May 2, 2019
As you advance your skating abilities, you’ll realize that the sharpness of your skates plays a role in how well you perform. A sharp blade can increase the amount of control you have while turning or stopping, and sharpening your blades correctly can lengthen the life of your skates. Hockey and figure skate sharpening is simply a part of being a skater, and this guide will help you better understand how to sharpen ice skates effectively.
The Importance of Sharpening
Sharpen your skates once, and you’ll quickly realize a difference between dull and sharp blades. The following are a few of the reasons why you should sharpen your skates regularly:
- Better grip: Sharper blades grip the ice better than dull ones. This means a sharp blade can help you stick figure skate landings and make sharper turns.
- Consistent performance: Regularly sharpening your skates allows you to find the sharpness that helps you perform best. Waiting too long, then sharpening your skates can create a dramatic change in the way your skates feel.
- Safer stops: A sharp blade allows you to stop more abruptly, keeping you safe from collisions and other obstacles on the ice.
How to Sharpen Skates
Many skaters opt to have their ice skates sharpened for them. However, if you want to know how to sharpen ice skates at home, these tips will help you understand the basics and stay safe while doing so.
- First, you must place the skates in the sharpening jig. It’s important to place both skates in the same position whenever you sharpen, so you perform the same cut each time. Tighten the blade brackets until the skates are securely in place and parallel to each other.
- Sit with the sharpening jig between your legs.
- Use a flat file to file the blade from toe to heel in a diagonal motion. Be sure the file is always perpendicular to the blade.
- Slide the flat file across a single blade in the same direction roughly 20 times, then perform the same motion in the opposite direction.
- Repeat the process for the other skate.
- Customize your skate blade to suit your skating needs. Grinding a radius into your skate blade can make your edges more or less pronounced, allowing you to hold tighter turns, skate faster or stop more abruptly. Novice skaters typically start with a larger radius, while professionals tend to prefer a smaller radius for tighter turns and solid landings.
- Use your burr stone to clear any metal filings from the blade and wipe the blades with a towel.
Learning how to sharpen figure skates can be difficult, and it’s always recommended to enlist the help of a professional shop during your first attempts.
Avoid These Mistakes When Sharpening Your Skates
When learning how to sharpen hockey skates or figure skates, numerous mistakes are often made. While these errors may not ruin your entire skating experience, they can shorten the life span of your skate and cause safety concerns:
- Sharpening rarely: Sharpening your blades needs to be a regular occurrence. The more often you skate, the more often you’ll need to sharpen your blades. Record how many hours you skate between sharpening sessions, so you’re not caught with dull blades the day of a game or competition.
- Sharpening too often: It’s just as easy to sharpen too often as it is to forget to sharpen when needed. Sharpening at unnecessary times can cause unneeded wear and tear on your blade.
- Sharpening too quickly: You’re probably eager to get on the ice, but sharpening too fast and too hard can create rough spots, burrs and chatter, which can lead to poor performance or injury.
Choose American Athletic Shoe Co.
Whether you’re a novice or expert, figure skater or hockey player, American Athletic Shoe Co. is the No. 1 place to find skates for every use, age, size and ability level. Browse our entire selection of skates — from rentals to professional figures skates and more — right here at our online store. Shop now and enjoy free shipping on orders of $30 or more.
Michael Opalinski
I am a seasoned ice skating enthusiast and equipment expert with years of hands-on experience in the world of ice sports. Having honed my skills on the rink and delving deep into the nuances of ice skate maintenance, I can confidently guide you through the art and science of skate sharpening.
In the article from May 2, 2019, the author emphasizes the critical role that sharp skates play in enhancing skating performance. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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The Importance of Sharpening:
- Better Grip: Sharp blades provide superior traction on the ice, facilitating precise figure skate landings and sharper turns.
- Consistent Performance: Regular sharpening helps skaters find the optimal sharpness for their performance, avoiding drastic changes in feel.
- Safer Stops: A sharp blade enables quicker stops, enhancing safety by preventing collisions and obstacles on the ice.
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How to Sharpen Skates:
- Use of a Sharpening Jig: Skates are placed in a sharpening jig, ensuring consistent sharpening by maintaining the same position for each cut.
- File Technique: A flat file is used to file the blade from toe to heel in a diagonal motion. This process is repeated in both directions approximately 20 times for each blade.
- Customization: Skaters can customize their blade edges by grinding a radius into the blade, affecting the tightness of turns, speed, and stopping ability.
- Burr Stone: After filing, a burr stone is used to clear metal filings from the blade, followed by wiping the blades with a towel for cleanliness.
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Avoid These Mistakes When Sharpening:
- Sharpening Frequency: Regular sharpening is emphasized, with skaters advised to record hours between sessions to prevent skating with dull blades.
- Avoid Sharpening Too Often: Over-sharpening can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on the blades.
- Careful Sharpening Technique: Rushing the sharpening process can result in rough spots, burrs, and chatter, affecting performance and safety.
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Choosing the Right Equipment:
- The article recommends American Athletic Shoe Co. as the go-to source for skates, catering to skaters of all levels and disciplines. The company offers a diverse selection, including rentals and professional figure skates.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the importance of skate sharpening, a step-by-step guide for at-home sharpening, and crucial tips to avoid common mistakes. The emphasis on equipment quality is evident, with American Athletic Shoe Co. being recommended as a trusted supplier for skates.
