Long timer clipper, looking for guidance

• Long timer clipper, looking for guidance by kjsbd on 24 Feb, 2013 18:41
• Hi Sly guys, one and all!
  
  I've been shaving my head with clippers for about 8 years now, and I'm looking for a replacement for my current Wahl Balder. There's nothing wrong with the clippers as such (I think they're the kind of things that would probably last forever), probably the issue is with my technique or my skin.
  
  I don't seem to be able to go a single shave without "stabbing" myself with the sharp metal bits at the top of the blade. It rarely makes me bleed (and when it does it's usually around my ears where the angle of the clippers is too sharp), but it's uncomfortable and sometimes really hurts, and it's gotten to the point where I loathe having to do my head it's so annoying. I have a Balder and a Super Taper - it doesn't happen with the ordinary Super Taper blades, but does with the Balder. I much prefer the closeness of the Balder so I only use it these days.
  
  I've been doing my own head for ever, but on an overseas holiday recently I had a barber do it for me. He used a cordless clipper with no visible brand written on it, but it gave me the same close shave without any of the catching or stabbing I usually experience. Due to the language barrier I wasn't able to figure out what he was using, but I'm hoping someone here has experienced the issues I'm talking about and can help.
  
  Can anyone recommend a set of clippers for me? Cordless sounds nice but it isn't really a requirement. I just want something that'll shave close without stabbing me!
  
  Thanks in advance!
• #1 by Sir Harry on 24 Feb, 2013 20:06
• Welcome! I personally use Andis Outliners when I can't get to a razor....They give a nice close shave, though not as close as a razor.
• #2 by kjsbd on 24 Feb, 2013 22:22
• Thanks for your reply!
  
  Do you find that the Andis catches your skin at all? This is the issue I'm getting with the Wahl, but I'm not sure whether it's the blade or it's me.
• #3 by Lynchy on 24 Feb, 2013 22:30
• Sounds like the blades might be getting a little dull?
  
  You should be able to have them sharpened/replaced.
• #4 by Sir Harry on 25 Feb, 2013 05:36
• When I've used them, I've never had that issue. I usually use a DE razor or HeadBlade, but I have had to use Andis after scalp surgeries that prevented me from using a razor. My (former) barber swears by them when he clippershaves heads.
• #5 by kjsbd on 25 Feb, 2013 17:02
• Thanks for the recommendation.
  
  I've been looking for one of these from an Australian supplier, but no luck yet. I'd prefer not to have to deal with plug adapters if I can avoid it, so I'm really after something that's available locally.
  
  I've read good things about the Oster clippers - they seem to have as good a reputation as Andis and Wahl. Does anyone know if the Andis and Oster "pet" clippers actually differ from the ones designed for people? A number of pet supply stores here sell these pet models:
  

  • Andis AGC
  • Andis AGC2 Super
  • Oster A5
  • Wahl KMSS and KM2 (the MK2 is actually cheaper)
  
  They're expensive here, but if these are just the same as the human equivalents and are capable of taking the human blades, then I suppose that's where I'll look. I figure that a $300 pair of clippers pays for itself pretty quickly (if I were to get my head shaved once a week at $15 a go, I'd be spending that $300 in less than six months) but I'd want some serious longevity out of them.
  
  Failing this, it might be worth biting the bullet and buying from the US, and using a power adapter. Any other recommendations aside from the Andis Outliner?
• #6 by Gary~ on 25 Feb, 2013 23:28
• Quote from: kjsbd on 25 Feb, 2013 17:02

  Thanks for the recommendation.
  
  I've been looking for one of these from an Australian supplier, but no luck yet. I'd prefer not to have to deal with plug adapters if I can avoid it, so I'm really after something that's available locally.
  
  I've read good things about the Oster clippers - they seem to have as good a reputation as Andis and Wahl. Does anyone know if the Andis and Oster "pet" clippers actually differ from the ones designed for people? A number of pet supply stores here sell these pet models:
  

  • Andis AGC
  • Andis AGC2 Super
  • Oster A5
  • Wahl KMSS and KM2 (the MK2 is actually cheaper)
  
  They're expensive here, but

  if these are just the same as the human equivalents and are capable of taking the human blades, then I suppose that's where I'll look. I figure that a $300 pair of clippers pays for itself pretty quickly (if I were to get my head shaved once a week at $15 a go, I'd be spending that $300 in less than six months) but I'd want some serious longevity out of them.
  
  Failing this, it might be worth biting the bullet and buying from the US, and using a power adapter. Any other recommendations aside from the Andis Outliner?[/list]
  

  
  Pet clippers have much more powerful motors than human clippers. I wouldn't spend that much on clippers unless you want them for your dog.
  
  If you have used your current clippers successfully for a long time [albeit unsuccessfully for a short time] I would try really hard to find out what you are doing wrong and stop doing that. Then you won't have to buy anything new.
• #7 by kjsbd on 26 Feb, 2013 05:06
• I sent Andis an email and I'm waiting to hear back as to whether the Outliner will work for me over here.
  
  As for money - as I said.... if it'll last years and makes the job an easier one I'm not against spending it. I'm guessing that a more powerful motor means it works less and therefore will work less and hopefully last longer?
  
  Gary - As for your terrible suggestion of just using the old ones - what's wrong with you? How am I supposed to build an unnecessarily large collection of grooming tools with advice like that? It's almost like you're using logic or something!? Seriously though, you're probably right. I just want something new 
• #8 by bbcguytom on 26 Feb, 2013 14:40
• Why do you bother w/a Clippers when you can just shave? It will grow into the length you want anyway..