How to Build a Skate Sharpener

Ice skating is a popular hobby that involves being able to glide with little effort over the surface of the ice. Sharpened skate blades are the key to maneuvering quickly and easily. You can take your skates to a professional skate shop to have them sharpened or you can create your own skate sharpener in the comfort of your own home. An automatic skate sharpener is difficult to make at home, but you can rig something that can work just as well. Few supplies are required, but you will need a steady hand and a little time.

Things You'll Need

  • Vise
  • Soft towel
  • Cable ties (optional)
  • Whetstone (400 grit or higher)
  • Honing oil
  • Cloth
  • Blade guards
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Instructions

    • 1

      Secure the vice to a solid table or workbench. Line the jaws of the vice with a soft towel. If you're having trouble getting the towel to stay, use cable ties to hold it in place.

    • 2

      Place the skate boot between the jaws of the vice and tighten the vice. The soft towel will protect the skate from any damage the vice might otherwise cause. Make sure the vice is tight enough to hold the skate firmly. You don't want it sliding around as you sharpen the skate blade.

    • 3

      Pour a small amount of oil onto the coarse side of the whetstone. Only use enough oil to slightly dampen the stone.

    • 4

      Hold the stone at a 20-degree angle to the blade. Run the stone along one side of the blade in long, fluid strokes, going from one end of the blade to the other. Apply only the slightest pressure. Repeat on the other side of the blade.

    • 5

      Repeat Step 4 until the blade has reached the desired sharpness. This may take some time, depending on the degree of sharpness the blade was in when you started, so be patient.

    • 6

      Wipe the blades with a soft cloth and immediately put blade guards onto the blades. This will help keep the blades sharp, reducing how many times you'll have to sharpen them in a season.