When should you change a skate blade?

[indaslot 0]

Sorry if this has already been addressed. Could not find it in a search.At what point should you change a skate blade short of "skating on plastic"? I once read that when it reached 1/4 in., that it should be changed, but maybe I dreamed it? Any optimal time according to the resident skate experts? Thanks in advance.

[plaxcky1331 0]

when it won't fit in the holder to sharpen

[Cue 0]

And that is approximately how much for the rest of us who don't sharpen skates?

[DCott 0]

when you start to catch plastic when you make a turn

[indaslot 0]

when you start to catch plastic when you make a turn

But I would like to change them BEFORE I catch plastic.It would not be a good thing to catch plastic in a game.So,approximatly how much blade would you say to have a safety margin? 1/4 in or so?

[DCott 0]

of course, but if you don't know what to watch for, and that indeed happens, it's time for new blades.

[Monty22 833]

Ask your sharpener when it starts getting a bit short.

[oggy_3 0]

i find a way to tell for me if the steel is to short is if i put my pressure on my heel and the toe of my skate is tilted in the air and if i slid on plastic it is to short if there is steel there its good.

[indaslot 0]

Ok thanks guys. I usually ask my sharpener but maybe I'm too paranoid and want a NUMBER, lol.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

Ok thanks guys. I usually ask my sharpener but maybe I'm too paranoid and want a NUMBER, lol.

I'm pretty sure if you have a competent sharpener, he'll point out to you if your steel is withering away.

[Hockeydog 8]

So this measurement depends on the holder? Can't some one give the poor guy a number LOL