Oster 76 00000 or Wahl Balding for sensitive skin?

• Oster 76 00000 or Wahl Balding for sensitive skin? by torz on 21 Apr, 2013 14:13
• Hey all! I'm new to the board. Been balding slowly for quite some time now, and while I do keep my hair short (a number 4 clipper), it's about time I shave the noggin completely (yes, I AM scared!).
  
  Anyway, I am not looking to go with a razor (yet). I'd like to get a close a shave as I could without using one. From doing research on this board and various other sites, it seems the Oster 76 00000 or Wahl Balding clippers are the way to go.
  
  Now I do have very sensitive skin, so I was wondering which clipper would be the most delicate. I've heard great things about both.
  
  Well, thanks for reading and I'm happy to join you guys!
  
  -Torz
• #1 by TV guy on 21 Apr, 2013 15:37
•       I have an Oster 76; it is great and the 00000 blade is SHORT but not bald. Having said that the  '76 is a tank; expensive, powerful, built to last just short of forever, a little noisy and a little heavy. Want to get a full head of thick long hair on the ground in a minute? this is your weapon of choice. It is THE choice of most barbers, the military and home haircutters who have many heads to clean up. (Wish my Dad had used one instead of the cheapo hair pullers we had). Sorry I have no experience with the Wahl balding clippers.
  
        You imply you want to go short short for a short time and then sly bald. Am I correct?  In that case may I recommend the Conair Cleanhead. It will take you down real low with the clipper attachment and close to really bald with the headshaver attachment. It is NOT a tank. It is not very expensive and will do a good job during the transition period...you will eventually want to go with a blade...right? Thereafter its OK for a quick "Oh my God I'm running late" shave. It will not last forever but you get what you pay for and why tie up funds in something you'll soon have little use for?
• #2 by torz on 21 Apr, 2013 15:41
• Thanks for the response TV guy!
  
  Well, I haven't decided if I want to go with a blade (yet). First I'd like to try out clippers and take it from there. It does seem that the Oster would be the best bet, so thanks for confirming that. You're saying that it cuts it really short. How is it with irritation?
• #3 by TV guy on 21 Apr, 2013 18:15
• If money is no object, the '76 is a great choice. It comes with two blades, a 000 and a 2 (if I remember correctly). The 000 gives a nice very, very short haircut; I believe that this is what is most often used to "shave" military recruits at bootcamp. The #2 is sort of the "standard" 1/4 " nondescript buzz.
  
  One of the best reasons to buy the '76 is that you can change the blade OR use a guard. Generally the blade of any number does a smoother job than a guard of the same number - and faster. You can also get shorter than normal blades like the 00000 you mentioned and even a 000000 (the difference between the 00000 and the 000000 is a few hours growth). Pretty well all brands of professional blades will fit the '76; Oster, Wahl and Andis; even some animal blades will fit; in case you want to trim the poodle too LOL. The professional blades are of high quality and will last for years AND stay sharp. All that said, these tools are NOT CHEAP. Professional clippers are well over $180. (in Canada) and blades are around $30. each. For the cost of one blade you can buy an entire clipper set at Walmart and get change. The quality is obviously not the same and when the blades dull down the clippers will pull more than cut. If you're planning on going sly soon and money is tight, then opt for a cheaper short term clipper.
  
  Irritation is a function of your particular skin (you're kind of stuck with what you got), the closeness of the blade (the closer the cut, the more irritation) and most significantly, the sharpness of the blade (dull blades irritate a lot). This is even true of lather and razor shaving; dull (cheap, disposable) blades irritate and/or cut up your head. Keep us posted. Cheers
• #4 by greatnessinc on 23 Apr, 2013 20:05
• I just got buzz cuts until I decided to go all in on the sly train. I was met with some criticism when I expressed interest in going sly, but almost everyone who was critical changed their tune.
• #5 by braveally on 30 Apr, 2013 16:27
• Thanks for doing the leg work and finding some quality clippers. I was thinking I should have some for those days where I am too lazy to shave or would like my wife to do it. I personally like the Wahl ones only because of the price, quality. Don't think the investment is worth it in the oster if you plan to use a blade. But like they say, it ain't tricking if you got it