How to Match Figure Skate Blades to Boots

When selected in 1987 to research improvements to the figure skate, engineer Sid Broadbent, writing for IceSkateology, noted that "skate to boot mismatch was a perennial [problem for] skaters and the skatetechs who did the mounting." He added that early blades were fashioned from "crude templates" that compromised skating quality. Subsequent improvement in the equipment led to a variety of figure-skating options, but all successful set-ups begin with the correct match of blade to boot. Professional skate technicians typically make the final adjustments and attachments.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Ball screw
  • 2 toe screws
  • 2 heel screws
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Measuring the Blade

    • 1

      Measure the blade from the front of the sole plate to the back of the heel plate. Blades generally come in quarter-inch lengths.

    • 2

      Measure the boot's sole from toe to heel.

    • 3

      Choose a blade 1/4-inch shorter than this measurement.

    Fitting the Blade

    • 4

      Mark the center point of the boot's sole at the toe and heel using a pencil.

    • 5

      Position the blade's front toe plate at the tip of the boot's sole.

    • 6

      Center the blade's runner to the pencil mark on the heel. Screw in one heel screw.

    • 7

      Position the blade's toe on the center of the pencil mark. Move the blade to about a half-blade's width to the inside, and screw in one toe screw.

    • 8

      Perform a visual check for straightness of the blade. When it appears straight, attach a ball screw opposite the toe screw. Place the second heel and toe screws kitty-corner from their respective first screws. The blade should be perpendicular to the boot's sole.

    Testing the Match

    • 9

      Find a smooth piece of ice to perform the test.

    • 10

      Skate forward, gradually gathering speed, and glide on both feet in a straight line with your body upright. Make wide turns and repeat the glide, going both forward and reverse.

    • 11

      Examine the trace marks on the ice. If the blade is properly matched to the boot, the marks appear as two parallel lines of even depth.