John Wilson

Overview

John Wilson Blades manufactures figure skating blades with over 329 years of heritage, originating from royal commissions in 1696. The brand produces traditional handcrafted steel blades and modern composite models like Revolution, positioning it as a provider of both classic and high-performance options for competitive skaters. It is recognized for setting standards in precision and performance within the figure skating equipment market.¹²³⁴

History

Royal toolmaker John Wilson, based in Sheffield, was commissioned in 1696 to craft figure skating blades for King William III. The company continued producing high-quality blades, establishing a reputation for excellence in figure skating over centuries. It is now operated by HD Sports Ltd, maintaining production in Sheffield, UK.¹²³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are made in Sheffield, UK, upholding a tradition since 1696. Traditional blades are handcrafted from high-quality steel, while models like Revolution use compression-molded unidirectional fibers with thermosetting resin.²⁴⁵

Notable Products

• Pattern 99 - One of the most popular blades globally, known for optimal spin profile and edge placement.
• Phoenix Gold - Premium figure skating blade priced at $999.99, designed for elite performance.
• Phoenix 99 - High-end blade at $999.99, favored by competitive skaters.
• Revolution - 100% unidirectional fiber composite blade offering superior strength.
• Coral Lite - Lightweight blade suitable for advancing figure skaters.

Reputation

John Wilson Blades are trusted by Olympic legends and world-class skaters for their precision, performance, and enduring quality in traditional models. Enthusiasts and professionals value the brand's heritage and reliability, particularly in popular lines like Pattern 99. Some modern composite options receive attention for innovative strength, though traditional steel blades remain the core strength.¹³⁴⁶