How to Sharpen Your Speed Skates Like a Pro
For speed skaters, blade sharpness is everything. Dull blades can ruin your glide, slow you down, and even throw off your balance during a race. Learning how to sharpen your speed skates like a pro is a valuable skill that ensures peak performance every time you hit the ice. Here’s a step-by-step guide from Zt Sports, your trusted source for all things related to Speed Skating equipment in Ottawa and how to sharpen your speed skates .
Understand Why Sharpening Matters
Sharp blades are essential for grip and control, especially in speed skating. Unlike figure skates, speed skate blades are sharpened flat and designed for maximum glide. Over time, though, they lose their edge. This can impact your ability to take tight corners or maintain top speed. Regular sharpening keeps your blades competition-ready and prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
Get the Right Tools
Before you start, make sure you have the necessary tools. A sharpening jig, a sharpening stone, and a deburring tool are must-haves. Investing in high-quality tools, like those available at Zt Sports, ensures precision and long-lasting results.
If you’re serious about maintaining your skates, we recommend checking out professional-grade products included in our range of Speed Skating equipment in Ottawa. These tools are easy to use and perfect for skaters at all levels.
Set Up Your Sharpening Jig
A sharpening jig holds your blades in place while you work. Position your skates securely in the jig, ensuring the blades are perfectly aligned. This alignment is crucial—any misstep here could result in uneven edges, which can throw off your performance on the ice.
Sharpen with Care
Once your skates are set up, grab your sharpening stone and run it along the length of the blade in smooth, even strokes. Allow the weight of the stone to supply the consistent pressure and focus on keeping the motion straight and steady. Using light, repeated passes are better than pressing too hard and risking over-sharpening and intern removing the rocker.
Remove Burrs
After sharpening, you’ll notice burrs—small metal fragments that form on the blade’s edge. Use a deburring tool to gently remove these. Skipping this step can leave your blades rough and uneven, which defeats the purpose of sharpening in the first place.
Test the Edge
Finally, test the sharpness by lightly running your finger along the edge (but don’t press too hard). A properly sharpened blade should feel smooth and sharp without any jagged areas. If it’s not quite there, go back and refine it.
How to Sharpen Your Speed Skates
Stay Ahead with Zt Sports
Maintaining your speed skates doesn’t have to be intimidating. You can sharpen your blades like a pro with the right tools and a little practice. At Zt Sports, we offer a wide selection of Speed Skating equipment in Ottawa, including everything you need to sharpen and maintain your gear.
