It depends on the maker: some state self-sharpening blades that need no oil, and others state plainly that the tool must be cleaned and oiled — the manual for yours is the authority.
The two positions genuinely differ. Philips states that the blades on its Multigroom ranges are self-sharpening and require no oiling. Panasonic states, in its own feature list, that its professional clipper must be cleaned and oiled.
Those are not contradictory claims about the same product; they are different blade designs.
Where oiling is required, the rule is a light mineral oil — the manufacturer’s own, or a plain equivalent. What to avoid is definite: cooking oil goes rancid and gums the teeth, and penetrating sprays are solvents rather than lubricants.
The symptom that tells you a blade wants attention is pulling rather than cutting, and on an oil-required machine that is the first thing to try.
Last reviewed August 22, 2026