Sharpening a hair clipper blade: a step-by-step guide

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Let’s face it, beard and hair clippers require maintenance from time to time. And we often forget this important detail!

The result: the clippers don’t work properly because they’re not sharp enough! In this article, we’ll give you some tips and tricks for sharpening your clipper blade in no time! Let’s get started!

Why has your hair clipper stopped cutting properly?

With repeated use, blades need sharpening to keep them sharp. A little freshening up now and then never hurts!

If your clipper isn’t performing as well as it did on day one, there are a number of possible reasons.

• Hair can get stuck on the blades and clog the unit;
• Dirt accumulates on the blades;
• The clipper is not lubricated regularly.

The result: the appliance performs less well and the cut is not clean. You may also experience hair pulling when handling it.

How do I sharpen a hair clipper blade?

1. Solvent and abrasive paste

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Have you noticed that the blades of your hair clipper need a little sharpening? Don’t know how to go about it? Don’t panic!

There’s a simple but practical trick based on solvent and abrasive paste. Just follow a few simple steps and you’re all set! Ready to get started? Here’s how to it:

1. First, get a container and fill it halfway with solvent.
2. Next, cut an abrasive paste into small pieces (50 grams).
3. Add these small pieces to the solvent-filled container and leave to stand for 12 hours. And yes, this is not a quick operation!
4. Once the paste has softened, mix well.
5. Switch on your machine and dip the blades into the paste for 4-5 minutes.

6. Rinse thoroughly, wipe with a soft cloth and lubricate. You’re done!

2. The sharpening stone

Here’s another tip! A whetstone to help you get the sharpening right. And there’s nothing complicated about it! Follow our step-by-step guide!

1. First of all, make sure you wear gloves to avoid any risk of injury. If you have a magnetic holder, place your blades on it while sharpening.
2. Next, hold the stone in place on a flat surface.
3. Position the blade at a 45-degree angle on the stone and move forward. Caution! Do not move the blade back and forth.
4. Repeat this forward movement (5 and 10 passes over the stone).
5. Turn the blade over and repeat the process on the other side.
6. Do the same for the second blade.

3. Thin whetstone

To create an even finer, sharper edge, use a 10000-grit whetstone. How to do it?

1. Move the blade back and forth on the stone until it’s clearly polished.
2. Follow with cleaning and lubrication.

To avoid these inconveniences, all you need to do is maintain your clipper and sharpen the blades if necessary. And there’s nothing complicated about that! We’ll show you how…

How do I clean my hair clippers?

If your hair clippers are no longer working properly, the first thing to do is clean them.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. The hoof is cleaned to remove any residual hair and fur that may have become trapped. Remove it, remove the hair inside, soak in soapy water and rinse.
2. Clean the razor blades. Use a clean toothbrush and wash in soapy water. Be sure to dry the blades thoroughly before reinserting them.
3. If traces of scale or rust are found on the blades, use a cotton pad soaked in 90° isopropyl alcohol and clean the blades. Dry with a clean, dry cloth.
4. If your clipper doesn’t have removable blades, remove the screws holding the blades in place and proceed with cleaning.
5. Next, oil the blades to make them smooth. Nothing better than lubricating oil or vegetable oil to save the day.
6. Apply 1 or 2 drops of the oil of your choice to the blades, then wipe off any excess with a dry cloth.

I recommend you to read our dedicated article which explains how to clean a hair clipper with more details.