NEW TO SKATE SHARPENING? LET'S GET STARTED!
Start with the basics. Learn what skate sharpening is, how a skate sharpening machine works, the equipment used in the sharpening process, and the basic concepts behind skate blades, profiles and hollows.
What is skate sharpening?
Skate sharpening is the process of using a skate sharpening machine and grinding wheel to shape the bottom of an ice skate blade. Skate sharpening is also called adding a hollow (or radius of a hollow or ROH). Detailed information about radius of hollow can be found here.
The grinding wheel creates a hollow between the blade’s two edges, helping the skate grip and move across the ice.
A grinding wheel is also used to create a skate profile (this is called profiling). Skate Profiling is the shape lengthwise on the skate blade, helping with speed, glide, agility, transitions and balance. More information about profiling can be found here.
Skate Hollow
Profiling
Why do ice skates need to be sharpened?
- Sharpening improves performance.
- Provides better balance for skaters.
- Provides effective stopping, play making and direction changing.
- Assists with energy conservation and efficiency.
How often should you sharpen?
There is no single sharpening schedule that works for every skater. How often skates need sharpening depends on factors such as ice time, skating style, blade condition, ice conditions and personal preference. Regularly checking the edges for damage, dullness or changes in how the skates feel on the ice can help determine when it's time to sharpen.
What is a Skate Sharpening Machine?
A skate sharpening machine is equipment used to sharpen ice skate blades by removing a controlled amount of steel from the bottom of the blade. A grinding wheel creates the desired hollow and restores the blade’s edges for consistent contact with the ice.
Blademaster manufactures different types of skate sharpening machines for different users and workloads. Blademaster also sells grinding wheels and other accessories for skate sharpening and skate care.
What are the Steps of Skate Sharpening?
Skate sharpening is a precise process. Each step plays an important role in creating consistent hollows and sharp, even edges.
The steps: Choose Hollow → Dress Grinding Wheel → Secure Skate in Holder → Sharpen Blade → Hone → Check Edges
Below is a brief overview of the basic steps.
Please note: skate profiling follows a different set of steps.
What Equipment Is Needed to Sharpen Skates?
FAQs
Not necessarily. Hockey, goalie and figure skates have different blade and boot designs, and some may require specific holders, accessories or sharpening equipment. Always confirm that your machine and holder are suitable for the type of skate being sharpened.
Yes. While both involve creating and maintaining edges, figure skate blades have features such as toe picks and different blade geometry that require specific sharpening techniques and equipment.
No. Sharpening creates and maintains the hollow and edges on the bottom of the blade. Profiling changes the shape of the blade from heel to toe. A skate can therefore need sharpening without needing to be reprofiled.
New skate blades should be inspected before use and typically require sharpening to establish the desired hollow and finished edges. The appropriate setup depends on the blade and the skater's requirements.
They can. Hollow preference and other sharpening considerations can vary based on the skater, type of skate, skating style, ice conditions and personal preference. There isn't one sharpening setup that's right for everyone.