Wahl Professional Animal KM5 Dog Clipper Kit

1. Wahl Professional Animal KM5 2-Speed Pet, Dog, and Horse Clipper Kit

This kit includes the KM5 2-Speed clippers, a cleaning brush, and oil. The clippers are 2-speed with an interchangeable blade (the included blade is #10). As the name suggests, the kit is suitable for both dogs and horses.

2. The short story: Why is this product here?

The KM5 is a good choice for professional groomers or pet-owners who deal with long or thick hair on a regular basis. These clippers are designed to be powerful and effective while also staying cool and quiet, for use on even the most skittish of dogs or horses. Additionally, the clippers have some thoughtful features to make the process of grooming a little easier on the human (or humans) involved.

3. The long story: Specifications

Motor: These clippers have a rotary motor, which can handle long, heavy coats and thick mats. The higher speeds will also let you work faster and get through matted areas without hurting your pup or pony.

Blades: The kit comes with a #10 blade, which gets an animal’s hair down to 1/16″. Extra blades and combs are available if you have a different look in mind, or if you’re trimming more than one size or breed.

Size & cord: The clippers themselves are 7.5 inches in length, and they weigh less than 13 oz (12.9 oz, to be precise). They are corded, with a flexible 14-foot cord.

Maintenance: Wahl calls the KM5’s motor “no-maintenance,” and that’s almost entirely true. Oiling the blades is recommended for any set of clippers, since it will keep them running smoothly and quietly. Fortunately, these clippers are easy to oil, and blade oil is included in the kit. Put one drop on each end and three drops on the top of the blades, then run the blades for 10 seconds. That’s it.

Heat and noise: The clippers are specifically designed to run with less vibration. This means they are quieter, and able to stay cooler longer. Both of these should make grooming easier on the dog or horse in question.

4. Check before you buy

There are multiple different Wahl clipper kits available, starting with the KM2 and going all the way to the SS Pro. Each clipper kit has different specifications, so it’s worth knowing what you need and then double checking before you buy.

5. Important information to note

The KM5 clippers have constant speed control and can run at two speeds: 3,000 strokes per minutes and 3,500 strokes per minute. The high speeds let them glide through long, thick hair without getting bogged down.

Note that the kit comes with one set of blades (#10) and no combs. If you want to use combs with the clippers, you will need to buy a set of combs. Wahlsells combs that fits the KM5.

6. What to watch out for with this product

These clippers are 110 volts, meant to be used in the USA. If you want to use the clippers in another country, you would need to buy an adapter. Also, please note that Wahl’s 2-year warranty only covers clippers that are being used in the US. If you’re planning to use the KM5 outside of the US, know that the warranty will be void.

7. Crucial tips

Wahl includes a 2-year warranty with the KM5 (as well as a 30-day satisfaction guarantee). Their KM10 comes with a 5-year warranty. Depending on how much use and abuse your clippers take, it might be worth considering the more expensive clipper set with the longer warranty.

Wahl’s customer service is available via their website or customer care line. You can call them with questions about a product before you make a purchase. They will also address any issues that arise with their products during the warranty period.

8. Pros

The KM5 is specifically designed to run with less vibration. This means less wrist fatigue for groomers, less heat, and less noise. That makes them a good choice even around animals that are anxious, easily scared, or uncomfortable being groomed. The lightweight, ergonomic design also makes them easier to maneuver around animals big and small.

9. Cons

These clippers are corded, which could be a pro or a con, depending on your personal preference. Some people prefer cordless clippers, while others like not being dependent on battery power.

Some users have reported having issues with the cord dying after less than 1 year of use. But Wahl has a 2-year warranty and is happy to replace your clippers for free if there’s a manufacturer issue during that period.

10. Conclusion

The KM5 clipper kit is a solid choice for beginners, professional groomers who work long hours, and pet parents with long-haired fur babies. The removable blades give you flexibility, and the lightweight, quiet functioning makes the clippers easy to use. With the included 2-year warranty, this purchase is almost a no-brainer.

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Wahl clippers comparison guide

Wahl sells clippers with a variety of features. To help you find the best clipper for your particular needs, here is a comparison of Wahl’s lineup to the KM5.

Wahl corded clippers

Wahl SS-Pro vs Wahl KM5

The SS-Pro and the KM5 both have rotary motors. The SS-Pro only has 1 speed at 3,200 strokes per minute, while the KM5 has 2 speeds (3,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute). The SS-Pro’s cord is 10 feet long compared to the KM5’s 14-foot cord. Both clippers come with the #10 blade included.

The SS-Pro has a 1-year warranty; the KM5 has a 2-year warranty. The SS-Pro weighs slightly less at 12.3 oz, compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz. Unlike the KM5, the SS-Pro does not have constant speed control. The SS-Pro is available in one color option, and the KM5 is available in three colors (blue, pink, and purple).

Wahl KM2 vs Wahl KM5

The KM2 and the KM5 both have rotary motors. Both clippers have 2 speeds, with the KM5 slightly more powerful (3,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute) compared to the KM2 (3,000 and 3,400 strokes per minute). The KM2’s cord is 16 feet long compared to the KM5’s 14-foot cord.

Both clippers come with the #10 blade and have a 2-year warranty. The KM2 weighs slightly more at 13 oz, compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz. Unlike the KM5, the KM2 does not have constant speed control. The KM2 is only available in black, and the KM5 is available in three colors (blue, pink, and purple).

Wahl KM2 Deluxe vs Wahl KM5

The KM2 Deluxe and the KM5 both have rotary motors. Both clippers have 2 speeds, with the KM5 slightly more powerful (3,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute) compared to the KM2 Deluxe (3,000 and 3,400 strokes per minute). The KM2 Deluxe’s cord is 16 feet long compared to the KM5’s 14-foot cord.

The KM2 Deluxe comes with a #30 competition blade, while the KM5 comes with a #10 blade. Both clippers have a 2-year warranty. The KM2 Deluxe weighs slightly more at 13 oz, compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz. Unlike the KM5, the KM2 does not have constant speed control. The KM2 Deluxe is only available in silver, and the KM5 is available in three colors (blue, pink, and purple).

Power Grip vs KM5

The Power Grip and the KM5 both have rotary motors. Both clippers have 2 speeds, with the Power Grip more powerful (3,000 and 4,000 strokes per minute) compared to the KM5 (3,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute). Both clippers have 14-foot cords and come with the #10 blade.

The Power Grip comes with a 1-year warranty, while the KM5 has a 2-year warranty. The Power Grip weighs noticeably more at 14.3 oz, compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz. Both clippers have constant speed control. The Power Grip is available in black, pink, and orange, and the KM5 is available in blue, pink, and purple.

KM10 vs KM5

The KM10 has a brushless motor, while the KM5 has a rotary motor. Both clippers have two speeds, with the KM10 slightly more powerful (3,000 and 3,700 strokes per minute) than the KM5 (3,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute). Both clippers have 14-foot cords and come with the #10 blade.

The KM10 has an impressive 5-year warranty compared to the KM5’s 2-year warranty. The KM10 weighs slightly less (12.3 oz) than the KM5 (12.9 oz). Both clippers have constant speed control. The KM10 is available in teal and red, and the KM5 is available in blue, pink, and purple.

Wahl cordless clippers

Arco vs KM5

The Arco runs on battery power for up to 80 minutes, while the KM5 has a 14-foot cord. The Arco has replaceable battery packs. The Arco comes with a “5-in-1” fine blade, and the KM5 comes with the #10 blade. The Arco is significantly smaller than the KM5, weighing only 7.9 oz compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz.

The Arco gets up to 5,500 strokes per minute, and the KM5 maxes out at 3,500 strokes per minute. Unlike the KM5, the Arco does not have constant speed control. The Arco comes in five colors (pink, red, silver, teal, and green), while the KM5 comes in three (blue, pink, and purple).

Figura vs KM5

The Figura runs on battery power for up to 90 minutes, while the KM5 has a 14-foot cord. The Figura is rechargeable with a built-in battery and no battery display. The Figura comes with a “5-in-1” fine blade, and the KM5 comes with the #10 blade. The Figura is smaller than the KM5, weighing only 9.6 oz compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz.

The Figura gets up to 6,000 strokes per minute, and the KM5 maxes out at 3,500 strokes per minute. Unlike the KM5, the Figura does not have constant speed control. The Figura comes in two color options (silver and red), while the KM5 comes in three (blue, pink, and purple).

Bravura Li+ vs KM5

The Bravura Li+ can run on either battery power or cord power, while the KM5 relies on a 14-foot cord. The Bravura Li+ is rechargeable with a built-in battery and an LCD battery life display. The Bravura Li+ comes with a “5-in-1” fine blade, and the KM5 comes with the #10 blade.

The Bravura Li+ is noticeably smaller than the KM5, weighing only 8.8 oz compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz. The Bravura Li+ gets up to 5,000 strokes per minute, and the KM5 maxes out at 3,500 strokes per minute. Both the Bravura Li+ and the KM5 have constant speed control. The Bravura Li+ comes in five color options (red, pink, purple, grey, and teal), while the KM5 comes in three (blue, pink, and purple).

Chromado Li+ vs KM5

The Chromado Li+ can run on either battery power or cord power, while the KM5 relies on a 14-foot cord. The Chromado Li+ is rechargeable with a built-in battery and an LED battery level display. The Chromado Li+ comes with a “5-in-1” fine blade, and the KM5 comes with the #10 blade.

The Chromado Li+ is slightly smaller than the KM5, weighing 10.2 oz compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz. The Chromado Li+ gets up to 5,500 strokes per minute, and the KM5 maxes out at 3,500 strokes per minute. Both the Chromado Li+ and the KM5 have constant speed control. The Chromado Li+ comes in one color option (silver), while the KM5 comes in three (blue, pink, and purple).

Motion Li+ vs KM5

The Motion Li+ can run on either battery power or cord power, while the KM5 relies on a 14-foot cord. The Motion Li+ is rechargeable with a built-in battery and an LED battery level indicator. The Motion Li+ comes with a “5-in-1” pro blade, and the KM5 comes with the #10 blade.

The Motion Li+ is smaller than the KM5, weighing 9.4 oz compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz. The Motion Li+ gets up to 5,500 strokes per minute, and the KM5 maxes out at 3,500 strokes per minute. Both the Motion Li+ and the KM5 have constant speed control. The Motion Li+ comes in one color option (silver), while the KM5 comes in three (blue, pink, and purple).

KM Cordless vs KM5

The KM Cordless can run on either battery power or cord power, while the KM5 relies on a 14-foot cord. The KM Cordless is rechargeable with a built-in battery and a battery power indicator. Both the KM Cordless and the KM5 come with the #10 blade. The KM Cordless is significantly larger than the KM5, weighing 16.1 oz compared to the KM5’s 12.9 oz.

The KM Cordless has two speeds, clocking in slightly faster at 3,000 and 3,700 strokes per minute compared to the KM5’s 3,000 and 3,500 strokes per minute. Both the KM Cordless and the KM5 have constant speed control. The KM Cordless comes in two color options (orange and blue), while the KM5 comes in three (blue, pink, and purple).

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Question: Are there multiple speeds on this?

Answer: Yes, the KM5 has two speed levels: 3,000 strokes per minutes and 3,500 strokes per minute. These aren’t the highest speeds available on a set of clippers, but they give you some flexibility while allowing the clippers to stay quiet.

Question: Does the Battery suffer from memory effect?

Answer: The KM5 is corded and comes with a 14-foot cord.

Question: Can I get a replacement charger?

Answer: Wahl has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, as well as a 2-year limited warranty for the KM5. If anything goes wrong with your clippers during that 2-year time frame, contact Wahl customer service. They are happy to replace clippers that have manufacturing errors at no cost to you.

Question: Does this clipper work with detachable blades?

Answer: Yes, the blades are detachable, and Wahl makes other blades that fit the KM5. There is a set of competition blades that fits on these clippers. There is also a set of detachable combs that work with the KM5.

Question: Can you use different brand blades on this clipper?

Answer: Yes. Other brands make blades and combs that fit on the KM5.

Question: Is there an adjustable blade that comes in course instead of fine? I need to cut with a 3,4, or 5 blade. Will the wahl non-adjustable blades work?

Answer: The competition series blades fit the KM5 and should give you the features that you need. They have coarse and fine options in a variety of lengths. Wahl does sell adjustable blades, but they will not work with the KM5.

Question: My poodle/Shih Tzu has very thick, curly hair. Trimming her the thick hair gets caught in the teeth and I start over. Will this work on her?

Answer: Yes, the KM5 works well with thick hair. The constant speed control keeps the clippers buzzing along through thick hair and matted areas alike.

Question: good for dogs with very fine hair?

Answer: Yes, the KM5 works well on dogs with fine hair. If you are using the #10 blades that are included in the Wahl Professional Animal KM5 2-Speed Pet, Dog, and Horse Clipper Kit, ensure that they are sharp. You can get Wahl blades sharpened to keep them functioning smoothly. You can also buy one or more of the competition series blades for use on dogs with fine hair.

Question: Does this work well on Pomeranians?

Answer: Yes, the KM5 works well on Pomeranians. These clippers are designed to handle thick hair and mats. There are multiple blade and comb options available to ensure you get the look you want for your Pomeranian.

Question: Can this clipper does a full body clipping for a dog or is it just for trimming?

Answer: You can easily use the KM5 for a full body clipping. The clipper’s shape and design are meant to ease wrist fatigue during long clipping sessions.

Question: Are there clippers with adjustable height or only comb set to switch?

Answer: Wahl offers a set of combs that work with the KM5. There are no adjustable blades available for these clippers, but Wahl sells a variety of competition blades that might suit your purpose.

Question: Can these clippers be used with a clippervac attachment?

Answer: Yes, they can. The Clippervac sells an attachment that works with the KM5.

Question: Can this clipper cut when the pet’s hair is wet?

Answer: No, the KM5 should not be used on wet hair. Moisture will keep hair from feeding through the blades smoothly, as well as increase wear and tear on the blades themselves. Additionally, the KM5 is not water-resistant and should not be used in or around water.

Question: Does this model work with 220V?

Answer: Yes, but you will need an adapter. The KM5 is 110 volts and the default cord fits into American electrical sockets.

Question: What all comes in the Wahl Professional Animal KM5 2-Speed Pet, Dog, and Horse Clipper Kit?

Answer: This kit includes the KM5, a #10 blade, oil, and a brush.

Question: I want to keep my dog’s hair long. Can I do that using the KM5?

Answer: Yes. The #10 blade is meant to get a dog’s hair down to 1/16 of an inch. But you can get a variety of other blades, ranging from #50 to #3. Smaller numbers leave more hair after trimming, while higher numbers leave less.