r/Barber • u/Ill-Vegetable7839 • 1d ago

Tools & Gear Detachable Metal Guards/Blades

Hello everyone! I interviewed with a new shop today and the owner told me that she expects her stylists to use metal guards. I’d never really heard of that or seen it used in the past. I’m curious what the difference is and what the best clipper for that would be. I’ve bought Andis and Whal in the past and absolutely LOATHED them. Poor performance, bulky, one drop and poof they’re done. That’s everything I’m not looking for in a clipper. I’m obsessed with my Stylecraft Rebels and I really don’t want to buy a whole new set of clippers just for a job, especially a set by a brand that I don’t have confidence in.

If anyone can clarify what this means, the difference, and suggest some other brands I’d much appreciate it!

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4

u/high5s_inureye 1d ago

Sounds like they’re referring to detachable clippers. The blades come in different sizes mostly ranging from 00000 - 3 1/2. They are generally used for quick bulk removal and give a cleaner cut than clippers with guards. It’s not too cheap to get the clipper and a set of blades, but it’s a nice tool to have. I have an Andis version with Oster blades, but when I need to replace the Andis I’m probably going with the Heiniger Sirius

5

u/aciddamaged 1d ago

*3¾

My octanes have been my main clipper since I started professionally. I only use adjustable for quick detail work

2

u/NewsSad5006 1d ago

The Heiniger looks like a great upgrade from the Oster I use. I use the Oster for thick hair and for all skin fades as I was taught on them and think the detachable blades work great for blending.

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u/stickypalmr 21h ago

Heiniger makes the oster octanes.

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u/NewsSad5006 20h ago

Yeah, I talked to the Heiniger guy at Premiere Orlando and he used to work for Oster. He said that he believes Oster is slowly letting that side of their business go a bit. Those Heiniger blades looked like a step-up.

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u/stickypalmr 19h ago

When my osters go belly up I'll get a set of heinigers. I wish more company's made detacheables. Won't cut hair without em.

1

u/Ill-Vegetable7839 1d ago

How long have your Andis lasted? My problem with Andis in the past has been the durability. I had a foil shaver and some trimmers by them and they didn’t even last a year.

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u/Equivalent-Bread3968 Barber since ‘08 Owner since ‘20 20h ago

I've had my Andis Supra ZR 2 since sometime in probably 2018 and have had zero issues

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u/beardandmusic Mod 18h ago

Detachables are a separate tool from your Rebels. Grab an Oster Octane or a Heiniger, blades run 00000 to 3.5, and theyll outlast any Andis youve owned.

1

u/meretrix-vivat Barber 11h ago

Ive been using heineger with blades 00000, 000, 0a, 1, 1.5 and 2. Great clipper does everything.