Contrary to popular belief, ice skates do not have a sharp, pointed blade. The blade is actually several millimeters wide, though actual width varies by model. To create a sharp skate, the center of the blade must be run through a sharpening machine, which creates a U-shaped groove along the entire length of the blade. This leaves two sharp edges along either edge of the blade. Skaters use a variety of tools to create the perfect edges, ranging from sharpening machines to honing stones.
Sharpening Machine
Skate sharpening machines features a metal track or clamp that holds the blade in place while you work. The track is centered in front of a stone grinding wheel. When users power the machine on, the stone grinding wheel spins rapidly. By manually guiding the track, users can pass the blades length-wise along the spinning wheel. As the wheel passes along the center of the blade, it creates a U-shaped groove, leaving a sharp edge along either side of the blade.
Most machines have a diamond-tipped stylus located at the top of the grinding wheel. By turning the stylus, users can shape the wheel to create the desired radius, or hollow, on the base of the blade. After a period of consistent use, both the wheel and the stylus must be replaced due to wear.
Sweet-Stick
The Sweet-Stick is a handheld sharpening device used for figure, hockey and speed skates. It features a rubber handle topped with a very hard ceramic composite tip. The tip of the stick features a V-shaped groove that's wide enough to accommodate most skate blades. By running the Sweet-Stick along the length of the blade, you can temporarily restore the sharp edges. Rather than creating a U-groove like a standard sharpening machine, this device simply smooths out the edges for a temporary fix between sharpenings. The Sweet-Stick is also useful for deburring the edges of the blade if the skater steps on a hard object. Burs or nicks along the edges can slow skating and interrupt performing, so the Sweet-Stick allows users to quickly repair minor damage.
Honing Stone
A honing stone can be used in conjunction with a sharpening machine or on its own. Traditionally, the stone is used immediately after sharpening. The skate must be removed from the machine and placed so that the blade lies flat and parallel to the edge of a table. The smooth flat edge of the honing stone is ground along the sides of the blade to refine and debur the edges. Different grits of honing stone are available to suit the needs of different types of blades.
Some users may also use the honing stone in between sharpenings to refine edges or remove burs.
Blade Measuring Tools
Many sharpeners use an edge gauge to test the width and radius of a blade before sharpening. The edge gauge features a series of notches of different widths that help measure the width of the blade. By knowing the exact width, users are better able to adjust a sharpening machine and center the blade along the grinding wheel.
The edge gauge may also feature a variety of wheels of various sizes. By placing the wheel into the U-shaped groove along the blade, the sharpener can find the exact radius. Once he knows the radius, he adjusts the grinding wheel to maintain this radius while also creating sharp edges. Most skaters prefer a specific radius based on type of skating and skill level.
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