Ultimate Guide to Skate Sharpening

Having properly sharpened skates is crucial for any hockey player, impacting everything from performance and speed to safety on the ice. Sharp edges provide the necessary grip for effective strides, starts, stops, and turns.

Why Sharp Skates Matter

• Reduced acceleration, top-end speed, and agility
• Poor edge grip when pushing laterally or stopping
• Increased fatigue from working harder to get edges to bite
• Loss of control and stability when turning or changing directions
• Higher risk of falls or injuries from lack of traction

Dull skates can make skating feel like sliding on marbles. It's essential to keep your skates sharp for optimal performance.

Understanding Hollow Depths

The hollow depth, or radius of hollow (ROH), is the inward curve across the blade's bottom edge, crucial for effective ice grip. The ideal hollow depth varies based on player preference and conditions, impacting the skate's performance significantly.

Common Hollow Depths

• 1/2" (13mm) Hollow: Deep cut, maximum grip, ideal for lighter players.
• 5/8" (16mm) Hollow: Balanced cut, good for most players.
• 3/4" (19mm) Hollow: Shallow, better glide, suits heavier players.
• 7/8" (22mm) Hollow: Very shallow, maximizes glide, best for large players.

How Often to Sharpen

• Every 10-15 hours of use for recreational players
• Every 6-10 hours for competitive players
• After any game or practice with particularly poor ice conditions

The frequency of sharpening can vary based on a player's size, skating style, and feel preference. It's best to sharpen at the first sign of dull edges.

Sharpening Methods

• Manual Sharpening - Using a stone or file with a skate holder jig allows for custom hollows and edge bevels.
• Machine Sharpening - Automated sharpeners use grinding wheels to remove steel and create the desired hollow shape.

Both methods aim to create the ideal hollow depth for a player's size, style, and ice conditions. The choice often comes down to convenience versus customization.

Blade Profiling and Contouring

Blade profiling shapes the skate blade's lengthwise curve and affects how the blade contacts the ice. The right profile ensures optimal acceleration, speed, and stability.

Importance of Proper Blade Profile

• Maximizes skating efficiency and power transfer.
• Enhances agility and stability based on skating style.
• Requires checking and adjusting at the start of each season.

Deburring and Edge Inspection

After sharpening, it's crucial to deburr and inspect the blades to ensure smooth, consistent edges for the best performance.

A burr is a small, raised edge or ridge of material that forms on the blade of a skate during the sharpening process. It is created when the sharpening stone or grinding wheel removes material from the blade to create a sharp edge. 

During sharpening, the abrasive action of the sharpening tool (like a grinding wheel) removes metal from the blade. This removal of material pushes some metal to the edge, forming a burr. Burrs are typically very fine, almost like a wire edge, and can be felt with a finger. They are often jagged and can be either soft or hard depending on the sharpening process. Burrs form on the edges of the blade, on both sides, where the sharpening tool has made contact.

Deburring your skates after sharpening is crucial for several reasons:

1. Smooth Glide: Burrs can cause your skates to catch or drag on the ice, affecting your glide and overall skating performance. Removing burrs ensures a smooth and consistent glide.
2. Improved Control: Burrs can make your edges feel inconsistent, leading to unpredictable behavior when turning or stopping. Deburring ensures your edges are even and sharp, providing better control and precision.
3. Reduced Risk of Injury: Burrs can cause unexpected catches on the ice, which can lead to falls and injuries. By deburring, you reduce the risk of such incidents, enhancing your safety on the ice.
4. Prolonged Edge Life: Burrs can cause premature wear on the edges of your skates. Regularly deburring helps maintain the integrity of the edges, prolonging the time between necessary sharpenings.
5. Enhanced Performance: Skaters rely on sharp, clean edges for optimal performance. Deburring ensures that your edges are at their best, providing the grip and maneuverability needed for high-level skating.
6. Consistency: Regular deburring ensures that every time you step on the ice, you can expect the same performance from your skates, leading to better consistency in your skating.

By incorporating deburring into your skate maintenance routine, you ensure that your skates perform optimally, providing you with the best possible skating experience.

Deburring Techniques

• Deburring Stone/Pad: Remove burrs by gently running along each edge.
• Edge Inspection: Check edges for evenness and consistency; re-sharpen if necessary.

Skate Maintenance and Care

Proper drying, storage, and occasional honing between full sharpenings prolong the life and performance of skates.

• Always dry and store skates properly to prevent mold and material breakdown.
• Use a honing stone to maintain edges between professional sharpenings.