How to Sharpen Skates for Speed

Keeping ice skating blades sharp allows them to slide over the ice with the least friction possible, which increases speed. When skates begin to get dull, it becomes more difficult not only to keep up speed, but to make clear turns and other movements, especially when moving quickly. In order to keep blades in top form they should be sharpened before or after every use. Skates made specifically for speed differ from those made for other ice activities, and best speeds begin with using blades made for racing.

Things You'll Need

  • Skate sharpening jib
  • Oil
  • Skate sharpening stone
  • Burr stone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the skates into the sharpening jig. It's important to assemble the jig and place it on the skates the same way every time. This allows an even burr in less time by essentially picking up from the exact location of the previous sharpening. The inner sides of each boot should be facing each other.

    • 2

      Place some oil on the rough side of the stone. Spread it around into an even coat.

    • 3

      Run the rough side of the sharpening stone from the front to the back of the blades. Alternate on the left and right side of the stone. Be careful with your fingers while moving the stone across the sharp blade. The exact sharpening stone used varies by budget and personal preference.

    • 4

      Run the back of a fingernail along the length of each side of the blade to feel for a burr (mushroom effect) over each side. Be very careful as the blades are extremely sharp. Continue sharpening until a burr is noticeable over the entire length of both sides of both blades.

    • 5

      Remove the skates from the jig.

    • 6

      Run the burr stone on each side of the blades from front to back to get rid of the burr along the blade. Flip and rotate the stone during use on all sides to account for any imperfections of the stone.

    • 7

      Place the skates back into the jig.

    • 8

      Run the fine side of the stone from the front to the back of each side of both blades. Do this between 10 and 20 strokes on each sides. Check that there are no marks left on the blade.

    • 9

      Remove the skates from the jig. Remove the burr built up using the burr stone.