While chain tensioners are used with chains on the engine of a motor vehicle, conventional blade spring configurations do not apply consistent forces throughout the life of the chain. The chain tensioner comprises two blade springs mechanically interlocked within a shoe, the shoe being adapted to contact the chain of the motor vehicle. The two blade springs each have a minimal form radius that is substantially smaller than the minimal form radius of a single blade spring, the single blade spring being otherwise identical to the two blade springs, and the thickness of the single blade spring being the same as the combined thickness of the two blade springs.