Proper Skate Sharpening

It is recommended to have your skate blades sharpened every 100 hours of skate time. For daily skaters, every five weeks is advised. Keeping skate guards on blades when walking to or from the rink or pond will ensure the maximum blade protection between sharpening appointments.

  1. Blade Dullness

    • Many signs will tell you when it's time to sharpen skate blades. Some early detection signs include an uneven feel to blade edges and slippage on ice. Nicks on the blade will also "catch" the ice and could result in a dangerous fall. Another test is to examine the overall sheen of the blades. If they lack a satiny finish, it's time to sharpen.

    Sharpening Process

    • A rotating grinding wheel with a special diamond-tipped tail is used for blade sharpening. A clamp is secured to the skate, ensuring a tight grip. The grinding wheel removes accumulated metal from the bottom of the skate blade, creating a shiny finish on the bottoms and edges of the blade. You can also perform at-home sharpening by using a hand-held stone; however, it is recommended to have blades professionally sharpened to ensure an even blade renewal.

    Skating After Sharpening

    • Many experienced skaters have learned various techniques to help break-in freshly sharpened skates before getting back on the ice. You can expect an adjustment period after sharpening, so be sure to enter the rink cautiously the first time. You can run a smooth wood block up and down the blades, or, upon entering the ice, lightly drag the blades across the edges, using a side-to-side motion. Be sure to keep your skating speed slow the first time as stopping tends to be difficult on freshly sharpened blades.