Can anyone recommend good stripping knives?  I bought some Mikki ones for stripping my Irish Terrier but they seem to cut some of her coat rather than strip it out.  Her coat is definately ready to be stripped, and is coming away reasonably easily by hand.  I have always handstripped using my finger and thumb, but thought I would try a stripping knife this time because my fingers get quite sore when I strip.  I tried blunting the Mikki ones, but they are still cutting some of the hair. I don't show, but I like to keep her looking presentable and don't want to lose her lovely rich red coat by cutting it.

Thanks

perhaps a mars coat king would of use......

I have never used a Coat King but I believe that cuts the coat as well.  I used to use McClennan knives on my Dandie, just on the areas that were very difficult to hand strip, like the throat, these do not seem to cut the coat too much just enabling a better grip I would not have used them on her back though just in case even though I did not show her :)

A small carpenter's file was what we used before "stripping knives"!  Used in the same position as a stripping knife - not like a file!!;)  Also rubber finger stools, like they used to use for counting money, help to grip and makes stripping easier on the fingers!  Neither will cut the coat.

If you use a stripping knife, you MUST make sure the coat is ready to come out and you MUST use a blunt knife, otherwise it will cut the coat.
Dawn.

Thanks for you replies everyone :).

Dawn, the coat is definately ready to strip it's been blown for a good few months now and is coming out easily with a very gentle pull.  The problem seems to be with the knife, or maybe my technique :D. Do you have any tips on how to blunt the knife? I've tried dragging it through gravel, scrubbing it with a metal brush, all of which probably made it sharper.  I have a feeling I will be going back to finger and thumb as I am so scared to ruin her coat after spending so much time getting it in great condition. 

Val, I've heard someone say about using a file before. Will give it a go, trip to B&Q tomorrow I think

Dawn I only hand strip as I am useless with a knife regardless what they are like :-) if my fingers get really sore I put rubber thimbles on :-))) it works for me

With stripping knives if you want a quality finish, its worth buying a quality(expensive) set.  DO NOT use the Mikki knives or any other knives you can buy in a pet shop.  Not only are they of poor quality, they will cut & destroy yr dogs coat.  As for the Mars Coat Kings they can be chucked in the bin as well - they shred the coat - i.e. cut it & you end up with a very 'funky' coat growing back.

The best knives you can buy are from Pearson www.strippingknives.com they are hand made, excellent quality 'blades' comfortable to handle & produce excellent results.  Most of the pro handlers in the USA use them.  For about £50 you can get 4 knives sent from the usa.  They dont cut the coat only pull as they are pre dulled.

Hi gduhig, Thanks for your advice. I've emailed Pearsons to see what knife they suggest would be best :).

I have tried thimbles Blue, you are right, they do work.  get a good grip with them.

I use cheap and expensive knives, I think you develop a "knack" of doing it and using your own tools makes it easier.  I still have knives 12yrs old and they still work a treat.
Dawn.