By Cris Fischer, Blades to Ballet

Skate sharpening is often overlooked in the training of skaters and it can be one of the single most important factors affecting the progress of a skater. In a blade that is sharpened properly, the following factors are important:

1 ~ Blade level must be even.

2 ~ Blade should be smooth along the edges, free of burrs and rough spots.

3 ~ Blade should have a clean, polished look to it. No "chatter" along the blade.

4 ~ Blade must have appropriate radius for the ability level of the skater.

The only way to determine if the edges are even is with a precision square. A qualified skate sharpener must have a precision square to determine blade level.

The radius is the groove that is on the blade. The larger the decimal, the shallower the groove in the blade, e.g a .75 radius is flatter than a .50 radius. The radius is how the sharpener calculates the type of grind that is on the blade.

There are basically 4 different grinds for figure skaters. Two factors determine the type of grind that will give a skater the most control and speed. The primary factor is the ability level of the skater, i.e. what jumps and spins they are working on. A secondary factor is the height and weight of a skater.

1 - Combination grind - .75 radius

This grind is used for all skaters who are working on basic skills moves or doing recreational skating. The groove in the blade is deep enough to dig into the ice. At the same time, it does not provide too much grip which makes the skater lose control of the shoulders and hips. In general, a skater will stay on this grind until they begin to work on the loop jump.

2 - .625 grind - .625 radius

The groove on the blade is a little deeper than the previous combination grind so it provides for more grab on the ice when skaters are getting into full revolution jumps. This deeper groove also helps the skater generate more speed and power. At this level, the skater has learned enough shoulder, arm and hip control that they are able to use the grip that this radius provides and still maintain control.

3 - FS grind - .50 radius

This is the deepest of the three grinds and provides ultimate grip of the blade on the ice. It gives the skater more power, speed and "bite" on their jump landings. It also requires more shoulder, arm and hip control for the skater to be able to control the jump landings and edges in stroking, spins and moves in the field. A skater will normally progress to the FS grind at about the time they begin working on the axel.

4 – Custom sharpening

The custom sharpening is a FS grind that includes putting the .50 radius all the way to the toe pick. This should be done for any skater who is working on an axel. The custom sharpening involves using 2 different machines which allow the sharpener to put the groove to the toe pick and then taper it in to the .50 radius on the rest of the blade. This type of sharpening helps preserves the life of the blade as it maintains the integrity of the rocker radius to the toe pick.

This is also a crucial factor for skaters. If a blade becomes nicked or dull, it is difficult to maintain speed and control of the edges. The body can begin to compensate by changing positions, thus affecting the conditioning process. Skates should be sharpened approximately every 15 –20 times on the ice.

A skate should be sharpened if any of the following conditions are present:

1 – Blade has nicks on the edges that are noticeable by sight or feeling the edge of the blade.

2 – Blade has discoloration due to moisture (most often caused by the guards being left on the blade).

3 – Blade has dulled along the edges so it no longer grips the ice (this is probably the most difficult to detect as it happens gradually and is difficult for the skater to realize).

If you are not sure if your blades need to be sharpened, ask your pro or your skate sharpener. They will be able to tell whether or not they should be sharpened.

The importance of proper skate sharpening cannot be over-emphasized. If you have any questions about your skates and the sharpening, don’t hesitate to contact me at Blades to Ballet (281-1401). I will answer any questions or concerns you may have.