The best way to eliminate blisters might be to just mulch the leaves into your lawn. Research at the university of Michigan has demonstrated that you can mow a leaf pile up to 6 inches thick right into your lawn, without degrading the grass. Leaf pieces should be the size of a dime. The nitrogen in the leaves will make your lawn greener, and this process will significantly reduce dandelions.

Good point @JulieBW

This is my main method of dealing with leaves, except I use the bagger on my lawn mower to use the leaves on my garden and compost pile. In the summer I leave my grass clippings on the lawn.

Wow! I've always figured that chopping/mowing the last scattering of leaves was the way to go, but I didn't realize you could do it with a 6" layer!

Good tip with padding the rake handle, too. Fatter handles make so many things easier, from a veggie peeler to a pen!