Blade choice does more to the finish than the clipper does. The number stamped on the side is the length of coat left standing behind it, and moving one step either way is the difference between a tidy trim and something closer to a shave. That is why a working groomer's kit is a row of blades and a single machine, rather than a drawer of clippers and one blade doing everything badly.

These are snap-on and self-tensioning, so a blade change takes seconds and the tension does not have to be set by hand each time. That matters, because a blade fitted loose and dragging is the point at which most home clipping goes wrong and the coat ends up tramlined. The chrome plating is there for corrosion resistance rather than looks: blades get cleaned wet, and rust starting between the teeth ends far more blades than a worn cutting edge ever does.

• Snap-on, self-tensioning fit for fast blade changes
• Chrome-plated for rust and corrosion resistance
• High-precision cut for an even finish
• Seven sizes stocked: 3F, 4, 9, #10W, 15, 40 and 50
• Designed for use with compatible Wahl clippers

On the range. Blades also need oiling during use, not only at the end.

Who it's for: Groomers and owners clipping double or long-coated breeds such as golden retrievers, poodles, shih tzus, cavaliers and old english sheepdogs, who already have a compatible Wahl machine.