[tinknpiper]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Hmmmmm that is different from what I have read and understand. The Blade # does not refer to the sharpness. It refers to the size/closeness of cut. The lower the blade number, the longer the hair that is left from it. -- The #40 blade is 1/100" (A close cut, perfect for ears) and the #10 is 1/16” -- An All-purpose blade, used for most of the body, especially for a smooth, summer cut.

There is a lot of personal preference in what blade to use where. The YTCA recommends the #40 for ears and the #10 for feet, sanitary. Andis recommends: "Smooth faces, feet, the pads of the feet, groin and tummy areas and anal areas can usually be clipped very close with a #10, #15, or lightly with a #30 or #40 blade to clean them of hair. " Lots of leeway there.
Geib recommends the #40 for most of the trimming I do: "Brand: Ed Geib ButtercutSize: #40Length: 1/100" (.25 mm)Perfect for:Show Grooming feet, face and base of tail on Poodles.Show grooming face, ear leathers and tail on Bedlington Terriers.Ear tips of Westies, Cairns and YorkiesEars and muzzles of sporting breeds Clipping pads of feet on all coated breeds."

For sharpness....well I guess it depends on the quality of the blade and how long since it was last sharpened or how badly matted the dog last clipped might have been.....

BTW the Wahl Peanut from what I could see uses a #30 blade. At least that is what is sold as a replacement blade for it.

They may say that you can use a 40 blade but it is better for experienced groomers not someone who has not been taught how to handle the blade. I know the number does not mean its sharpness but the shorter the blade the sharper it is. If you have a 10 and a 40 next to each other you can tell the difference. I am just letting you know what professional groomers use. It is safer to use a 10 then it is a 40 especially if you have not been taught how to use them.