clipper blades

Question
It is time to give our mixed terrior her summer cut.  Neither my wife or I can bring ourselves to do it because we clip for hours and seem to get nowhere.  We have an Oster Golden A5 with a 4F blade.  Do you think a different blade size would cut more hair off in a shorter amount of time?  The blade we have is very old - is it possible it is just too dull to cut anymore?  Can you sharpen a blade or just replace it with a new one.

Thank you!


Answer
Your blade could very well need sharpening; look in the telephone book for a sharpening service.

Also, slide the smaller blade back and forth and make sure there is no hair between the two blades, and always put a bit of oil in there before using the blade.

My favorite most-used blade is a 7 (skip-tooth... not 7F), but it will take your dog's coat quite a bit shorter that the 4F. It really shines on a coat with mats as it is pretty much the only blade that can get under those mats.

Karen