sharpening and maintenance of skaters
Sharpening and maintenance of skaters - when to sharpen, types of profiles and hollow radius (ROH), proper cleaning and drying to maintain grip and speed. Sharpening service and recommendations at home.
Clear signs that it's time to sharpen:
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Sideways swipe or "escape" on the first stroke.
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brakes take more distance than usual.
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The edges of the blade feel "round" on gentle contact with the nail.
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White puddles or slight rust on the inner tongue after a workout.
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Average time between sharpeners per use:
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Beginners and leisure workouts 15 to 20 hours of ice.
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Regular players and trainees 8 to 15 hours.
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Soft or hot ice often requires more frequent grinding.
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Tip: In hockey, it's best to keep a short record of surf hours to identify the individual pace. In figure skating, make sure the two blades are uniform to maintain symmetry at the edge.
When to sharpen
The hollow radius is the arch between the two ends. A smaller number gives a deep hollow and a strong "bite" in the ice but less slippery. A larger number gives a shallow hollow with faster gliding but less grip.
Important Notes:
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ROH selection is influenced by weight, surf style, ice hardness, and personal preference.
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In figure skating, you make sure to sharpen Hollow uniformly and usually conservatively to maintain stability in jumps and spins.
types of sharpening and hollow radius (ROH)
The profile describes the longitudinal radius of the blade and affects control, stability, and speed.
hockey
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common radius: 9' to 13'.
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Shorter (9' to 10') provides sharp but less stable acumen and corners quickly.
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longer (11' to 13') increases stability and straight-line but less agile gliding.
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Combined profiles are common for players who want agility in the front and stability in the heel.
artistic straightening
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The profile is mostly determined by the manufacturer and includes Toe Pick teeth.
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You don't usually change your profile unless you're an advanced skater with a unique requirement.
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It is important to maintain consistency between the pair of blades to avoid unwanted pulls in spins and jumps.
Profile adjustment is recommended only by an experienced technician. Changing the profile without proper tools and knowledge may permanently damage the blade.
Blade Profile (Profile, Rocker, Contour)
Daily maintenance prolongs life and improves performance:
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Wipe immediately with a dry microfiber towel including the bottom of the blade and sides.
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Removal of dirt and ice scraping from the edges of the holders and screws.
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Use of Soakers for transportation and storage.
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Use rigid blade guards only for walking outside ice. Don't store with them because they trap moisture.
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Opening the laces and removing the insoles for ventilation.
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Dry bag and equipment in a ventilated environment. Do not attach to a direct heat source.
Clean and dry properly after each workout
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Check screws and rivets every few weeks and tighten if necessary. Any noise or unusual movement in the Holder requires professional inspection.
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Rust prevention: Wipe the tip of the blade until completely dry. Apply another dry fabric after 5 minutes to collect any remaining moisture.
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Replace worn laces and make sure to tie consistently to maintain ankle support.
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Track symmetry between the two blades in artistic straightening and check the undamaged Toe Pick teeth.
periodic maintenance
Can you sharpen on your own at home
Not recommended. Quality sharpening requires a precise machine, a dedicated jig and a professional hand. A small mistake changes ROH or profile and degrades performance.
How long does it take to sharpen disappears the feeling of the "knife"
Usually a workout or two until the leg gets used to it. If the sensation is extreme or there are side pulls, go back to the technician.
Do you switch ROH between summer and winter
Allow. In the summer, the ice is often softer, so many move to a slightly deeper hollow for a similar grip.
FAQ
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Deep dry wiping.
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Soakers for storage, plastic guards for walking only.
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Ventilation of shoes and insoles.
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Gently test the tip of the blade with the nail.
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logging browsing hours to determine sharpening frequency.