The Three Main Blade Systems
Not all clipper blades are interchangeable. Before buying replacement blades, you need to know which blade system your clipper uses. There are three main systems in the professional market:
1. A5 Detachable Blade System (Universal Standard)
The A5 system is the closest thing to a universal standard in professional clippers. Developed originally by Oster for their A5 clipper line, the snap-on design has been adopted by virtually every professional clipper manufacturer worldwide.
A5 blades fit these clipper brands:
If your clipper accepts snap-on/snap-off detachable blades, it almost certainly uses the A5 standard.
2. Adjustable Blade System (Barber Clippers)
Most barber-style clippers use a fixed, adjustable blade that moves via a taper lever on the side of the clipper. The blade is attached with screws and adjusted for different cut lengths rather than swapped out.
Clippers with adjustable blades:
Replacement blades for these clippers are model-specific. You need a blade designed specifically for your clipper model.
3. Proprietary Snap-On Systems
Some clipper brands use their own proprietary snap-on systems that are not A5 compatible:
128-type system (common in Asian brands):
D-series system:
SUMTHIN manufactures blades for all three systems — A5, 128-type, and D-series.
How to Identify Your Blade System
Step 1: Check if your blade snaps on and off. If yes, it's likely A5 (most common) or a proprietary system (128-type or D-series).
Step 2: Measure the blade width. A5 blades are approximately 49mm wide. 128-type blades are approximately 45mm wide. D-series blades are approximately 49mm wide but with a different mounting system.
Step 3: Check the mounting mechanism. A5 blades have a spring-loaded snap mechanism with a central guide rail. 128-type blades use a different snap pattern. If in doubt, contact us with your clipper model and we'll confirm compatibility.
Brand-by-Brand Compatibility Reference
Wahl Clippers
| Clipper Model | Blade System | SUMTHIN Compatible Series |
|---|---|---|
| KM2, KM5, KM10, KM Cordless | A5 Universal | A5 series (all sizes) |
| 8260 | D-series | D-series (all sizes) |
| Senior, Magic Clip, Designer | Adjustable | Model-specific blades |
| Sterling, Show Pro | A5 Universal | A5 series |
Andis Clippers
| Clipper Model | Blade System | SUMTHIN Compatible Series |
|---|---|---|
| AGC, AGC2, AGC Super 2, AGC Pro | A5 Universal | A5 series |
| AGP, AGRC, UltraEdge | A5 Universal | A5 series |
| Master, Fade Master | Adjustable | Model-specific blades |
Oster Clippers
| Clipper Model | Blade System | SUMTHIN Compatible Series |
|---|---|---|
| Golden A5, Turbo A5, A5 Turbo 2 | A5 Universal | A5 series |
| A6, PowerPro | A5 Universal | A5 series |
| Classic 76 | Detachable (Oster-specific) | Contact us |
Livestock Clipper Compatibility
For sheep shearing and livestock clipping, the blade systems are different from pet and barber clippers:
Why Aftermarket Blades Work Just as Well
Major clipper brands sell replacement blades at premium prices because they're sold as "genuine" parts. However, the blades themselves are manufactured to standard dimensional specifications — the same materials, the same tolerances.
SUMTHIN has been manufacturing precision clipper blades for over 20 years, including as an OEM supplier to leading professional clipper brands. The blades we sell under our own brand use the same tooling, materials, and quality processes. The only difference is the name on the packaging and the price.