The Andis Excel 5-Speed+ Detachable Blade Clipper, blue item 68520, is a corded professional dog-grooming clipper with interchangeable cutting blades. It is designed for full-body coat work and controlled trimming across different coat types.
If you searched for Andis Excel 5-Speed blade replacement, note an important distinction: the linked Amazon product is the complete clipper kit, not a replacement blade. This review covers the actual kit, compatible cutting blades, and the separate blade-drive part that owners sometimes need to replace.
Quick Verdict
Reviewed Product
Andis Excel 5-Speed+ Detachable Blade Clipper, Blue
Five-speed corded grooming clipper with an interchangeable blade system.
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5
Best For: Regular home groomers and professionals seeking adjustable-speed, corded dog clippers.
Key Specs: Five speeds • 2,500–4,500 SPM • 12.8 oz • 14-foot cord
Change speeds and detachable blades without changing the clipper.
Corded 120-volt U.S. model; blades still need maintenance.
A strong option when flexible cutting speeds and replaceable blades matter. Verify voltage and blade needs before buying.
At a Glance
- Verified model: Andis SMC, blue, manufacturer item 68520.
- Use: Pet grooming with selectable motor speeds and detachable blades.
- Power: U.S. corded model rated 120 V, 60 Hz.
- Included: CeramicEdge cutting blade, blade oil, extra blade drive.
- Replacement options: Andis CeramicEdge, UltraEdge, and M Force detachable blades.
- Check first: Blade size, local voltage, and exact seller bundle.
Verified Specifications & Buyer Implications
These attributes describe the identified U.S. blue model, not every Excel or ProClip package. Seller listings may use different marketing names, so match the manufacturer item number.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model | SMC; item 68520; blue | Identifies the exact clipper and helps distinguish it from the similar ProClip version, other colors, and internationally rated models. |
| Motor | Rotary; five speeds; 2,500–4,500 strokes/minute | The settings allow more control over clipping pace. Higher speed offers faster blade movement, but it does not guarantee better results on dirty or tangled coats. |
| Blade system | Detachable; CeramicEdge, UltraEdge, M Force compatible | The owner can replace a worn blade or select a different cutting length without replacing the entire clipper. |
| Size and weight | 6.63 inches long; 12.8 oz | A relatively compact body may be easier to guide around smaller areas, although grip preference and hand fatigue are individual. |
| Power and cord | 120 V/60 Hz; 14-foot cord | No battery charging is needed, but the U.S. electrical specification must match the power supply and the cord requires workspace management. |
| Warranty | Manufacturer lists two years | Coverage may be useful for defects, but buyers should confirm terms, seller eligibility, and support in their own region. |
Design & Build Quality
Andis uses a soft-grip, anti-slip housing with a compact body intended for controlled handling. The manufacturer lists a 12.8-ounce weight, lighter than its 17.6-ounce AGC Super 2-Speed comparison model.
The detachable cutting head also makes the design serviceable: users can remove a blade for cleaning or exchange it for another supported size. Neither the grip material nor advertised precision establishes measured durability, so long-term service life remains unverified here.
Setup & Ease of Use
- Check the voltage label and inspect the cord before plugging in.
- Confirm that the supplied blade is seated securely before starting.
- Start with a clean, dry, thoroughly detangled coat.
- Use a lower speed for deliberate detail work and adjust as appropriate.
- Turn off and unplug before removing or changing detachable blades.
- Clean and oil the blade following Andis care instructions.
For a cutting-blade change, Andis explains that the clipper should be off and unplugged before the head is released at the hinge. Refit the compatible blade using the manufacturer’s procedure; do not force a blade that does not seat correctly.
How This Review Was Researched
This is a documentation-based editorial review, not a claimed hands-on test. Specifications and compatibility were checked against Andis’s model page, its maintenance guidance, and official listings for replacement blades and comparable clippers.
Category-Specific Performance
Speed Control for Different Grooming Tasks
Five selectable speeds are this clipper’s defining functional advantage over simpler two-speed tools. A lower setting can support controlled work, while a faster setting offers increased cutter movement for larger prepared areas.
The published 2,500–4,500 SPM range specifies motion, not measured torque, clipping time, or performance through severe matting. A healthy coat and suitable sharp blade remain essential.
Blade Compatibility and Cutting Length
Andis lists CeramicEdge, UltraEdge, and M Force as compatible detachable blade families for this Excel model. That flexibility lets groomers choose their finish, but each blade size removes a different amount of coat.
For example, the official CeramicEdge size 10 blade leaves approximately 1/16 inch, or 1.5 mm. That is a close cut; buyers seeking a longer body finish need a suitable different blade or compatible comb arrangement.
Heat and Clipping Comfort
Andis describes its CeramicEdge design as running cooler than conventional steel cutters. However, a ceramic cutter does not eliminate heat from friction, so blade-temperature checks and regular lubrication still matter.
Stop if the blade becomes uncomfortable to touch and let it cool or change to a cool compatible blade. Never use speed adjustments as a substitute for monitoring comfort against the animal’s skin.
Maintenance-Related Cutting Consistency
A detachable blade makes cleaning and troubleshooting practical, but worn internal blade drives can also impair the action of a healthy blade. Andis identifies added vibration, noise, and poor cutting as possible symptoms of drive wear.
The machine’s five speed settings cannot repair a damaged drive or dull cutter. Compare how it works with another clean, maintained blade before deciding which component needs service.
Expert Insight: A replacement cutting blade changes the part that touches the coat; a replacement blade drive repairs the mechanism that moves it. Buying the wrong one can leave the original problem unresolved.
Key Features Explained
Five-Speed Rotary Motor
The motor provides finer speed selection than a basic single- or two-speed groomer. Owners who clip various areas and coat types may appreciate this control, while occasional touch-up users might not need five settings.
CeramicEdge Detachable Blade
The supplied CeramicEdge blade offers a starting point for close clipping, and Andis markets the ceramic cutter as cooler-running and longer-sharp than steel. Those advantages remain dependent on proper cleaning, oiling, and the work being attempted.
Replaceable Blade Drive
Andis includes an additional blade drive with this U.S. model and sells the genuine replacement assembly separately under item 20659. This is useful because a worn drive is a repairable component rather than automatically requiring a whole new clipper.
Real-World Usability & Maintenance
Daily ownership revolves around blade hygiene, cable positioning, and choosing the correct cutting length. Wipe away loose hair, follow official oiling directions, and keep the cutting edge protected when stored.
Andis’s size 10 CeramicEdge blade is one documented replacement choice; its genuine blade-drive assembly addresses a different mechanical issue. Owners diagnosing a worn drive can also read our blade-drive replacement review, while checking that repair directions match the Excel model.
Before any full-body trim, remove knots rather than pushing blades into them; our safe dog-combing guide covers a practical coat-preparation routine. If matting lies against the skin, professional grooming is safer than attempting to cut through it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Five selectable speeds
- Wide Andis detachable-blade compatibility
- Extra blade drive included
- Compact, 12.8-ounce body
Cons
- Requires a power cord
- U.S. version is 120 volts only
- Extra cutting lengths cost more
Common Issues & Fixes
Clipper Runs but Cuts Poorly
Cause: Packed hair, insufficient oil, dull cutting edges, or a worn blade drive can interfere with cutting.
Fix: Unplug, clean and oil the blade, then check another maintained blade before considering the drive mechanism.
Unusual Noise or Vibration
Cause: Andis identifies blade-drive wear as one possible source of increasing vibration and noise.
Fix: Stop use, inspect the detachable blade and drive condition, and follow the correct model’s service procedure.
What to Know Before You Buy
First, confirm you need the complete Excel clipper rather than only a cutting blade or blade-drive assembly. The supplied Amazon item corresponds to the blue clipper; the manufacturer sells replacement parts separately.
- Cut length: A size 10 blade clips closely, not to a long fluffy finish.
- Compatibility: Verify the precise Andis blade series, size, and attachment comb.
- Power: The listed U.S. model is 120 V/60 Hz; international power varies.
- Bundle: Check the seller’s current included blade and accessories.
- Warranty: Confirm local manufacturer support and purchase conditions.
Replacement-blade buyers should also distinguish a ceramic cutter from an all-metal blade: these are different constructions with different care considerations. Do not assume any universal trimmer blade or adjustable five-in-one blade fits this detachable-head machine.
Who Should Consider It / Who Should Look Elsewhere
Who Should Consider It
- Regular home groomers using detachable blades
- Professionals wanting finer speed choices
- Owners maintaining several coat lengths
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Shoppers needing only a replacement blade
- Groomers requiring cordless movement
- Buyers without suitable 120-volt power
Alternatives to Consider
Reviewed Product
Andis Excel 5-Speed+ Blue
Best For: Flexible speed selection.
Key Specs: Five speeds; 12.8 oz; corded.
Advantage: Speed and blade versatility.
Trade-off: No cordless option.
Alternative A
Andis UltraEdge AGC Super 2-Speed
Best For: Simpler two-speed corded grooming.
Key Specs: 3,400/4,400 SPM; 17.6 oz; detachable blade.
Advantage: Straightforward two-speed control.
Trade-off: Heavier body.
Alternative B
Andis Pulse ZR II
Best For: Groomers needing cordless use.
Key Specs: Five speeds; removable battery; up to 3 hours.
Advantage: Mobility without a cord.
Trade-off: Charging and battery upkeep.
Is It Worth It?
For someone routinely grooming dogs and using multiple blades, the Excel’s five speeds and replaceable head system provide meaningful flexibility. The compact body and included spare drive add practical ownership value compared with a clipper that cannot be serviced as easily.
However, a buyer who merely needs a fresh cutting edge should replace the blade rather than purchase another motorized clipper. A simpler two-speed machine may suit less varied work, while a cordless option suits workspaces where cable freedom outweighs charging requirements.
Final Verdict
The blue Andis Excel 5-Speed+ is a capable, configurable corded grooming platform, particularly for people who value interchangeable blades and adjustable cutting speed. Its main limits are the fixed power cord, U.S. voltage rating, and the ongoing need for safe blade maintenance.
Choose this model when those trade-offs fit your routine; choose a separate CeramicEdge or UltraEdge blade if the existing Excel works properly and only its cutting head needs replacement. If the mechanism is worn, inspect the genuine Andis blade drive instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which replacement blades fit the Andis Excel 5-Speed?
Andis lists compatible CeramicEdge, UltraEdge, and M Force detachable blade systems. Match the required cutting length and exact blade style before ordering.
Is the linked Amazon item a replacement blade?
No. The supplied product identifier corresponds to the complete blue Excel clipper kit, not a standalone cutting blade.
What blade comes with the Excel clipper?
The identified kit includes a CeramicEdge blade; product-specific retail details describe a size 10. Check the current seller bundle before purchasing.
How do I remove the detachable blade?
Switch the clipper off and unplug it, then follow Andis’s hinge-release instructions. Do not force the blade back into place.
Will a new cutting blade fix vibration?
Not necessarily. Andis identifies worn blade drives as a potential source of abnormal noise, vibration, or cutting problems, so check the mechanism too.
Can I use this blue U.S. model on 230-volt power?
Not directly. The identified U.S. model is rated 120 V/60 Hz; check for a properly rated regional version and follow electrical-safety guidance.
Affiliate disclosure: Go Pet Zone earns a small commission when you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Our editorial process is independent: affiliate relationships never influence which products we recommend or how we rank them.
