Magic Stick - Instructions

[Saint George 0]

Greetings. I recently inherited a "Magic Stick" skate sharpening tool. (Like this: http://www.hockeyworld.com/prodHome.ihtml?...287&shop=1)

I don't have any instructions. Anyone out there know how to use one? Is it as simple as just dragging the skate blade through the "v" in the tool? I can't see how that would work, but I can't see any other possibilities. I know folks swear by these things as "tune up" tools when you can't get your skates professionally sharpened, so I am interested to give it a whirl. Thanks.

[Chadd 916]

Tools like that wreck your edges by turning them in, they don't make them any sharper.

[Saint George 0]

Tools like that wreck your edges by turning them in, they don't make them any sharper.

Yeah, that's sort of what I was thinking must be the case, which is why I wanted to ask. Thanks. Strange they have such a passionate following (it seems like every scrimmage I attend someone is extolling the virtues).

[Chadd 916]

Tools like that wreck your edges by turning them in, they don't make them any sharper.

Yeah, that's sort of what I was thinking must be the case, which is why I wanted to ask. Thanks. Strange they have such a passionate following (it seems like every scrimmage I attend someone is extolling the virtues).

Most of the guys that rave about them around here are the cheap guys that will do anything to not have to pay for a sharpening or the guys that would never notice the difference.

[cptjeff 0]

The only thing like that I ever even think of using is the skatemate since it grinds from the inside and matches the radius somewhat. And since I started working at a rink and doing my own skates for free, I haven't used it at all.

Those ones that carve from the outside screw up the edge, and will shorten the life of the blade since you sharpener has to take a good bit more off when you do bring them in. It is good for removing a nick or burr in an emergency, but that's all you should use it for.

[kevintung_2k 0]

It's useful for goalies to get a bit of extra bite on butterfly slides and backside pushes, but it's generally not very noticeable for skaters.

[shoeshine boy 246]

Those ones that carve from the outside screw up the edge, and will shorten the life of the blade since you sharpener has to take a good bit more off when you do bring them in. It is good for removing a nick or burr in an emergency, but that's all you should use it for.

agreed. this is basically the same as the Sweet Stick when it first came out. it has since been redesigned but the basic premise remains the same.

they have a good tutorial on their website on how to use it:

http://www.sweet-stick.com/how-to-use.htm

it's not a bad thing to use one but only in an emergency and then get them sharpened properly right away.

[aarondevera 0]

I find it can help, but only if used properly. I see so many guys absolutely murdering their skates with the thing; pressing really hard, etc. I found that it's pretty effective with a couple SUPER light passes, almost just grazing the blade. Personally, I've felt a difference and it does work well. I should also note that I skate on 90/75 FBV, and while I do get about 9 or 10 skates in before having to fully resharpen, I think using the Sweet Stick every once in a while gives me an extra icetime or two. Just my opinion of the product, although I'm sure many would disagree.

[CheesePlz 0]

I just got my skates sharpened today at a place where they had a blackstone flat bottom. After he finished sharpening he ran the bottom lightly with a sweet stick?? I was pissed. 10 bucks too.

[Jordan 13]

???WTF???? :(

[hehatemefrisbee 0]

I just got my skates sharpened today at a place where they had a blackstone flat bottom. After he finished sharpening he ran the bottom lightly with a sweet stick?? I was pissed. 10 bucks too.

Yeah he just ruined your sharpening. Id ask for my money back or to have them redone, without the sweet stick treatment.

And 10 bucks for a sharpening is pretty high.

[Chadd 916]

I just got my skates sharpened today at a place where they had a blackstone flat bottom. After he finished sharpening he ran the bottom lightly with a sweet stick?? I was pissed. 10 bucks too.

What shop was that?

[mnpucker 33]

I understand the take on how this tool can ruin edges. The argument has been taken on in the past. I can honestly tell you that this tool is something every youth hockey coach should carry in their pocket. Proper use is critical. you can turn the edges too far and that will in turn impact the blades at the next sharpening or even the moment the kid steps on the ice.

I use it when a kid just flat out loses an edge. My first reaction is always to use a traditional stone. However, if that does not do the trick for the skater this tool does temporarily repair the edge. The key is to use as little and equal pressure as possible, no more than 1 or 2 passes in one direction. After this I send the skater out to test, if no change I use a bit more pressure and again 1-2 passes usually the edge is back and the kid can finish the game.

After the game I tell the parents what I did and tell them they have to get them sharpened and to let the LHS know that I used the stick.

You cannot assume that this tool is "Sharpening" the edge, it is turning it up and in emergencies is a good thing.

[hehatemefrisbee 0]

whether it is good or not (in my opinion, its not) this thing is a total rip off of the sweet stick

[CheesePlz 0]

Guelph, Ontario Source for sports. They have regular ($5) and blackstone ($10).

I just got my skates sharpened today at a place where they had a blackstone flat bottom. After he finished sharpening he ran the bottom lightly with a sweet stick?? I was pissed. 10 bucks too.

What shop was that?

[mnpucker 33]

Agree this one is a ripoff.

[Shark#81 0]

I have used the Magic stick a number of times this season and have this to say:

1. Drag it evenly and lightly from toe to heel. Use very light pressure, don't press hard! And try maybe once or twice down the blade otherwise they will grip too much! I think using some water (or spit) with the tool is not a bad idea either.

2. I think it "metallurgically cracks" the edges sort of microscopically roughens the blade and it does increase blade grip for sure. Feels like a bit like a serrated knife. It does not feel like a proper sharpen but does feel sharp. I think is there some glide efficiency lost.

3. Great tool for the bench/room in the event of a flattened off edge or emerg. situation. So yes it does work.

Background:

I did my sons skates ( 6yo he's mites) complained they were too sharp. So I went at mine to see - same thing OMG too sharp. Trainer for the Junior team here also said it makes the blade very sharp. So go easy!!!

So after I did that I hit my blades with some 320 wet sandpaper. Again several swipes down the blade. OMG went the other way too loose (but very smooth) drove out to my buddy with the tricked out Blademaster rig the next day. Takes me 1 hour round trip for a sharpen as I live out in the country. Even with errands it's a pain.

[zebra_steve 11]

Same thing can be accomplished by holding the standard slip stone at an angle instead of flat on the blade. Also, if you have a stone with the radiused edges (or round ones) you can repair the edge\hollow somewhat.