Protecting Your Blades

Your blades are where skating actually happens. The precision-ground steel edges that glide, grip, and launch you into jumps are surprisingly vulnerable off the ice. With the right habits and a few essential accessories, you can keep your blades sharp and competition-ready.

Why Blade Protection Matters

Figure skating blades have two distinct edges separated by a concave channel called the hollow. These edges must be sharp and even for proper grip. The three biggest threats are:

• Rust. Steel corrodes quickly when exposed to moisture. Even a thin layer pits the surface and dulls the edges.
• Physical damage. Walking on hard surfaces without guards, stepping on debris, or unprotected storage can nick or flatten the edges.
• Improper storage. Leaving blades in hard guards or sealed bags traps moisture against the steel.

Blade Guards (E-Guards) — For Walking Off the Ice

Hard blade guards protect your blades while walking on surfaces other than ice. Every time you step off the rink, your guards should go on immediately.

EDEA E-Guards feature a vertebrae-profile design that cradles the blade hollow for superior edge protection:

• Vertebrae structure distributes pressure evenly along the blade, shielding both edges.
• Open drainage channel allows water to escape rather than pool around the blade.
• Rubberized, non-slip sole for safer, quieter walking on hard floors.
• Snap-on attachment — no tools needed.
• Available in Small (7"-8.5"), Medium (8.75"-10.25"), and Large (10"-12") for freestyle blades.

The E-Guards Duo edition offers two-tone color combinations for skaters who want added style.

Soft Blade Covers — For Storage and Transport

Soft covers (soakers) are designed for off-ice storage, not walking. Their absorbent lining draws moisture away from the blade, keeping edges dry and rust-free between sessions.

EDEA Soft Blade Covers feature plush velvet with thick padding and a reinforced base. Available in DUNE and IRIS designs, fitting blades up to 10.5 inches.

For younger skaters, EDEA Maxi Blade Buddies are plush animal-shaped blade covers with reinforced panels, thick moisture-absorbing lining, and machine-washable construction. They fit blades up to 10.75 inches.

After-Skating Blade Care Routine

This is the single most important blade care habit. Follow these steps after every session:

Step 1: Remove your hard guards.
Set them aside open so they can air out and drain any trapped water.

Step 2: Wipe the entire blade with a clean, dry cloth.
Cover both sides, the bottom edge, and especially under the sole plate where water collects.

Step 3: Check for remaining moisture.
Run your finger along the blade. If it feels damp anywhere, wipe again.

Step 4: Slip on soft blade covers.
Once fully dry, put on your Soft Blade Covers or Maxi Blade Buddies for storage.

Blade Sharpening Basics

Sharpening restores the concave hollow between the two edges. The key concept to understand is the radius of hollow (ROH) — the depth of the groove ground into the blade bottom:

Most regular skaters (3-5 sessions per week) sharpen every 4-8 weeks, though frequency depends on ice hardness and personal sensitivity to edge changes.

Signs Your Blades Need Sharpening

• Slipping on edges — the blade slides sideways when holding an edge, especially outside edges.
• Difficulty gripping on spins — spins that used to center easily now travel or wobble.
• Skidding on stops — your snowplow or hockey stop does not bite as it should.
• Visible nicks or flat spots — run your fingernail across the edge to feel for notches.

Rust Prevention

Once rust takes hold, it pits the steel and no amount of sharpening fully restores a heavily rusted blade. Prevention comes down to three rules:

1. Dry blades after every session.
2. Store in soft, absorbent covers. Never in hard guards and never uncovered in a sealed bag.
3. Keep blades away from humidity. Store in a dry, room-temperature environment.

Recommended Blade Care Products

For boot care tips, visit our guide on Taking Care of Your Boots.