Many decades ago, these units were simply called “blade covers”; these days, they are more commonly referred to as “soakers”. The main purpose of blade covers is to keep the sharp edges of the blades from getting dinged up during storage (such as in an equipment bag) and to keep the sharp edges of the blades from cutting up other items (such as the equipment bag). A secondary purpose is to keep the blades from rusting. Blade covers are fabricated from materials that wick away moisture from the blades to the outsides of the blade covers. Most blade covers are made from terry cloth. These blade covers are made with terry cloth reinforced with two polypropylene strips: one strip along the bottom inside, and one longer strip along the bottom outside and part of the front and back ends outside. I was first concerned that the polypropylene would trap water against the blades and cause the blades to rust. Some Internet research on polypropylene indicates that there are specially treated grades of polypropylene mesh designed to wick away moisture. I tested these blade covers by dripping water on the inside polypropylene strip, and the water did wick away to the terry cloth. Some people use soakers to dry off the blades when they get off the ice. I recommend using a separate towel to dry off the blades before putting on the blade covers. To maximize the lifetime of the blades and blade covers, here’s what I do. When I get off the ice, I first wipe the slush off the boots and blades with a first microfiber wipe, and then dry off the boots and blades with a second microfiber wipe. I then put on a first set of blade covers. When I get home, I remove the first set of blade covers, dry off the boots and blades again with a third microfiber wipe, and then put on a second set of blade covers. I use these on figure skates. To prolong the life of a blade cover, it’s best to use two hands when putting on a blade cover. Grab each end with a separate hand, stretch the blade cover such that it’s longer than the blade, put the blade cover over the blade, and then slowly release. Many people tend to use one hand: they hook the blade cover over the picks, stretch the blade cover over the blade, and then snap the blade cover over the back end. You run a risk of tearing the blade cover this way. Similarly, when taking off a blade cover, use two hands to stretch the blade cover before taking it off the blade. I skate 5 times/week. I’ve used the same two pairs for 3 months now, and they are holding up well. No tears, no holes, no sign of wear. I’ll provide an update after longer use. UPDATE: May 31, 2016. A year+ later, still using the same two pairs; no tears, no holes, no sign of wear. These blade covers come in a great variety of colors and patterns, so buy two of different colors or patterns. Note that the price varies by $4 or so depending on the color and pattern and the phase of the moon at Amazon headquarters. Unless you’re extremely picky, scroll through the prices and buy the ones with the lowest price. Note: A&R also makes plain terry covers without the reinforcement strips. The list price of the reinforced covers is higher than the list price of the plain covers, but the selling price on Amazon of the reinforced covers is often less than the selling price of the plain covers (again, depending on color, pattern, and the phase of the moon). Even though these blade covers are reinforced with polypropylene strips, you should never walk on them. You still need to buy rigid or semi-rigid blade guards that are designed to be walked on. Do not store your blades with the blade guards on, however; blade guards trap moisture and cause the blades to rust. That’s why you need separate blade covers and blade guards. Two different purposes.
