Skate Sharpening Technique

Ice skates require regular maintenance for optimum performance and agility on the ice. The blade on an ice skate slides on the ice using the weight of the skate to dig into the ice. The skate's grip on the ice comes from a concave hollow edge on the bottom of the blade known as the "Radius of Hollow." The Radius of Hollow depends on the weight of the skater. The heavier the skater, the wider it will be.

Things You'll Need

  • Sharpening grinder machine
  • Diamond tipped stylus tool
  • Side honing stone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dress the grinding wheel. Renew the cutting surface on the grinding wheel by carving the radius on the outside of the wheel using a diamond tipped stylus tool.

    • 2

      Flip the skate upside down and securely clamp it to the fixture. The blade of your skate should be centered on the grinding wheel.

    • 3

      Sharpen the skate blade. Touch the grinding wheel to the skate blade removing flawed material and restoring the Radius of Hollow.

    • 4

      Remove the skate from the clamp. Remove any debris left by the grinding wheel using a side honing stone. Rub the stone along the edge of the blade until the burr is gone.