First, this stripping tool is intended for wirehair dogs (e.g. most Terriers, Schnauzers, Wirehaired Dachshund). Hand stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of the coat of a non-shedding dog, either by using a stripping knife or the fingers. Do not buy if you are not hand stripping a wirehaired dog. I've have been stripping 2 different dogs for about 20 years. Now that I'm older my old stripping knives cause my hands to cramp. The medium Master Grooming Tools 6-3/4-Inch Stainless Steel Pet Stripper Knife was recommended by a Norwich Terrier owner. It worked great. It was easy to hold and pulled the hair out easily. Highly recommend