Sharp blades are key to a solid game, but getting your hockey skates perfectly sharpened isn’t always as simple as it seems.
Sharp skates give you the control to make tight turns, accelerate quickly, and stop on a dime.
Lucky for you, this post will give you all the essential techniques to help you nail it every time.
From choosing the right profile to knowing when it’s time for a touch-up, we’ll go over everything you need to know about sharpening hockey skates.
Know Your Hollow
The hollow of your skate blade is the curved groove running between the edges.
This groove isn’t just for show—it directly impacts how your skates grip the ice.
A deeper hollow gives more grip, which helps you make quick turns and sudden stops. On the flip side, a shallower hollow creates less resistance, allowing for smoother, faster glides.
So, how do you choose the right hollow?
It depends on your weight, skating style, and the ice conditions.
Heavier players might prefer a deeper hollow for added control, while lighter skaters often opt for a shallower one to avoid getting stuck in the ice.
Also Read: Best Off Ice Hockey Training Aids
Beginners typically start with a ½-inch hollow, but as you gain experience, experimenting with different depths can help you find your ideal setup.
If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask your local pro shop for advice.
Most sharpeners are happy to recommend a hollow based on your needs!
Maintaining Proper Angle For A Consistent Edge
After you figure out your hollow, you need to think about the blade angle.
Even edges are a skater’s best friend. Uneven edges can throw off your balance, making skating feel unpredictable and downright frustrating.
Proper sharpening ensures both edges of your blade are at the same angle, which gives you stability and control on the ice.
Most people use a 90-degree angle because it works well for most players. Some players prefer angles between 75 and 85 degrees because it gives them better control.
If you’re just getting started with skate maintenance, you might want to let professionals handle this part, or use a machine that’s set up correctly.
But if you want to try different angles, even small changes can affect how your skates perform.
Sharpening Techniques
Now let’s get into the actual sharpening methods. There are several ways to do it, and each one does something different:
Flat Grinding
Flat grinding is the foundation of any good sharpening job. It smooths out your blade, removing nicks, dents, or uneven wear.
If your skates haven’t been sharpened in a while—or if they’ve taken some abuse from rough ice—this step is crucial.
Flat grinding ensures your blades are ready for more precise sharpening techniques later.
Think of flat grinding as hitting the reset button on your blades. It doesn’t create the hollow but prepares the surface for it.
For skates that have been through the wringer, flat grinding can breathe new life into your edges.
Also Read: Best Way To Lace Hockey Skates
Cross Grinding
Cross grinding is often used to reshape blades or prep new skates for their first sharpening.
This technique removes a significant amount of material, making it perfect for blades that are damaged or uneven. By using a specialized grinding wheel, cross grinding quickly creates a uniform surface, ready for fine-tuning.
This step is especially important if you’ve changed your skating style or need to adjust your blade profile.
While it’s not a step you’ll need every time, cross grinding can make a big difference when your blades need a little extra TLC.
Honing
Honing is the polishing step that gives your blades that final, razor-sharp edge. It removes burrs left behind by grinding and ensures a smoother glide on the ice.
Without honing, your skates might feel sharp but rough, making your stride less fluid.
Using a handheld honing stone, you can gently smooth out imperfections and refine the edge.
This step is quick and easy but makes a noticeable difference!
Edge Profiling
Edge profiling tailors your blade’s shape and height to your skating style.
Forward players might want a more aggressive profile for sharper turns, while defensemen often prefer a flatter profile for added stability.
Profiling can also be customized to balance speed, agility, and power, depending on your role on the ice.
This technique is a game-changer for players who want their skates to match their unique playing style. It’s worth discussing with your sharpener if you’re serious about optimizing your performance.
How Often Should You Sharpen Your Skates?
How often you sharpen your skates depends on:
- How often you play
- Ice conditions
- Personal preferences
A good rule of thumb is every 10-15 hours of ice time.
However, if you notice your edges slipping or have trouble stopping, it’s probably time for a touch-up.
Players in leagues or regular practice sessions might need sharpening weekly, but recreational skaters can get away with less frequent visits.
It’s also smart to inspect your blades after each game or practice.
A quick visual check can help you catch nicks or dull edges before they affect your skating.
Sharpening Considerations For Different Playing Styles
Every player has their own approach to the game, and your sharpening routine should reflect that. Here’s what works for different positions and styles:
For Speed and Agility
If you thrive on quick turns and fast breaks, a deeper hollow—around 3/8 inch—might be your best bet. It provides extra grip for those sharp cuts and explosive accelerations.
You’ll also benefit from regular honing and edge profiling to keep your edges responsive.
Just be mindful that deeper hollows can feel grippier on softer ice, so adjust based on rink conditions.
For Stability and Power
If you focus on stability and strong skating technique, a shallower hollow, like 5/8 or 3/4 inches is a good decision.
This rescues resistances and gives you a smoother glide and helps you stay stable at high speeds, though you won’t turn quite as sharply.
Defensemen and physical players often favor this setup for its reliability.
Goalies
Goalies need a completely different approach. They need stability when pushing off posts but also need grip for quick crease movements.
A flatter hollow, like 1 inch, helps goalies slide laterally across the crease without catching too much edge.
This setup prioritizes smooth, controlled movements over sharp turns.
Also Read: Preventing Ice Skate Rust
Common Sharpening Mistakes
Even the best players can fall victim to sharpening mistakes. Here are some common ones to avoid:
- Over-sharpening wears down the blade faster and can ruin the profile.
- Misaligned edges make skating wobbly and can lead to injuries.
- Forgetting to hone leaves burrs that create rough glides.
- Using old or poorly maintained sharpening tools can do more harm than good.
Bottom Line
Sharp, well-maintained skates help you play your best hockey, but everyone needs something different.
Finding the right sharpening technique and hollow depth makes a big difference. Good edges give you better control, more speed, and improved performance overall.
Keep checking your blades, try different approaches, and pay attention to how your skates perform during the season.
Take care of your blades, and they’ll take care of you!
