and comb the coat thoroughly before you start to get the knots out so the blade glides through evenly and doesn't get caught and pinch the skin. 7 and 5 F blades are finishing blades and less likely to pinch but don't give such a natural look and mistakes are more obvious.
good luck- I think it was kinda cheesy the groomer wouldn't share with you. Go on youtube and you'll find a million videos! Try poodle grooming tips.
good luck!