What's the Difference Between Steel and Ceramic Blades?

When it comes to keeping our furry clients looking their best, the right tools make all the difference. One of the most common questions we get asked: Should I use steel or ceramic blades? Both have their perks and limitations, but which one is right for you? 

Steel Blades: The Trusty Classic

Steel blades are the workhorses of the grooming world. They’re the most common type of blade, and for good reason:

Tough and Durable – Both the comb and the cutter are made of solid steel, making these blades incredibly durable. 

Resharpen and Reuse – Steel blades can be resharpened over and over, keeping them in action for years if properly maintained.

Widespread and reliable – Since steel blades are so popular, they’re readily available with many options for sharpening agents, (including us!). All blade brands make steel blades, but not all brands make ceramic. 

Standard in many brands – If you’re using Wahl or Heiniger clippers, you’ll likely find that they come with a steel #10 blade as standard.

Steel blades are a fantastic all-rounder—reliable, long-lasting, and perfect for groomers who like to get their blades resharpened to extend their lifespan.

Ceramic Blades: The Cool Operator

Ceramic blades, on the other hand, bring some serious innovation to the grooming table. These blades feature a steel faceplate, but the real magic is in the cutter, which is made from ceramic. Here’s why some groomers swear by them:

Stays cooler for longer – Ceramic doesn’t conduct heat as quickly as steel, meaning less heat buildup during long grooming sessions. Steel blades will typically heat up within 5-10 minutes, however ceramic blades run up to 75% cooler. With both steel and ceramic blades, oiling frequently is very important to reduce friction to help reduce blade heat. 

Stays sharper for longer – Ceramic is naturally harder than steel, so these blades retain their sharp edge for extended use before needing attention. Ceramic blades stay sharper for up to 5 times as long as steel blades. 

Easy maintenance – Ceramic blades require a specialist diamond sharpening stone due to the harder material, and unfortunately, these stones are very hard to obtain in New Zealand. Instead of sharpening, we offer replacement ceramic cutters. Just swap out the cutter and keep clipping—no hunting or waiting for a rare sharpening specialist! Plus, we offer a range of cutter sizes for additional customization to help you achieve the perfect clip. 

A little more fragile – While ceramic blades have plenty of perks, they do have a downside. They’re more prone to chipping or breaking if dropped, so extra care is needed when handling them. However, with replacement ceramic cutters available, you wont need to replace your whole blade if dropped, just the cutter. 

Andis Specialty Blades – If you’ve purchased an Andis clipper, chances are it came with a ceramic #10 blade right out of the box. Andis is the leading brand for Ceramic Blades, they offer three types of A5 Ceramic Blades: Standard Ceramic, Fine Tooth Ceramic, and Wide Ceramic.

So, Which Blade Should You Choose?

If durability and resharpening are important to you, steel blades are a fantastic, dependable choice. But if you’re looking for a blade that stays cooler and sharper for longer, ceramic blades might be the way to go—just be mindful of their delicate nature.

For those interested in diving deeper into the world of ceramic blades, we’ve got a special spotlight on Andis Fine Tooth Ceramic Blades—perfect for achieving that ultra-smooth finish on fine coats, and for competition grooming. Check out our blog on Andis Fine Tooth Ceramic Blades here!