How to Protect Skate Blades

There's nothing quite like the sound of a blade cutting across a rink, throwing ice dust in its wake. Ice skaters understand this thrill, and also understand the importance of taking care of their skates for continued sharp cuts. The blade of the skate provides the traction and edge to navigate with power and precision. Maintaining blades is thus of prime importance. The skater who understands this will benefit from quality blades that will last for years.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft cloth
  • Screwdriver
  • Skate blade guards
  • Soakers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Always wife the blades with a soft cloth when finished skating. This helps avoid blade rusting. Allow the blades to dry at room temperature.

    • 2

      Never walk on hard surfaces other than ice with the blades. Have blade guards available to put on when leaving the ice. However, be sure to never store the skates with the covers on; blade guards tend to trap moisture and may cause the blade to rust.

    • 3

      Use a terry cloth blade protector, or soaker, on the blades for storage. The soakers absorb any leftover moisture not wiped off with a cloth. They also protect the blades from getting nicked.

    • 4

      Check the screws on the skates frequently to make sure the blades are secured tightly. Keep a screwdriver with other skating equipment.

    • 5

      Sharpen the blades frequently. Sharpening polishes off the nicks usually caused by hitting debris on the ice. Sharpening also improves the grip and slide of the blades. Consult with the rink manager on where blades can be sharpened.