Blade Materials Explained

The material a figure skating blade is made from directly affects its weight, edge retention, corrosion resistance, and maintenance requirements. Understanding the differences between blade materials will help you choose the right blade for your skating level and budget. Here is a breakdown of the four main material categories used in modern figure skating blades.

Material Comparison at a Glance

Carbon Steel (Traditional)

Carbon steel has been the standard material for figure skating blade runners for over a century, and it remains the most common choice across all skill levels. High-carbon steel blades are typically hardened to approximately HRC 58 on the Rockwell hardness scale, which provides an excellent balance of edge retention and sharpenability.

• Edge retention: Carbon steel holds a sharp edge very well, making it the preferred material for competitive skaters who demand consistent edge quality throughout a program.
• Sharpenability: The hardness level allows blades to be sharpened cleanly without excessive wear on the grinding wheel, and the edge remains crisp.
• Corrosion: The primary drawback of carbon steel is that it rusts. Blades must be dried thoroughly after every skating session and stored with blade guards or soakers.
• Cost: Carbon steel blades are generally the most affordable option at any given performance tier.

Carbon steel runners are found in the majority of figure skating blades, from beginner-level models through elite competition blades like the MK Phantom and John Wilson Gold Seal.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel blades use chromium-alloyed steel (typically 420 or 440 grade) that resists corrosion far better than carbon steel. The Paramount SS series is a notable example of stainless steel blade construction.

• Corrosion resistance: The primary advantage of stainless steel. These blades will not rust under normal conditions, making maintenance significantly easier and extending blade life.
• Edge retention: Stainless steel is generally slightly softer than high-carbon steel, which means edges may dull somewhat faster. However, modern 440-grade stainless steel has narrowed this gap considerably.
• Maintenance: Reduced maintenance requirements make stainless steel an attractive option for skaters who want a lower-maintenance blade or who skate in particularly humid environments.
• Cost: Stainless steel blades typically cost more than their carbon steel equivalents due to higher material and manufacturing costs.

Carbon Fiber Chassis (REV Technology)

REV (Revolution) technology replaces the traditional metal chassis — the sole plate that mounts to the boot — with a compression-molded carbon fiber composite. The runner (the part that contacts the ice) remains steel.

• Weight reduction: Carbon fiber is dramatically lighter than steel or aluminum, reducing overall blade weight and lowering the effort required for jumps, spins, and footwork.
• Thermal insulation: Unlike metal, carbon fiber does not conduct heat efficiently. A REV chassis insulates the skater's foot from the cold of the ice surface, keeping feet warmer during sessions.
• Edge performance: Because the runner itself is still steel, edge retention and sharpening characteristics are identical to the standard version of the same blade.
• Cost: REV blades carry a premium over their standard-chassis counterparts, reflecting the specialized manufacturing process.

REV chassis blades are available on models including the MK Phantom REV, MK Gold Star REV, John Wilson Gold Seal REV, and John Wilson Pattern 99 REV.

Full Carbon Fiber Body (Phoenix Series)

The Phoenix series represents the most advanced blade construction currently available. In Phoenix blades, the entire blade body — chassis and structural framework — is manufactured from carbon fiber. Only the runner, the thin strip of steel that contacts the ice, is stainless steel.

• Lightest possible weight: By eliminating nearly all metal from the blade structure, the Phoenix achieves the lowest blade weight on the market.
• Stainless steel runner: The runner uses stainless steel for corrosion resistance and reliable edge performance, combining the best of both material worlds.
• Maximum thermal insulation: With almost no metal touching the boot, heat transfer to the ice is minimized.
• Investment level: Phoenix blades are positioned as premium, elite-level equipment and are priced accordingly.

How Material Affects Your Skating

When choosing a blade material, consider these factors:

• Edge retention matters most to competitive skaters who need consistent performance through long programs. Carbon steel excels here.
• Weight matters to all skaters but especially to those performing multi-rotation jumps. REV and Phoenix blades offer meaningful advantages.
• Maintenance tolerance varies by skater. If you want minimal upkeep, stainless steel or Phoenix (stainless runner) reduces the burden. Read our blade protection and care guide for detailed maintenance tips.

Learn More

Read our REV carbon fiber blades page for a deep dive into chassis technology, or visit our blade choosing guide to find the right blade for your skating level. Browse the full blade collection to see all available models.