Clipping

I've been clipping calves for a couple years now and I was wanting to know some of the blades people are using and the different techniques mostly the blades on the head and necks. What blades for each and how are people cutting them right now?  I'm just blending necks and there can be a couple knicks every now and again and I know theres gotta be an easier way.

I bought the 5/8's blade thinking it would make clipping faster, but I dont like the blade at all! I just use a blending blade particulary Sullivans new X-Blend my absolute favorite blade along with the X-Block. For heads I will use a #10 blade or use my blending blades if my others arent sharp(which happens quite often :'( )

With the 5/8 blades are you going with the hair? How far back do you go to the shoulders?

i have a 5/8 blade also and i have found that it doesnt work that great also .

I think you can get by with a Super Blocking Blade and a Medium Blending Blade, I prefer Andis Clippers.  I clip a lot of cattle and do 85% with the Andis Super Blocking Blade.  You can blend really well with the Medium blade flipped upside down dragging it with the hair.  Usually use a set of Lister's with a AF2 blade on their head.  Make sure your cattle are clean and completely dry before attempting to start clipping.  Use a good non-oil mixture to pop the hair, and then start clipping.  I prefer to use Sullivan's Stimulator Comb while working on cattle also.  Remember, Practice makes Perfect.  Every fitter is going to make misstakes, but a good one can fix them. (most of the time) lol.  Good Luck!

NDC said:

With the 5/8 blades are you going with the hair? How far back do you go to the shoulders?

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I've gone every which way and it never works wortha hoot. The calf's neck legnth will determine where I clip to on the shoulders

I use the flathed clippers on the head dont remember the # of blade then a medium for blending and an Xblock for thick hair or anything wiht glue in it

I like the 5/8 blade on necks but you have to remember its just a starting point you still have to blend in afterwards,i lke the ANDIS BLENDING the best ,the blocker scares me if cattle are not quiet cause they'll get hurt or you get bald patches but they go through adhesive like butter.

Take this for what it is worth but I was a long time dog groomer and used all of these blades at one point or another.  A 3/4, 5/8, 4, 5, 7, etc. is not going to work well on a calf that has the woolly fuzzy hair because those blades are designed to get against the skin and clip, if you try to free hand or block with them it will be a disaster.  Those blades will only work on one that has straight hair. 

The blending blades (medium) are a better option because you can lay them flat against the skin (i.e. for the head and brisket) or turn them over and use it like a rake to blend.  The best thing to do is to get the blades and play on one that you aren't showing so you don't screw it up.  I never use the x-block blade on anything but legs because that thing will skin one in a hurry and will slice you to the bone if you aren't careful yourself, and trust me the end of your thumb with a clean cut just doesn't stop bleeding.  Our show box looked like I had castrated calves in it while I was trying to find a paper towel to staunch the flow! :-\

when you use a 5/8 make sure you comb the hair on the neck up. not only will this make it easier to clip, but it'll also make your cut a lot smoother.