There’s a lot that goes into picking out a new pair of hockey skates. You have to find the right size, make sure they fit well and choose the right type of skate for your skating style.
But one question that often comes up is, do new hockey skates come sharpened, and whether or not you can use them straight out of the box? Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Answer: Do Hockey Skates Come Pre Sharpened?
The quick answer is no, hockey skates do not come pre-sharpened when you buy them new.
Even the best pair of hockey skates will need to be sharpened before you can let them rip out on the ice.
However, most hockey skate manufacturers will put a hollow or contour on the blade before they sell the skate. This is so the buyer can get a feel for how the skate will perform once it is sharpened.
It is always recommended that you have your hockey skates professionally sharpened by someone who knows what they are doing.
A bad sharpening job can ruin a perfectly good pair of hockey skates and make them uncomfortable or even dangerous to use.
Why You Need to Sharpen Your Hockey Skates
The blades on hockey skates are made of very hard steel that can dull quickly with use.
Sharpening the blades is important for two main reasons. First, it keeps the skate performing at its best. You’ll have better control on the ice, more speed and be able to turn quicker.
Second, it helps to prevent injuries. A dull skate blade can cause you to slip and fall on the ice, which can lead to serious injuries.
A sharp blade, on the other hand, will help you to glide smoothly and safely across the ice.
How to Check the Sharpness of Hockey Skates
There are a few different ways that you can check the sharpness of your hockey skates. One way is to look at the bottom of the blade. If you can see nicks or burrs, then it’s time for a sharpening.
Another way to tell if your skates need to be sharpened is by feel. If the skate doesn’t glide smoothly across the ice, or if it feels like you’re catching on something when you skate, then it’s probably time for a sharpening.
You can also run your thumbnail along the bottom of the blade. If it catches or feels dull, then it’s time to get your skates sharpened. You should also see
If you’re not sure whether or not your skates need to be sharpened, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get them sharpened. You can always ask a professional at your local rink if you’re unsure.
How to Get Your Skates Sharpened?
The best way to get your hockey skates sharpened is by taking them to a professional.
Most skating rinks have someone on staff who can sharpen skates, or you can take them to a dedicated hockey shop.
If you’re sharpening your own skates, be very careful! It’s easy to damage the blades if you’re not careful.
If you’re a new hockey player, we’d recommend that you don’t try sharpening your own skates. Here’s why:
- It’s difficult to get the right angle
- You could end up with uneven edges
- It’s easy to damage your blades
- It’s time-consuming
- The equipment is expensive
- You could injure yourself
Why risk DIY sharpening when you can leave it to the professionals? After all, they know how to get the perfect angle and avoid damaging your blades. Plus, it’s just not worth the risk of injuring yourself.
Related: How To Sharpen Hockey Skates
How Often Should You Sharpen Your Hockey Skates?
The frequency with which you need to sharpen your hockey skates will depend on how often you use them and what type of skating you do.
For hockey players, it’s important to get your skates sharpened by a professional when you first get them and then about every 10-12 hours of use after that.
Skates dull quickly and can become a safety hazard if they’re not kept sharp. If you’re serious about your hockey game, then you can get them sharpened more regularly for better results.
Related: How Often Do Hockey Skates Need Sharpening?
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Skates Professionally Sharpened?
The average price for skate sharpening is about $10. However, the price can range anywhere from $5 to $20, depending on where you are.
Skate sharpening is typically done by a professional at a sporting goods store or a skating rink. Ask around if you’re unsure, and you’ll find someone able to do it for you.
Conclusion
Overall, we would recommend getting your skate blades sharpened by a professional if you’re not confident in doing it yourself. Especially when they’re brand new.
It’s important to get the right size and shape of blade for your skating ability and surface type, and a professional will be able to do this for you.
Sharpening your own blades at home is possible, but it’s easy to damage or over sharpen them if you’re not experienced in doing so.
Sure thing! To start, the information you provided about hockey skates and their maintenance is on point. Let's dive into each concept addressed in the article:
Hockey Skates and Sharpening:
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New Skates Not Pre-Sharpened: Correct. When you purchase new hockey skates, they typically don't come pre-sharpened. Manufacturers usually put a hollow or contour on the blade, but they still need proper sharpening before use.
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Importance of Sharpening: Absolutely crucial. Blades made of hard steel dull with use, affecting performance and safety. Regular sharpening ensures better control, speed, and prevents injuries caused by slipping.
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Checking Skate Sharpness: Various methods like examining the bottom for nicks, feeling for smooth gliding, or using your thumbnail to detect dullness are spot-on ways to determine if skates need sharpening.
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Getting Skates Sharpened: Advising to seek professional sharpening is wise. Most rinks have staff who can sharpen skates, and dedicated hockey shops offer this service. DIY sharpening can be risky due to potential damage and incorrect angles.
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Frequency of Sharpening: Recommending sharpening when skates are new and then every 10-12 hours of use is accurate. Frequency might vary based on usage and the player's dedication to the game.
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Cost of Professional Sharpening: The cost range of $5 to $20 for sharpening services is consistent with the market. It generally depends on the location and the quality of service offered.
Advice on Skate Maintenance:
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Caution Against DIY Sharpening: Emphasizing the risks of DIY sharpening due to potential damage, incorrect angles, and safety hazards aligns with best practices.
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Professional Expertise: Stressing the advantages of professional sharpening due to their precision and knowledge reinforces the importance of expert handling.
Additional Information:
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Skating Style and Blade Type: Matching the blade to the skating style and surface type is essential for performance and safety.
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Skate Size and Fit: Although not explicitly mentioned in the excerpt, ensuring the right size and fit of skates is also crucial for comfort, control, and injury prevention.
This comprehensive overview covers the key aspects related to hockey skates and their maintenance, offering valuable guidance to both new and experienced players.
