What to use as Beard trimmer

**Mcbladescar** · 03-23-2013, 01:03 PM

I'm told my Oster is "self sharpening" I cant confirm that though and even though mine is quite old (about 1958 or so) it still cuts really well.
The side of the clipper has a large screw which secures a spring that you can unscrew a bit and the relieve some of the tension force required to squeeze it so mind operates quite easily. It is kinda fun to use.

Mike

**kwlfca** · 03-23-2013, 03:12 PM

They look quite neat! Maybe my girlfriend will buy me one for my birthday

**thebigspendur** · 03-23-2013, 10:45 PM

Those were used in the days before electric trimmers. Those were called clippers. if the barber didn't replace the heads on a regular basis they would pull and really hurt. I have a vintage Dorko piece. if you buy one make sure it's vintage. Anything produced recent (if any are) will be like toys.

**kwlfca** · 03-23-2013, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Those were used in the days before electric trimmers. Those were called clippers. if the barber didn't replace the heads on a regular basis they would pull and really hurt. I have a vintage Dorko piece. if you buy one make sure it's vintage. Anything produced recent (if any are) will be like toys.

Any idea how you'd go about maintaining/replacing a head? The ones that Matt Raine (aka Mr. Natty) uses are self sharpening.
He said his date to the first world war and that they were used in the trenches.
How would a pair be self sharpening anyway? I'm quite curious as to the mechanics behind it.
Other than being vintage, what should I look for if I decide to get one?

**thebigspendur** · 03-24-2013, 08:15 PM

To my knowledge they were not self sharpening. The heads are made to be replaced when needed.

To tell you the truth when they started to replace them with electrics I was very glad cause I hated to have my hair cut by them back in the day and the only reason I bought one was because i just wanted to be able to look at this thing I hated and feared as a kid. Do yourself a favor and use an electric trimmer.

**32t** · 03-24-2013, 11:18 PM

Get yourself one of these.

Clipper Blade Sharpener- Manual System- THE SHOP, INC. - YouTube

**stonebraker** · 03-24-2013, 11:32 PM

My pops would use one like this when his batteries would run low or he couldnt find the charger. I am sure it was a PITA, but im sure this is would be considered old school.
Vintage Durham Duplex Straight Razor Hair Trimmer Original Box Celluloid Handle | eBay

**kwlfca** · 03-24-2013, 11:41 PM

I wonder, could you just send your clippers to someone to have them sharpened lol

**kwlfca** · 03-25-2013, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by Mcbladescar

I'm told my Oster is "self sharpening" I cant confirm that though and even though mine is quite old (about 1958 or so) it still cuts really well.
The side of the clipper has a large screw which secures a spring that you can unscrew a bit and the relieve some of the tension force required to squeeze it so mind operates quite easily. It is kinda fun to use.

Mike

After some investigating, I would have to agree that they are self sharpening, especially if they are Oster clippers. As long as you keep them clean and oiled, they will stay sharp.
If they are a bit far gone, you can also sharpen them on a honing stone...there are many videos on youtube that demonstrate this.

I've made a bid on ebay for a vintage Oster hand clippers that I will restore. I'll be sure to post my results!

**thebigspendur** · 03-25-2013, 04:34 PM

When we decide to use old classic things as a regular part of our lives we usually do it because we feel it's a better way. It might be fun it drive around in a 1932 Packard now and then but you wouldn't want to commute to work every day in one. Most of us use straights because it gives a better shave and can be cheaper. Those old clippers were not better and in the end not really cheaper. I had my hair cut by them on a regular basis and I say good riddance to those.

My opinion of course.

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