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5/5/08 How to tell when your skates need to be sharpened?

Are you slipping around more than usual? Do you feel like your skates are not digging into the ice enough? Read our article on skate sharpening...

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3/29/08 Coolsports launches a new web site.

We want to keep our customers constantly updated, so we have redesigned our site with YOU in mind. Please read our: Note from the President.

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3/29/08 We now Offer a Stick Care Package!

After the success of our Skate Package, we have introduced the CoolCare Stick Package.
Think of it as an extended warranty for your composite stick. For the details...

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3/27/08 Time to Buy New Skates?

How do you know when it's time to to buy skates? Have you been properly sized. Let Coolsports help you. Read the article...

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3/27/08 Will a Custom Radius Really Help your Skating?

The answer is...it probably will. To read our article on Custom Skate Radius...

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Do my Skates Need to be Sharpened and at what Hollow?

If you are slipping around on the ice, (more than usual) it may be time to have your skates sharpened. But before you bring your skates to the experts at Coolsports, here are a few things you can do to determine if you need to get them sharpened:

First of all, how long has it been since your last skate sharpening? Generally, skate edges will start to show wear after about 5 hours of use, but most folks will skate 10-15 hours before getting their skates sharpened. Please remember, this is a general rule, and that some skaters get their skates sharpened after each use, while others have their skates sharpened once a year.

You may also want to visually inspect both edges (remember there are two; inside and outside) of each skate blade. Do you see any nicks, gashes, or shinny spots on the blade edge? You may also want to lightly (and cautiously) run your index finger down the middle of the skate edges to feel for any collapsed or “rolled” edges. Any damaged edge along the skating area of the blade could cause some substantial slipping and sliding and may ultimately result in injuries.

SIDE NOTE: Please do not rely on the “finger nail” trick. This is when you scrape a finger nail perpendicular to the skate blade in order to shave off some of your finger nail. In theory, this trick will work if you place your finger nail at a straight angle to the apex of the edge being tested, but because of the error that exists in finding a straight angle; this trick is not very accurate. In fact, you can shave your finger nail off of a dull blade. So, that being said use your best judgment to determine if your blades are sharp.

So what about hollow? This will depend on the type of skates you have, your weight and skating ability. Generally, hockey skates are sharpened at ½ inch radius, which will give you enough “bite” for strong push-offs, strides and stops. If you want more “glide”, you may want to use a more shallow radius, like a 5/8 radius or less. On the other hand, if you wish to get maximum bite or if you are a lighter skater, you may want to use a deeper hollow, like a 3/8 radius.

Figure skaters and Goalies, generally prefer a more shallow radius of hollow or R.O.H. The blades on these types of skates are little wider than blades on hockey skates and will “cut” into the ice with more ease because of the added blade width.

If you are still unsure about your skate edges, or require more explanation, our staff at Coolsports is always here to answer your questions. Stop by the store, pick up the phone or email us any questions you may have about skate sharpening.

Happy Skating!