How an Ice Skate Blade Cover Can Help Preserve Your Ice Skates

Protecting Your Ice Skate Blades Has Never Been Easier 

Like any sport, the quality of your performance depends on the quality of your equipment. If your shoes have worn down or your helmet doesn’t fit your head, your performance will be affected. Ice skaters depend on their skates to fit perfectly, and for their skate blades to be as sharp and stable as possible. Caring for your ice skate blades can include polishing, drying, and sharpening. But did you know there’s something else you’re missing? An ice skate blade cover can prevent rust on your blades as well as small chips and dents from walking on hard surfaces. 

There are quite a few steps to protect your ice skate blades from rusting. Below, we’ve looked at the best ways to prevent rust and damage, including the use of an ice skate blade cover. 

Cleaning

Today, most ice blade skates are made of either lightweight aluminum or stainless steel. Older blades used to be made from tempered carbon steel and then coated with chrome, but these became too difficult to maintain. To clean your aluminum or stainless steel skates, you will need a powder or liquid cleaner that is safe for both surfaces. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently clean and polish the blades. This is one of the first steps to prepare your blades for an ice skate blade cover. 

Drying 

After cleaning your ice skate blades with a gentle cleanser, do not let them air dry. You should immediately begin to dry off your blades after they have been cleaned using a non-abrasive cloth or paper towel. Once you’ve removed all of the moisture, use a microfiber cloth to polish your blades and dry them once more. After the drying and cleaning process, you should see a noticeable shine to your blades. Completely drying and polishing your ice skate blades prevents rusting before using an ice skate blade cover. 

Sharpening

The exact schedule of sharpening your blades depends on your skill level and frequency of use. Generally, your blades can last from 5-8 years with a consistent sharpening schedule. Most skates benefit from the schedule of sharpening every 20-30 hours of skating. 

You can tell when your blades need sharpening if:

• You no longer feel secure/stable
• The bottom of the blade appears dull 
• When held up to the light, the sharp edge of the blade gives no reflection 

Use an Ice Skate Blade Cover

Once you have properly cleaned, dried, polished, and sharpened your blades, you’re ready to put them in an ice skate blade cover. An ice skate blade cover is made with anti-rust and anti-corrosion molecules that keep moisture away. Moisture is the #1 enemy to metals, and the #1 cause of rust. Rust occurs when moisture comes into contact with metal alloys and begins to corrode the surface. An ice skate blade cover will keep your blades dry and protected for up to 5 years. 

Keep Your Blades in Shape for Years To Come 

To keep your ice skate blades in great condition, use the above steps to clean and dry your blades to prepare them for storage. Never put your skates away in a bag or storage container without proper blade covers. You should especially use an ice skate blade cover or other rust prevention covers when you don’t plan on using your skates for a prolonged period of time.