How to Take Care of Your Ice Skate Blades (for Beginners)

Written By: Elizabeth | January 21, 2025

So, you’ve laced up your skates and fallen in love with the ice—welcome to the club! One of the most important things to learn is taking care of your ice skate blades. After all, those blades keep you gliding smoothly, spinning cleanly, and stopping without slipping! 

With just a few simple habits, you can keep your skates in great shape and make them last longer. 

How Do I Keep My Ice Skate Blades from Rusting?

Keeping your figure skate blades in tip-top shape is important for skaters of all levels because the condition of the blades directly affects your performance on the ice. It’s all about keeping edges in top condition, and maintenance begins as soon as you step off of the ice.

Here are a few beginner tips to help prevent blade rust and extend the lifetime of your skates overall:

  • Wear blade guards as soon as you leave the ice or rubberized surface to avoid scraping or chipping the top layer of chrome. Walking on any surface but the ice without blade guards on is not recommended. Even sand and dirt on rubberized flooring can dull and damage the blade.
  • Wipe the blades dry after removing your skates and the guards.
  • Keep things dry! Make sure both the skate blade and the mounting surfaces are dry. Keeping the mounting area dry prevents screws from rusting and your boot’s leather from rotting.
  • Wipe your blades again after leaving the rink to remove condensation, which will likely form once they return to room temperature.
  • Put your skates in soakers when it’s time to store them in your skate bag. They help draw off any remaining moisture and protect blade edges while inside your bag. 

Pro Tip: Never store blades in hard guards. Why? They hold moisture, which can cause rust damage.

How Do You Break In New Skate Blades?

Breaking in new skate blades (and boots!) takes a little time and patience, but it’s worth it for comfort and performance on the ice. Start with shorter skating sessions to let your feet and blades adjust gradually—think 20-30 minutes at a time. 

During these sessions, focus on simple movements like gliding, stopping, and small turns to get used to the feel of the new blades.

Do New Skate Blades Need To Be Sharpened?

New skate blades absolutely need to be sharpened before you hit the ice. Even though they’re brand new, most blades come with a “factory finish,” which means they aren’t fully sharpened for skating. 

Without that proper edge, your blades can feel slippery and make it hard to stop, turn, or glide confidently. Getting them sharpened first ensures you’ll have the control and grip you need on the ice.

How to Sharpen Ice Skates

Sharpening your skates is a job for professionals, so search here for a nearby Authorized Riedell Dealer.

They use special machines to grind the blade edges and create the “hollow”—a curved groove along the bottom of the blade that gives you a grip on the ice.

Here are a few beginner tips:

  • Know when to sharpen: Blades usually need sharpening after 20-30 hours of skating, but it depends on how often you skate and how hard you are on your edges. Watch for telltale signs it’s time to sharpen, like slipping more than usual or struggling to hold an edge.
  • Avoid DIY sharpening: Skate sharpening takes precision, and doing it incorrectly can ruin your blades. Always leave it to the pros.
  • Stay consistent: Stick to one sharpener you trust—they’ll know your preferences and keep your blades consistent over time.

With properly sharpened skates, you’ll feel more confident, controlled, and ready to tackle the ice!

What Other Care Do My Blades Need?

For beginners, the focus should be keeping blades dry, rust-free, and well-sharpened. Regular maintenance—like wiping your blades dry after skating and storing them properly in soakers—keeps them in great shape. 

However, if you notice small nicks, scratches, or dull spots, a professional skate sharpener may polish your blades as part of the sharpening process to smooth out imperfections and restore their shine.

If unsure, your skate sharpener can guide you on whether your blades need extra care.

Happy Skates, Happy Skaters

Taking care of your ice skate blades involves building a few simple habits to keep them sharp, rust-free, and ready for the ice. With proper maintenance, your skates will glide smoothly and last much longer.

Want more tips on skate care, gear maintenance, and improving your time on the ice? Check out our other blog posts for everything you need to know to keep your skates (and yourself!) in top shape.