Wahl Clipper Blade Size Chart 2026: Every Blade Number, Cut Length & Compatibility | SUMTHIN
Complete Wahl clipper blade size chart: blade numbers 000 to 50, cut lengths in mm & inches, guard sizes, Andis & Oster cross-reference. Taper, detachable & trimmer blades covered. By a blade manufacturer.
Last Updated: 2026-10-14
If you have ever stared at a Wahl blade package wondering what the numbers actually mean, you are not alone. Wahl uses three distinct blade systems — standard taper blades for their adjustable-lever clippers, A5 detachable blades for the KM series and competition models, and trimmer blades for outliners and finishers — and each system has its own sizing logic. This Wahl clipper blade size chart covers every blade number across all three systems, with exact cut lengths in millimeters and inches, compatible clipper models, and cross-references to equivalent Andis and Oster blades.
We manufacture over 250,000 A5 detachable blades per day at our factory in Haining, China, and our blades are tested for drop-in compatibility with Wahl KM2, KM5, KM10, and KM Cordless clippers as part of our production QC process. The cut-length data in this guide comes from our precision measurement lab using calibrated gauge blocks — not from marketing spec sheets.
For the general A5 size chart covering all brands, see our complete clipper blade size chart. For brand-by-brand compatibility tables, check our clipper blade compatibility guide.
Understanding Wahl's Three Blade Systems
Before diving into the size chart, you need to know which system your Wahl clipper uses. Using the wrong blade type on the wrong clipper is the number one compatibility mistake we see from buyers.
- Standard Taper Blades — Used on Wahl's classic lever-adjustable clippers: Senior, Magic Clip, Designer, Super Taper, Balding Clipper, and others. The blade is fixed to the clipper; you adjust cutting length by moving the taper lever from closed (~0.5 mm) to open (~2.5 mm). For longer lengths, you snap guide combs (guards) over the blade.
- A5 Detachable Blades — Used on Wahl's KM series professional clippers: KM2, KM5, KM10, KM Cordless, Competition Series, and Bravura (with adapter). These snap on and off in seconds. The A5 system is an industry standard shared with Andis, Oster, and most professional clippers worldwide.
- Trimmer Blades — Used on Wahl's outliner and finishing trimmers: Detailer, Hero, Retro T-Cut, 5-Star Trimmer. These are smaller, specialized blades for edging, lining, and detail work. They are NOT interchangeable with taper blades or A5 blades.
Wahl Standard Taper Blade Sizes
Wahl's standard taper blade is the most common blade in barbershops worldwide. The blade itself adjusts from closed to open position using the side lever. The table below shows the cutting lengths at both lever positions. For lengths beyond 2.5 mm, barbers use numbered guide combs (guards) that snap over the blade.
| Blade | Lever Closed | Lever Open | Best For | Compatible Clippers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taper | 0.5 mm (1/50") | 2.5 mm (3/32") | All-purpose barbering, fades | Senior, Super Taper, Designer, Magic Clip, Icon |
| Balding Blade | 0.4 mm (1/64") | 0.4 mm (fixed) | Skin-close shaves, head shaving | Wahl Balding Clipper |
| Texturizing Blade | 0.5 mm | 2.5 mm | Removing bulk, blending thick hair | Senior, Super Taper |
Wahl Guide Comb (Guard) Sizes
Wahl's numbered guards snap over a standard taper blade. These are the most commonly referenced "clipper sizes" in barbershops. Guard numbers indicate cut length — higher numbers leave more hair (the opposite of A5 blade numbering).
| Guard # | Cut Length (mm) | Cut Length (inches) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| No guard (lever closed) | 0.5 mm | 1/50" | Skin fade base, nape/sides |
| #0.5 (half) | 1.5 mm | 1/16" | Very short buzz, fade blending |
| #1 | 3 mm | 1/8" | Short buzz cut, crew cut sides |
| #1.5 | 4.5 mm | 3/16" | Between #1 and #2, blending |
| #2 | 6 mm | 1/4" | Standard buzz cut, most popular guard |
| #3 | 10 mm | 3/8" | Short-medium cut, crew top |
| #4 | 13 mm | 1/2" | Medium cut, top blending |
| #5 | 16 mm | 5/8" | Longer medium cut |
| #6 | 19 mm | 3/4" | Long cut, top of head |
| #7 | 22 mm | 7/8" | Long cut, limited control |
| #8 | 25 mm | 1" | Longest standard guard, uniform length only |
| #10 | 32 mm | 1-1/4" | Extra-long guard (Wahl premium set only) |
| #12 | 38 mm | 1-1/2" | Extra-long guard (Wahl premium set only) |
Wahl A5 Detachable Blade Size Chart
These blades fit the Wahl KM2, KM5, KM10, KM Cordless, Competition Series, and any A5-compatible clipper. The A5 system is universal — Wahl, Andis, Oster, and SUMTHIN A5 blades are all interchangeable. The blade number indicates cutting length: higher numbers = shorter cuts.
| Blade # | Cut Length (mm) | Cut Length (inches) | Tooth Type | Common Use | Andis Equiv. | Oster Equiv. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3F / #3FC | 13 mm | 1/2" | Finish-cut | Longest A5 cut. Horse body clipping, long pet trims | Andis #3FC | Oster #3F |
| #3 (skip) | 13 mm | 1/2" | Skip-tooth | Initial rough cut on thick/matted coats | Andis #3 | Oster #3 |
| #3.75 | 13 mm | 1/2" | Finish-cut | Similar to #3F, brand-specific Wahl designation | - | - |
| #4F / #4FC | 9.5 mm | 3/8" | Finish-cut | Medium pet grooming, body work | Andis #4FC | Oster #4F |
| #4 (skip) | 9.5 mm | 3/8" | Skip-tooth | Rough cutting dense double coats | Andis #4 | Oster #4 |
| #5F / #5FC | 6.3 mm | 1/4" | Finish-cut | Most popular all-purpose grooming blade | Andis #5FC | Oster #5F |
| #5 (skip) | 6.3 mm | 1/4" | Skip-tooth | Rough cut before finish pass on medium coats | Andis #5 | Oster #5 |
| #7F / #7FC | 3.2 mm | 1/8" | Finish-cut | Short pet trims, face/feet, show grooming | Andis #7FC | Oster #7F |
| #7 (skip) | 3.2 mm | 1/8" | Skip-tooth | Rough cut on thick coats at short length | Andis #7 | Oster #7 |
| #8.5 | 2.8 mm | 7/64" | Finish-cut | Between #7F and #10, very short grooming | Andis #8.5 | Oster #8.5 |
| #9 | 2 mm | 5/64" | Finish-cut | Close trim, undercoat finishing | Andis #9 | Oster #9 |
| #10 | 1.5 mm | 1/16" | Finish-cut | Very short trim. Poodle faces/feet, pre-surgical prep | Andis #10 | Oster #10 |
| #15 | 1.2 mm | 3/64" | Finish-cut | Surgical prep, very close work | Andis #15 | Oster #15 |
| #30 | 0.5 mm | 1/50" | Finish-cut | Surgical prep. Under guide combs for pet grooming | Andis #30 | Oster #30 |
| #40 | 0.25 mm | 1/100" | Finish-cut | Closest A5 cut. Veterinary surgical prep only | Andis #40 | Oster #40 |
| #50 | 0.2 mm | 1/125" | Finish-cut | Extreme close surgical. Rarely used outside vet clinics | Andis #50 | Oster #50 |
Wahl Taper Blade Numbers: 000, 00000, 0A, 1, 1A
Many barbers search for "Wahl blade sizes" expecting to find the taper blade numbering system. Wahl's taper blades use a different numbering convention than A5 detachable blades. Here is the breakdown:
| Blade Name | Cut Length | Notes | Used On |
|---|---|---|---|
| #00000 (5/0) | 0.2 mm (1/125") | Closest Wahl taper blade. Designed for surgical-close shaving | Wahl Balding Clipper, Senior (with swap) |
| #000 (3/0) | 0.5 mm (1/50") | Close-cut for bald fades and tight tapers | Senior, Magic Clip, Designer |
| #0A | 1.2 mm (3/64") | Close taper blade for blending | Senior, Super Taper |
| #1 (standard) | 0.8 mm closed / 2.5 mm open | The default blade on most Wahl clippers. Adjustable via lever | Senior, Super Taper, Magic Clip, Designer, Icon |
| #1A (surgical) | 1 mm (1/32") | Surgical-grade blade, slightly longer than #000 | Wahl surgical clippers |
Wahl Trimmer Blade Sizes
Wahl's trimmers use smaller, specialized blades for outlining, edging, and detail work. These blades are NOT interchangeable with taper blades or A5 blades. Each trimmer model uses a specific blade design.
| Trimmer Blade | Cut Length | Blade Width | Best For | Compatible Trimmers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Blade (T-Wide) | 0.4 mm (1/64") | 40 mm | Lining, edging, outlines, zero-gap fading | Wahl Detailer, Hero, Retro T-Cut |
| Standard Trimmer | 0.4 mm (1/64") | 30 mm | General detail work, necklines | Wahl 5-Star Trimmer, Sterling Trimmer |
| Snap-On Trimmer | 0.4 mm (1/64") | 28 mm | Quick blade swaps on cordless trimmers | Wahl Cordless Detailer Li |
Wahl vs Andis vs Oster: Cross-Reference Chart
If you are switching between brands or sourcing aftermarket blades, this cross-reference shows which blades are interchangeable. All A5 detachable blades are physically interchangeable across brands — the only differences are steel grade, heat treatment, and manufacturing quality. For a detailed brand comparison, read our Wahl vs Andis vs Oster clipper blade comparison.
| Blade Size | Cut Length | Wahl Part # | Andis Part # | Oster Part # | Interchangeable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3FC | 13 mm | KM-SS #3F | UltraEdge #3FC (64135) | A5 #3F (76918) | Yes (A5 universal) |
| #5FC | 6.3 mm | KM-SS #5F | UltraEdge #5FC (64079) | A5 #5F (76919) | Yes (A5 universal) |
| #7FC | 3.2 mm | KM-SS #7F | UltraEdge #7FC (63076) | A5 #7F (76917) | Yes (A5 universal) |
| #10 | 1.5 mm | KM-SS #10 | UltraEdge #10 (64071) | A5 #10 (76913) | Yes (A5 universal) |
| #30 | 0.5 mm | KM-SS #30 | UltraEdge #30 (64075) | A5 #30 (76918) | Yes (A5 universal) |
| #40 | 0.25 mm | KM-SS #40 | UltraEdge #40 (64076) | A5 #40 (76914) | Yes (A5 universal) |
How Blade Steel and Heat Treatment Affect Cutting Performance
Most buyers focus on blade numbers and cut lengths, but the steel grade and heat treatment are what determine how long a blade stays sharp. This is where aftermarket blades either match or fall short of OEM quality.
- 420 Stainless (HRC 54-56) — Entry-level blade steel. Adequate corrosion resistance, but the lower hardness means teeth dull 2-3x faster than premium grades. Common in economy aftermarket blades.
- 440A Stainless (HRC 56-58) — Mid-range. Better edge retention than 420, used in many branded aftermarket blades. Acceptable for home use and light professional use.
- 440C Stainless (HRC 58-62) — Professional grade. The carbon content (0.95-1.20%) enables full quench hardening to HRC 60-62, producing the longest edge life in the A5 category. Used by SUMTHIN and premium OEM suppliers.
- Ceramic (Zirconia ZrO2) — The moving blade (cutter) is ceramic; the stationary blade (comb) remains steel. Ceramic blades stay sharp approximately 5x longer than steel and generate 75% less friction heat. Ideal for high-volume salons and groomers.
Edge geometry: The cutting angle between the moving blade and the stationary blade is typically 28-32 degrees on professional A5 blades. A shallower angle (28 degrees) cuts more aggressively but dulls faster. A steeper angle (32 degrees) lasts longer but requires more motor power. Our production standard is 30 degrees — the balance point favored by professional groomers doing 8-10 dogs per day.
The manufacturing method also matters. MIM (Metal Injection Molding) powder metallurgy produces a denser, more uniform grain structure than conventional stamping, which means more consistent hardness across every tooth. We detail the full process in our MIM blade manufacturing guide.
Which Wahl Blade Size Should You Use?
Choosing the right blade depends on your specific use case. Here are the most common scenarios and the correct blade for each:
For Barbers (Hair Cutting)
- Fades: Standard taper blade (lever closed to open) + guards #0.5 through #2 for blending. T-blade trimmer for outlines.
- Buzz cuts: Standard taper blade with guard #2 (6 mm) or #3 (10 mm).
- Crew cuts: Guard #3 (10 mm) on sides, #4-6 (13-19 mm) on top.
- Head shaving: Balding blade (0.4 mm) or #000 taper blade (0.5 mm).
For Pet Groomers (Dog/Cat Grooming)
- All-purpose body grooming: A5 #5F (6.3 mm) or #7F (3.2 mm) on Wahl KM series. See our coat type blade guide for breed-specific recommendations.
- Face, feet, sanitary areas: A5 #10 (1.5 mm).
- Matted coats (initial cut): A5 #5 or #7 skip-tooth first, then finish with #5F or #7F.
- Under guide combs: A5 #30 (0.5 mm) as the base blade, then snap on stainless steel guide combs for precise lengths from 3 mm to 32 mm.
For Veterinary/Surgical Prep
- Standard surgical prep: A5 #40 (0.25 mm). This is the standard blade for pre-surgical shaving.
- Close surgical: A5 #50 (0.2 mm) for maximum skin exposure. Used only in clinical settings.
Common Wahl Blade Mistakes to Avoid
- Using guards on a dirty blade. Guards snap over the taper blade and add length. If the blade underneath is clogged with hair, the guard will sit higher and cut unevenly. Always clean the blade before attaching a guard.
- Confusing guard numbers with blade numbers. Guard #4 leaves 13 mm of hair. A5 blade #4F also cuts at 9.5 mm. They are not the same thing and are used on different clipper systems.
- Forgetting to oil the blade. Wahl recommends oiling before, during, and after each use. Dry blades heat up faster, dull sooner, and can burn skin. See our blade oil and maintenance guide for the correct oiling technique.
- Using a #40 or #50 blade on non-sedated animals. These blades cut nearly to skin and can cause razor burn, clipper rash, or nicks on a moving animal. Only use #40 and #50 in controlled veterinary settings.
- Assuming all aftermarket blades are equal. A5 blades from different manufacturers are physically interchangeable, but steel quality varies enormously. A $5 blade made from 420 stainless (HRC 54) will dull in days of professional use. A 440C / HRC 60-62 blade from SUMTHIN outlasts it 2-3x. Check steel grade and hardness before buying in bulk.
At SUMTHIN, we manufacture A5 detachable blades in all standard sizes (#3F through #50) that drop directly into any Wahl KM clipper. Our ceramic moving blades are available as replacements for any Wahl, Andis, or Oster steel blade. Browse our full blade catalog, review our general clipper blade size chart, or request wholesale pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Wahl clipper blade sizes are available?
Wahl offers three blade systems. Standard taper blades (000, 00000, 0A, 1, 1A) fit lever-adjustable clippers like the Senior and Magic Clip. A5 detachable blades (#3F through #50) fit KM series clippers. Trimmer blades (T-blade, standard trimmer) fit Wahl Detailer and Hero models. Guard combs (#0.5 through #12) snap over taper blades for additional lengths from 1.5 mm to 38 mm.
Are Wahl clipper blades compatible with Andis and Oster?
A5 detachable blades are universal across Wahl KM, Andis AGC/Excel, Oster A5, and most professional clippers worldwide. A #10 blade from any A5 manufacturer will fit any A5 clipper. However, standard taper blades and trimmer blades are brand-specific and NOT interchangeable between Wahl, Andis, and Oster.
What does the blade number mean on Wahl clippers?
For A5 detachable blades, the number indicates cutting length — higher numbers mean shorter cuts (#3F = 13 mm, #40 = 0.25 mm). For guard combs, the opposite applies — higher guard numbers leave more hair (#1 = 3 mm, #8 = 25 mm). This opposite logic between the two systems confuses many beginners.
What is the difference between F and skip-tooth Wahl blades?
F (finish-cut) blades have closely spaced teeth that leave a smooth, even finish. Skip-tooth blades have wider-spaced teeth that cut through thick or matted coats faster but leave a rougher finish. Use skip-tooth for the initial rough cut on a matted dog, then switch to an F blade for the final pass. Blades #9 and above are only available in finish-cut because the wide gaps at those short lengths would dig into skin.
How often should I replace Wahl clipper blades?
Professional groomers (5-8 dogs/day) should sharpen every 3-4 weeks and expect 3-4 sharpenings per blade before replacement. Busy barbers (8+ clients/day) should sharpen every 4-6 weeks. Home users can go 3-6 months between sharpenings. After 3-4 sharpening cycles, the teeth have lost too much material for effective cutting — replacement is more cost-effective than another sharpening. See our blade lifespan guide for detailed data by use case.