Andis UltraEdge Blade Sizes: Complete Chart, CeramicEdge Comparison & Compatible Alternatives
Complete Andis UltraEdge blade size chart (#50 to #3¾) with cutting lengths. UltraEdge vs CeramicEdge compared: heat, durability, cost. Plus how OEM-compatible blades match original Andis quality at 40-60% lower cost.
Andis UltraEdge Blades: What Makes Them the Industry Standard
Andis UltraEdge detachable blades are the most widely used A5-compatible blades in the professional pet grooming industry. Made from high-carbon steel with a chrome finish for corrosion resistance, UltraEdge blades are known for consistent cutting performance and reliable edge retention. They fit all Andis A5-compatible clippers (AGC, Excel, ProClip, BGRC) as well as any other A5-compatible clipper from Oster, Wahl, and 25+ other brands.
The UltraEdge line offers 17 blade sizes from #50 (surgical, 0.2mm) to #3¾ (longest, 13mm), covering every grooming scenario from veterinary surgical prep to full-body breed trims. This guide provides the complete size chart, compares UltraEdge to CeramicEdge, and explains how factory-direct OEM alternatives deliver the same quality at lower cost.
Andis UltraEdge Blade Size Chart
All measurements are the cutting length — the hair remaining after one pass. Measurements based on Andis factory specifications (source: Andis Company product documentation).
| Blade Size | Cutting Length | Inches | Tooth Type | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #50 | 0.2mm | 1/125" | Fine | Surgical prep only |
| #40 | 0.25mm | 1/100" | Fine | Surgical prep, show paw pads |
| #30 | 0.5mm | 1/50" | Fine | Very close clip, under snap-on combs |
| #15 | 1.2mm | 3/64" | Medium | Close body clip, poodle feet/face |
| #10 | 1.5mm | 1/16" | Medium | Standard body clip (most used blade) |
| #9 | 2.0mm | 5/64" | Medium | Medium body clip, summer cuts |
| #8½ | 2.8mm | 7/64" | Medium | All-around grooming |
| #7FC | 3.2mm | 1/8" | Finish Cut | Smooth body finish (clean lines) |
| #7 | 3.2mm | 1/8" | Skip Tooth | Thick/matted coats (faster cutting) |
| #5FC | 6.3mm | 1/4" | Finish Cut | Puppy cut, teddy bear trim |
| #5 | 6.3mm | 1/4" | Skip Tooth | Rough cut on thick coats |
| #4FC | 9.5mm | 3/8" | Finish Cut | Long body finish, breed trims |
| #4 | 9.5mm | 3/8" | Skip Tooth | Heavy coat removal first pass |
| #3¾ | 13mm | 1/2" | Skip Tooth | Longest blade, maximum coat retention |
| #5/8 HT | 16mm | 5/8" | High Taper | Show cuts, ear/top finishing |
| #3/4 HT | 19mm | 3/4" | High Taper | Longest Andis blade, breed show trims |
FC vs Skip Tooth: FC (Finish Cut) blades have uniform teeth for a smooth, line-free finish on clean coats. Skip Tooth blades have alternating short/long teeth that cut faster through thick or dirty coats but may leave visible lines. Most groomers own both — skip for the first pass, FC for the final finish.
HT (High Taper): HT blades leave the longest length and have a graduated taper — longer at the toe, shorter at the heel. Used for show grooming where natural-looking length graduation is needed.
UltraEdge vs CeramicEdge: Which to Choose?
Andis offers two blade lines — UltraEdge (all steel) and CeramicEdge (ceramic cutter + steel comb). Here is how they compare based on manufacturer specifications and professional groomer feedback:
| Feature | UltraEdge (Steel) | CeramicEdge (Ceramic+Steel) |
|---|---|---|
| Cutter material | High-carbon steel, chrome finish | Zirconia ceramic cutter + steel comb |
| Heat generation | Standard — gets warm after 15-20 min | Stays up to 75% cooler than steel |
| Edge life | 800-1,200 grooms before sharpening | 3,000-5,000 grooms (ceramic does not dull as fast) |
| Sharpenable | Yes, 5-8 times before replacement | Limited — 1-2 times, ceramic chips if over-sharpened |
| Price (retail) | $28-$45 per blade | $38-$55 per blade |
| Best for | General grooming, barbers, budget-conscious shops | High-volume groomers, sensitive-skin dogs, extended sessions |
| Durability | Good — steel handles drops and rough use | Fragile — ceramic can chip if dropped on hard floor |
Bottom line: If you groom 8+ dogs per day, CeramicEdge pays for itself in longer edge life and cooler running temperature. If you groom fewer dogs or are budget-conscious, UltraEdge delivers excellent performance at a lower price point.
OEM-Compatible Alternatives: Same Quality, Lower Cost
Andis UltraEdge blades follow the universal A5 blade standard — a mounting system shared across the industry. This means any properly manufactured A5-compatible blade fits any Andis clipper (and vice versa). The A5 standard defines the blade mounting geometry, not the blade quality or material — which is determined by the manufacturer.
At SUMTHIN, we manufacture A5-compatible blades using the same materials (high-carbon steel, HRC 58-62) and processes (MIM powder metallurgy for complex geometries, precision CNC grinding for cutting edges) as OEM blades. The key differences:
| Factor | Andis UltraEdge (OEM) | SUMTHIN A5 Blades (OEM-Compatible) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | High-carbon steel, chrome | High-carbon steel, chrome + optional DLC nano coating |
| Hardness | HRC 56-58 | HRC 58-62 (MIM process achieves higher density) |
| Cutting edge | Stamped + ground | MIM molded + precision ground (tighter tolerances) |
| Fit | A5 standard | A5 standard (drop-in replacement) |
| Retail price | $28-$45 | $14-$22 factory-direct |
| MOQ | 1 (retail) | 500 (wholesale) |
| Private label | No | Yes — your brand, your packaging |
For distributors, Amazon sellers, and grooming supply brands: OEM-compatible blades at 40-60% below Andis retail create a compelling margin opportunity while delivering equivalent cutting performance. Request samples to test side-by-side with your current Andis inventory.
Andis Blade Care: Maintenance Tips
- Oil before every use: Apply 2-3 drops of clipper blade oil across the teeth before starting. This reduces friction, heat, and extends edge life. Andis recommends their "Clipper Oil" but any food-grade mineral oil works.
- Cool between dogs: Use Andis Cool Care Plus spray or equivalent blade coolant between grooms to clean, lubricate, and cool the blade without removing it from the clipper.
- Clean after every groom: Remove hair from between teeth using a blade brush. For deep cleaning, use blade wash solution — dip the running blade in wash for 10 seconds, then dry and oil.
- Storage: Store blades oiled and in a blade tray or case. Do not stack blades directly — teeth can nick each other. Magnetic blade racks keep blades organized and protected.
- Sharpening schedule: UltraEdge blades need sharpening every 800-1,200 grooms (approximately every 2-4 months for a full-time groomer). Professional sharpening costs $5-$8 per blade. Replace blades after 5-8 sharpenings when the tooth profile becomes too thin.