Skate Sharpening

Skate sharpening is a question of personal choice. How frequently you sharpen your blades depends upon a number of factors, including whether your skates are used frequently or rarely, and whether they are hockey or figure skates. Some NHL players encourage hockey skate sharpening more frequently. They sharpen their blades between each period. Other players, however, may use a hockey skate sharpener only once or twice a season. Goaltenders, for example, prefer duller skates.

Hockey skate sharpeners are available in different forms. You can use a portable hockey skates’ blade sharpener or pay to use a professional hockey skate sharpening machine. Some skaters prefer to use an expert, believing it to be a special skill. Others think any individual can use a figure or hockey skates’ sharpener to hone their blades. They perceive a handheld hockey skate sharpener is a viable alternative to the machine.

Both types of skate sharpener have their advantages. A professional machine, including a bench grinder, can save you time and money if you know how to operate it correctly. It is not, however, portable. A manual or handheld sharpener is the opposite. You can carry it with you in your tote or equipment bag, but it may lack the finesse of a professional machine.

Whatever your choice, and it is probably a good idea to combine both approaches, be sure to select a device made for skate sharpening. Buy a hand held sharpener that holds your skate precisely. Check the reputation of any machine you decide to purchase. Can it grind the hollow exactly in the middle of each blade making both edges the exact same height?

Consider, also, your specific requirements. Defensemen need very sharp edges to make quick turns. A beginner needs a shallow cut to help them stop better. Resolve this issue of type and preference before you consider the practical: how to sharpen hockey skates.

How To Sharpen Ice Hockey Skates

Sharpening skates is not difficult or time consuming. Sharpen each blade according to the instructions. A commonality to all types of skates is the following procedure:

• Tuck in the laces of the skates.
  
• Hold the skate in an upright position
  
• Slip the blade carefully into the tool.
  
• In a manual sharpener, run the blade up and down. If the tool is a machine, it will automatically clamp and slide the blade. You simply hold the skate in an upright position.
  
• Avoid detempering. This occurs when you hold a blade for too long a period against the abrasive wheel.
  
• Make sure you center the blade in the sharpener. If it is not, the hollows will be off-centered.
  
• Once the process is completed, clean he blade off.
  

If you want to be sure you have sharpened your blades correctly, try this simple test. Upend your blades. Place a large coin on the bottom of the blade. If the coin falls off or rests at an angle, the edges are not level. If it sits flat, you have sharpened your skates correctly.