Since getting from A to B on the ice is as important of a thing as you'll do in hockey, having
properly sharpened skates is key to your effectiveness as a player. As you become a more experienced
player and skater, you will begin to be able to tell when your skates have become too dull to skate
on effectively. There is no concrete formula that says how often you should sharpen your skates. One
player may find that they lose the quality they like after three or four times out, others may go
weeks or months. An extreme example is former NHL player Ray Bourque, who sharpened his skates
between every single period!
While sharp in it's own right, a skate blade is not a blade in the traditional blade sense. It is
cut/sharpened in such a way that the bottom makes a very shallow arch shape known as a "hollow." This
hollow allows it to best grip to the ice. A standard hollow is 1/2 inch, others may choose 3/8 inch.
There are two general ways to have your skates sharpened, which one you prefer will depend on how you
play the game.
A deep cut is more condusive to making quick, sharp turns. A shallow cut allows for better gliding
and generally takes less effort to skate on.
Sharpening is typically best done by your local sporting goods store or a qualified sharpener who has
a full skate sharpening machine. It is possible however to sharpen on your own with a home sharpening
kit. It is still recommended to have them sharpened by machine every few sharpenings at the least.
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