When to sharpen my skates

[bmess6 2]

Pretty simple question ive been skating about 2-3 times a week so how often should i get my skates sharpened?

[Kessel'sOversizedSuit 18]

Its purely personal preference really. I don't think there's a magic number. For me I find that after four skates there are enough nics and gouges to require a fresh sharpening. I used fbv, 90\75 and they still seem sharp enough, but I like a clean edge.YMMV

[Tyler Roy 86]

When is based off your preference just like what was said above this post. I always liked mine more when they were a little worn in but everybody is different. Don't leave your skates in your bag and wipe them down after you skate to avoid any rust, outside of that is based on your preferences.

[Chadd 916]

When is based off your preference just like what was said above this post. I always liked mine more when they were a little worn in but everybody is different. Don't leave your skates in your bag and wipe them down after you skate to avoid any rust, outside of that is based on your preferences.

Then you should probably be using a more shallow hollow

[Tyler Roy 86]

I have tried the 3/4 and 5/8. Still prefer the slightly used 5/8th over a fresh 3/4.

[wrangler 157]

I agree that personal preference should rule. Additionally, expect it to vary based on ice, nicks that you pick up from various contact, and time of use. Your 2-3 times a week doesn't really mention ice time, and that can vary, too.

[chippa13 1844]

Hollow is preference, sharp edges are necessary.

[jimmy 194]

I have tried the 3/4 and 5/8. Still prefer the slightly used 5/8th over a fresh 3/4.

11/16? Bingo!

[boo10 323]

I think people that sharpen every 3 or 4 hours of ice time are just getting a placebo effect. The longest I ever went between sharpenings was a full season, which was about 25 games. Had a few nicks in the blades, but none were big enough to cause a problem. Point is, sharpen when you think you need it because everyone is different.

[beerleaguecaptain 999]

I think people that sharpen every 3 or 4 hours of ice time are just getting a placebo effect. The longest I ever went between sharpenings was a full season, which was about 25 games. Had a few nicks in the blades, but none were big enough to cause a problem. Point is, sharpen when you think you need it because everyone is different.

Mark Messier used to sharpen in between periods. Its not a placebo - its real. Whether some likes it sharper or not is another issue. Oh, and its not all about nicks. Its burrs and dulling too.

[bunnyman666 445]

I sharpen once every week and a half, which ends up being 6 hours of ice time. I get a shallow hollow 5/8", and the bite is fleeting. I get new "bite" before it gets dull...

[Chadd 916]

I think people that sharpen every 3 or 4 hours of ice time are just getting a placebo effect. The longest I ever went between sharpenings was a full season, which was about 25 games. Had a few nicks in the blades, but none were big enough to cause a problem. Point is, sharpen when you think you need it because everyone is different.

I don't want to feel a difference from one ice time to the next. I want my edges exactly the same every time I step on the ice, so I can have full trust in them and not have to think about them at all.

[GiffhipcheckNH 5]

You develop a feel over time, but just because you only got your skates sharpened "x" sessions ago doesn't mean that they might not need to be sharpened again because something happened. You will get a feel for how long your typical comfort level with your edges lasts and can figure out the right schedule, but that should be a guideline and not a rule. Once you determine the correct hollow for yourself, then you can figure out how long you can normally skate on it between sharpenings.

[ryanmonty 35]

I don't want to feel a difference from one ice time to the next. I want my edges exactly the same every time I step on the ice, so I can have full trust in them and not have to think about them at all.

Couldn't agree more.

[boo10 323]

I don't want to feel a difference from one ice time to the next. I want my edges exactly the same every time I step on the ice, so I can have full trust in them and not have to think about them at all.

If that is what works for you, then that is what you should do. I know that you are a Sharpener and may be more in tune to fine changes in your blades. My point was only that each person is different and there is no "correct" time to sharpen your skates.

Having said that, I would bet that if after one or two hours on the ice, most people "believed" their skates had been sharpened for the next session, when in fact they had not, they would not likely be able to tell. I'm not stating this as fact, just my personal opinion, but my views are based on 38 years of playing hockey.

[Beflar 53]

First thing I look at is the edges, as long as I don't get a burr on the edge greater then 1.5 mm. So might last one skate or twenty plus and beyond.

[Chadd 916]

If that is what works for you, then that is what you should do. I know that you are a Sharpener and may be more in tune to fine changes in your blades. My point was only that each person is different and there is no "correct" time to sharpen your skates.

Having said that, I would bet that if after one or two hours on the ice, most people "believed" their skates had been sharpened for the next session, when in fact they had not, they would not likely be able to tell. I'm not stating this as fact, just my personal opinion, but my views are based on 38 years of playing hockey.

I rarely change anything with my skates. I do agree that everyone needs to find their own timing, but I do think that it should be before you notice or feel a change. There are plenty of other things on the ice to worry about, your edges shouldn't be on the list. It's one of the few potential problems that you can eliminate before you step on the ice.

[ktang 34]

I drag my thumbnail across (not along) the edges (all 4) of the blades, and when they don't shave enough off the thumbnail I know it's time for a sharpening.

You use this check this until you go one ice time too many (too dull), then you know your sharpening point.

[IPv6Freely 2096]

I send mine for sharpening after every other game (so 2 games on each sharpening). Having two sets of steel and doing it mail order (and using USPS envelopes and just having the package picked up at my front door) makes it all extremely easy.

I probably don't need them done that often, but I want to have 100% confidence in my edges every time I step on the ice.