Ice skate blades have an edge that is slightly hollowed out rather than sharpened to a point like a knife. The radius that is recessed into the blade metal allows the skater to grip the ice with the skate as the two pointed outer edges of the radius cut down into the ice. With regular use, the sharp edges of the hollow can become dull and the skate will have to be sharpened. New skate blades also need to be sharpened after purchase.
Step 1
Calculate what radius of hollow is best suited for the blade. A smaller radius on the grinder cuts deeper into the skate, which is best for light skaters. Heavier skaters need a larger radius because their weight pushes them down into the ice more. Radii on the grinding wheel range from 1/4-inch for a skater around 55 lbs. to 7/8-inch for a skater who weighs 185 lbs. or more.
Step 2
Set the diamond wheel dresser to the desired radius. Slide the diamond wheel dresser into position close to the grinding wheel. Turn on the grinding wheel and slowly lift the diamond cutting tool over the edge of the wheel until the radius is cut into it.
Step 3
Insert the skate blade into the opening of the blade holder with the heel on the left. Slide the heel of the blade against the anvil plate. Set the holding bracket onto the upward facing side of the blade and tighten the adjusting screw in place.
Step 4
Draw a black mark along the edge of the blade you will be sharpening. Touch the blade lightly against the hollow grinding wheel to see where it hits the blade. If the marks created are not perfectly centered on the blade, adjust the skate in the skate holder until they are.
Step 5
Grind the skate blade against the vertical grinding wheel to remove the old hollow edge on the skate. Pull the skate from left to right over the grinding wheel at an even pace and depth.
Step 6
Place another mark on the front and back of the blade with the hollow grinding wheel to ensure that the blade is still centered. Lightly grind a line all the way down the blade and check the centering once more. Make adjustments to the holder if necessary.
Step 7
Grind the skate blade three or four times against the wheel. Apply light pressure to the blade as you push it against the grinding wheel and allow the wheel to pull the blade through at an even pace and depth.
Step 8
Apply a thin coat of finishing compound to the blade hollow after you have finished making the rough cut. Pull the blade lightly across the grinding wheel one more time to finish sharpening it. Rub a deburring stone along the sides of the blade to remove any hanging shards of steel.
Tips and Warnings
- Hockey goalies need a larger radius on their skates.
- Do not round the heel or toe of the blade when sharpening.
Things You'll Need
- Diamond wheel dresser
- Skate holder
- Black marker
- Skate grinder
- Finishing compound
- Deburring stone
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