The #10 blades we use on heads instead of our big set of clippers. Especially calves. They work great and are easier to handle. I agree that the medium blade is a great way to start. We still use a medium on the rear. It will cut slow and is more forgiving. Also we have tried a lot of the newer blades out, the Xtreme and such, but we all have our favorites and they are all the same in our barn! I hate to tell you but it is trial and error as you grow in clipping. IMO, for what it is worth, the beginner should have a #10 for heads and rough clipping instead of trying to handle a large set of clippers, a medium blade to clip a lot of the body and if you want to purchase another blade, the Opti block does the refining work. It may take awhile until you feel comfortable using it, but if you have some young calves to play on--go for it. The more you pick up the clippers and work the better you will be. They way I started, was I kept the lines in a show calf we had after a show (when someone really good had clipped her for the show). I just worked on her once a week or so to keep her hair in place and followed the lines . That way I learned to hold the clippers right, which direction to go and could really follow the lines to learn what they had done with her. It was great practice and not so overwhelming to start with that hairy thing and wonder where do I start?? Also remember every calf needs a different clip job. Its not like the military, they all don't get the same haircut. You must know your calf and you must be able to read your calf for their strengths and weakness. Don't hide the good and emphasis the bad! Good Luck, you can do it with practice
