An apparatus (100) that detects blade deflection from a print assembly contact surface is disclosed. The apparatus can include a print assembly (110) rotationally supported in the apparatus, where the print assembly can have a print assembly contact surface (112) and a print assembly conductor (114). The apparatus can include a blade (120) configured to be coupled to the print assembly contact surface and a blade conductive layer (130) coupled to the blade. The apparatus can include a sensor (140) configured to measure a capacitance between the blade conductive layer and the print assembly conductor.