Skate Sharpening

For most figure skaters, sharpening is needed every 20–40 hours of ice time — but the exact timing depends on:

Ice conditions – Harder, colder ice dulls blades faster than softer, warmer ice.
Your skating style – Jumps, spins, and deep edges wear the hollow more quickly than light stroking.
Personal preference – Some skaters like a super-crisp edge, others prefer a slightly worn-in feel.
Blade quality – Higher-end steel can hold an edge longer.

Many competitive skaters sharpen every 2–4 weeks, while recreational skaters may go every 1–2 months.

A Great Checklist:

✅ Slipping on edges – Your deep outside or inside edges feel like they’re sliding instead of gripping.
✅ Stops feel weak – Snowplows, T-stops, or hockey stops don’t spray much ice.
✅ Jumps feel off – You feel less secure on take-offs or unstable on landings.
✅ Extra effort to turn – Spins, 3-turns, and twizzles feel sluggish or shaky.
✅ Uneven wear – One blade grips more than the other (can mean uneven sharpening).
✅ Competition prep – Always sharpen at least 2–3 ice sessions before the event so you can break in the edges.
✅ Time since last sharpen – For most skaters:

Competitive: 2–4 weeks
Frequent practice (4–5x/week): ~3–5 weeks
Recreational (1–2x/week): 6–8 weeks

Check in with Coach Kirsten Conforti and she can help guide you and check your skaters blades. She also offers skate sharpening services.