Hockey skaters know that a sharp blade is important for getting the most out of their skating. A dull blade can make it difficult to move quickly and smoothly across the ice.
But just how sharp are hockey skates? They are called “blades,” after all.
Well, in this post, we will examine just how sharp hockey skates are and what goes into keeping them that way.
Hockey Skate vs Knife: Which is Sharper?
So, if you were to compare the sharpness of a hockey skate to a knife, which would be sharper?
In general, a knife is going to be sharper than a hockey skate. This is because knives are designed to be sharp, while hockey skates are not.
Hockey skates need to be sharp enough to cut through the ice, but not so sharp that they pose a danger to the skater or anyone else on the ice.
Why Should Hockey Skates be Sharp?
Now that we know that hockey skates are not as sharp as knives, you might be wondering why they need to be sharp at all.
The simple answer is that a sharp skate will help the skater move more quickly and smoothly across the ice. A dull skate can cause the skater to slow down or even stumble.
How Sharp Should Hockey Skates Be?
Skaters rely on the sharpness of their blades to give them the speed and maneuverability they need to be successful on the ice. With that in mind, it’s important to keep your skates sharpened to ensure you’re getting the most out of your blades.
But, a question you’re probably thinking is how sharp should they be then? Well, that depends on a few things.
If you’re a beginner, then you probably don’t want your skates to be too sharp. Sharp skates grip the ice more than dull skates, so you might find it harder to control your skating if your blades are too sharp.
If you’re more experienced, then you will want your skates to be sharper. This will help you glide across the ice with less effort and have more control.
The general rule is that they shouldn’t have any nicks or burrs, and the edges should be nice and straight. Inspect your blades regularly to make sure they are in good condition and safe to skate on.
How Often Should You Get Your Skates Sharpened?
How often you need to get your skates sharpened will depend on how often you use them and how hard you use them.
If you’re a casual skater who only goes out a few times a year, then you might not need to get them sharpened more than once or twice a season.
If you’re a more serious skater who hits the ice several times a week, then you will likely need to get your skates sharpened every few weeks. You may even need to get them sharpened more often if you skate on rough ice or play in a competitive league.
The best way to know how often you need to get your skates sharpened is to ask your local skate shop. They will be able to tell you how often they recommend sharpening based on the type of skating you do.
How Are Hockey Skates Sharpened?
Sadly sharpening hockey skates isn’t as simple as sharpening a knife. You can’t just take them to your local knife sharpener and have them do the job.
Hockey skates need to be sharpened by someone who is experienced in doing so. They will use a special machine to sharpen the blades to the correct angle and ensure they are nice and straight.
If you try to sharpen your own skates, you run the risk of damaging the blades or making them too sharp. This can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Where to Get Skates Sharpened
Now that you know how important it is to keep your skates sharpened, you might be wondering where to go to get them done.
The best place to get your skates sharpened is at a local skate shop. They will have the experience and expertise needed to do the job right.
Some sporting goods stores also offer skate-sharpening services. However, it’s best to call ahead and make sure they are able to sharpen hockey skates before you take yours in.
You can also find skate sharpening machines at some public skating rinks. These machines are usually located near the skate rental counter.
If you’re not sure where to get your skates sharpened, ask a friend or fellow skater for a recommendation.
How Much Does Skate Sharpening Cost?
The cost of skate sharpening will vary depending on where you go and how often you need it done.
But the average price is somewhere between $5 and $20 per sharpening. Usually around the $10 mark.
Some skate shops offer discounts if you get multiple pairs of skates sharpened at the same time. And some rinks offer free or discounted skate sharpenings when you buy a certain amount of skating time.
Will They Hurt Someone or Cut You?
It’s a common question: can hockey skates cut you? The answer is that it really depends. The blades on hockey skates are extremely sharp, and if they hit you in the right spot, they can definitely cause some serious damage.
However, most of the time, the blades will just end up leaving a nasty bruise. Wear appropriate protective gear when you’re on the ice, and try to avoid getting too close to other players’ skates.
If you do happen to get hit by a skate, don’t panic – just assess the damage and seek medical attention if necessary.
Conclusion
So, how sharp are hockey skates? While they certainly aren’t something you want to mess around with, as long as you take proper safety precautions, they shouldn’t pose a problem.
Sharpening your hockey skates is an important part of taking care of your equipment. By keeping them sharp, you’ll be able to skate faster and smoother on the ice. Just be sure to have them done by a professional to ensure they are sharpened correctly
Be sure to lace up tightly, avoid skating near others whenever possible, and only use your blades in approved areas – and you’ll be good to go!