Overview

The Millers Forge 743C is the smaller sibling of the 767C, and it carries the same professional DNA in a package sized for small to medium dogs. Professional groomers have relied on Millers Forge clippers for decades, and the 743C is the reason. The hardened steel blades deliver clean, precise cuts that budget clippers simply cannot match, and at $13, the price-to-performance ratio is outstanding.

This is not a beginner-friendly tool. There is no safety guard, no quick-detection guide, and no rubber grip. What you get instead is a clipper that does one thing extraordinarily well: cut dog nails cleanly without crushing or splitting them. For experienced owners of Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Beagles, and other small to medium breeds, the 743C is the tool to own.

Features Deep-Dive

Hardened Steel Blade Quality

The 743C uses the same proprietary hardened steel as the professional 767C. The blade geometry is optimized for thin to medium-thickness nails, producing a clean shear action rather than the compressive crush that characterizes cheaper clippers. You can hear the difference: a sharp 743C makes a crisp snap through the nail, while budget alternatives produce a dull crunch.

Blade longevity is the 743C's defining advantage over competitors in its price range. The hardened steel maintains its edge for years of home use, while the gonicc and Boshel clippers at similar prices start feeling dull within months. For a tool you might use weekly for the life of your dog, that durability difference compounds significantly.

Compact Sizing for Small Breeds

The blade opening on the 743C is specifically designed for nails up to approximately 3mm thick. This is not a limitation but a feature. A smaller blade opening means better control and more precise cuts on thin nails. Using an oversized clipper on a small dog's nails is like using hedge trimmers for bonsai work: technically possible, but you lose the precision that matters.

The compact handles also suit owners with smaller hands better than the 767C. The entire tool fits naturally in one hand without the awkward reach that larger clippers can require.

No-Nonsense Construction

The 743C has no moving parts beyond the spring-loaded hinge. No rubber coatings to degrade, no plastic guards to break, no adjustable components to misalign. This simplicity means there is nothing to wear out except the blade edge itself, and when that eventually happens after years of use, the replacement cost is minimal.

Pricing Analysis

At $13, the 743C sits in the budget category by price but the professional category by performance. It costs only $3-4 more than the gonicc and Boshel clippers, but the blade quality and longevity are in a completely different class. Over a two-year period, you might go through two or three budget clippers as blades dull, while a single 743C keeps cutting cleanly.

The only clippers that match the 743C's cutting quality are its own sibling (the 767C at $16) and the Resco Deluxe ($25). Neither of those alternatives is sized correctly for small dogs, making the 743C the clear choice in its segment.

Who Is This For?

The Millers Forge 743C works best for:

• Owners of small to medium dogs (under 30 lbs) who want professional-grade cutting without a professional grooming bill
• Experienced trimmers who know how to identify the quick and prefer an unobstructed view of the nail
• Multi-pet households with small dogs where blade durability matters across frequent trimming sessions
• Groomers who specialize in small breeds and need a compact, reliable tool that holds its edge

Who Should NOT Use This

The Millers Forge 743C might not be the right choice if:

• Your dog weighs over 30 lbs — the blade opening is too small for thick nails. The 767C is the correct choice for larger dogs
• You are trimming dog nails for the first time — without a safety guard, the learning curve is steeper. Start with the gonicc clippers, which include a guard, then move to the 743C once you are comfortable
• Your dog has dark or black nails — while the unobstructed view helps experienced trimmers, beginners with dark-nailed dogs should consider a nail grinder like the Casfuy N70, which removes material gradually instead of in a single cut

Bottom Line

The Millers Forge 743C delivers professional grooming quality for small to medium dogs at a price that makes alternatives hard to justify. The hardened steel blades outlast and outperform every other clipper in this price range. If you are comfortable trimming without a safety guard, this is the only sub-$15 clipper worth buying.

FAQ

How do I know if my dog needs the 743C or the 767C?

If your dog weighs under 30 lbs and has thin to medium-thickness nails, the 743C is the right choice. Dogs over 30 lbs or those with notably thick nails (common in breeds like Rottweilers or Mastiffs) should use the 767C. When in doubt, try fitting your dog's nail into the blade opening without cutting. If the nail fits comfortably with room to spare, you have the right size.

Do Millers Forge clippers come pre-sharpened?

Yes, the 743C arrives ready to use with factory-sharpened blades. No break-in period is needed. The first cut should feel crisp and clean. If it does not, contact Millers Forge as you may have received a defective unit.

Can I use these on my cat's nails too?

Yes. The 743C's compact blade opening is well-suited for cat nails. The same technique applies: trim in small increments and avoid the quick. Cat nails are typically more transparent than dog nails, making the quick easier to see.

How do I maintain the blades?

Wipe the blades with a dry cloth after each use to remove nail dust. Occasionally apply a drop of mineral oil to the hinge. Do not use water to clean the blades as this can promote rust on the steel. Store with the blades closed using the built-in locking mechanism.