Figure skate

[5] When viewed from the side, the blade of a figure skate is not flat, but curved slightly, forming an arc of a circle with a radius of 180–220 cm (70–85 in).

The apparently effortless power and glide across the ice exhibited by elite figure skaters fundamentally derives from efficient use of the edges to generate speed.

Skating, when the "physics of steel blades traveling across ice"[7] is exploited, provides for human movement impossible in other media.

[7] The lack of friction also allows a skater to spin continuously in place faster and for a longer time than on any other media and surface by allowing for both linear and sustained rotational motion, which presents "a constantly changing three-dimensional picture to a fixed observer"[7] of the skater, who does this by either moving their body parts around the spinning center or by holding a single position.

As writer Ellyn Kestnbaum states, "The use of special dance floors and shoes or equipment and media such as bodies of water, skis, trapezes and trampolines can also enable people to achieve many of these effects, but none allows for combining them with quite the fluidity of ice skating".

Typically, the blades can be expected to be sharpened by the owner of the skate shop, but knowing one's skill level is necessary to get a correct sharpness.

Figure skating blades that are too sharp can also be cause for concern, as the skater may find their feet slipping out to the side, making falls and sprains much more likely.

Professional skaters have their skates sharpened to the deepest possible cut in order to pull off complicated spins, jumps, and footwork.

The ability to stop on a dime is important in events such as the Grand Prix, where even a single point deducted can cost the competitor the lead.

If a competitor is in the unfortunate position of finding their blades to be too dull to support themselves adequately after a jump combination, they could touch down on the ice or fall, which can ruin an otherwise point-grabbing sequence.

Typically, blades are composed of a stainless steel frame, but even this durable material is prone to rust if left covered in moisture, such as the water and ice produced by a long day marking up the rink.

Since scores are presented soon after the performance has ended, many skaters do not have time to remove the tight laces of their skates before their placement is announced.