The blades are actually in the middle. The tip is pointy, but won't hurt the skin. The design of the blades are kinda curved, so when you brush w/it, your wrist will turn like when you're turning a lock.
If the mats are on his legs, then maybe it's better to just snip them off w/a blunt nosed scissor...especially if he won't stay still for long! I use the little eyebrow blunt nosed scissors on my guys. Hope that helps.