How to properly sharpen figure skates

Sharpening figure skates

Before sharpening your skates, you need to know the radius of the groove, which you will tell the sharpening specialist.

The blade of a figure skating skate is not smooth - it consists of two ribs (external and internal) and a groove between them. All figure skating is done on the edges, so it is important that the skates are sharpened.

The radius of the groove is the depth of the space between the ribs.

The deeper the groove, the easier it is to turn and the more stable the skate stays on the ice. But at the same time, it is difficult to make complex elements (primarily rotations) with a deep groove.

• For beginner skaters (single jumps, simple spins), a groove radius of 14-15 mm is recommended. With it it will be easier for you to learn to ride and do all the elements.
• Professional skaters make the radius of the groove smaller (12 mm or less).

Profiling skate blades

The contour of the skate blade determines the area of ​​contact between the blade and the ice. The sharpening of the skate determines the balance between the contact surface and the friction force.

The correct contour (profile) will give the optimal balance of gliding speed and maneuvering.

The blade has three sections: heel (20% of the blade), mid (60% of the blade) and toe (20% of the blade). The heel has the function of balance, support, rotation, movement, stopping when turning and cross-skating.

The middle of the blade is the area that is primarily used for skating with forward pressure and for sliding on the front foot. Promotes jerks, stops while moving, rotations and turns.

The toe area is used for jerking and acceleration, toe spins and reverse skating. There are constant movements between different sectors of the blade.

How often should you sharpen your skates?

Depending on your style and frequency of riding. Skaters who do jumps and spins sharpen their skates after 8-12 lessons. As soon as you start to notice that your skates begin to slip when riding on the edges, sharpen them immediately. Good sharpening is very important in figure skating, without it you will not be able to perform complex elements well and ride on edges and turn.

Source: https://figure-skating.ru/%D0%97%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D1%84%D0%B8%D0 %B3%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BD%D1%8B%D1%85_%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2

How to sharpen skates at home

Anyone who likes to spend time at the skating rink, or enjoys playing hockey, or enjoys speed running and downhill skating, needs to take care of sharpening their skates. Safety, convenience, sports performance, and ultimately the degree of pleasure from your favorite activity depend on their condition.

Let's find out how to sharpen skates at home to save money and not have to turn to professional sharpeners too often.

How to avoid mistakes

A common misconception is that any skates can be sharpened like kitchen knives, leaving only one sharp edge. This method completely deprives the athlete of stability, worsening the grip on ice, which is provided by a special groove (groove) on the blade.

Under the influence of friction of two planes of the blade formed by the groove, the ice melts - and a thin layer of water is formed in the groove, which improves gliding. Moreover, thanks to the groove, friction increases.

• The appropriate groove depth for figure skating is 5-6 millimeters.
• If skates are part of hockey equipment - 20 mm.
• For speed skaters – up to 45 mm.

Skates without grooves are suitable only for extreme sports enthusiasts who perform feints on ice, or for lovers of leisurely recreational skating who stand very confidently on their skates. In other cases, turning with a groove is necessary so as not to increase the risk of injury.

Since sharpening skates at home is a rather difficult procedure, it should not be carried out unless there is a real need.

Signs that turning is necessary:

• The groove is missing, although it is needed, or is covered with rust, or its structure is damaged;
• When turning, the blades move to the side;
• When pushing off, the runners slip.

If, for example, burrs have simply formed on the blades, sanding with emery or a fine-grained file is sufficient.

It is recommended that the first sharpening of new skates specifically for an amateur athlete be ordered by professionals. Especially hockey ones, because the specialist will take into account the hockey player’s weight, position (forward, defenseman or goalkeeper), and skating style. In a city where there is an ice arena, there will also be a grinder with special equipment; the price can be negotiated - bargaining is appropriate here. In other cases, independence is fully justified.

Preparation for sharpening

When figuring out how to sharpen skates at home, you should remember five rules:

1. For turning, only the recommended tool is used, which must be harder than the steel from which the runners are made;
2. The planes of the blade (ribs) after turning should be of uniform thickness;
3. We must try to preserve or restore the original configuration of the blade;
4. The sole of the blade is sharpened at right angles to the ribs.

There is an opinion that the second and all subsequent sharpening of the runners consists precisely in restoring the original dimensions of the groove.

Sharpening

At home, you can resort to one of two methods - sharpening with a needle file or a grinding wheel. The first is technically simpler, but also more labor-intensive, requires greater physical effort, and is suitable for infrequent use of skates. The second one is faster, but requires more complex tools, and is recommended for those who skate or play hockey frequently.

File

Required:

1. Vise;
2. U-shaped wooden block;
3. Round needle file of suitable diameter.

The file is inserted into the block, the skate is clamped in a vice. The block should be placed on the front of the blade and the contours of the groove should be marked in a reverse motion.

After comparing the ribs and making sure that their thickness is the same, a recess of the required depth is made. After that, the burrs are removed with a flat needle file or a small file.

Grinding wheel

Required:

1. Grinder saw or electric drill;
2. Grinding wheel, 0.5-1 mm narrower than the width of the groove;
3. Steel corner and clamps or other device with height adjustment for attaching the ridge.

The ridge is secured and the contours of the groove are manually drawn. Sharpening is carried out with a grinder or a fixed drill, starting from the front of the blade and adjusting the height.

Examination

To ensure the correctness and perfection of sharpening, a check in four stages will allow you to check:

1. Inspect the blades - the ribs should be symmetrical, without chips or chips;
2. Take a piece of thin plastic and run along the blade in each area with the same force - the blade is sharpened well if scratches of the same depth have formed on the plastic;
3. Place the skates on the ice - well-sharpened ones will stand straight, without tilting to one side;
4. Put on your skates, go out on the ice and make sure they don’t slip when you take off.

If you notice any shortcomings, you should repeat the procedure until the result is 100% satisfactory.

Source: https://zextrem.com/sneg/konki/kak-natochit-konki-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html

Rules for sharpening sports and figure skates

Good gliding qualities are needed both for figure skating and for playing hockey, because it is so important not to miss a goal, to react to the passing of the puck, and to be in time to intercept a shot. If something goes wrong, the athlete thinks about whether it’s time to sharpen the blades. How often should you sharpen your skates?

How quickly this sports equipment will dull depends on the steel from which the blades are made. The highest quality metal can work reliably without sharpening for 2-3 months. And low-alloy steel can serve its owner for less than a week.

What determines the quality of the blade?

A trainer will help a beginning athlete navigate the need to sharpen blades. How often hockey skates need to be sharpened or how often figure skates need to be sharpened is up to the professional to decide for himself. He knows from experience all the conveniences of a properly sharpened base.

Signs of a good blade:

• ease of sliding;
• feeling of control of body balance;
• instant acceleration;
• speed of rotation;
• clear stop after the jump.

Reasons contributing to the loss of metal quality:

• training intensity;
• complexity of the elements performed;
• athlete's weight;
• poor condition of the ice field;
• walking on a tiled or metal base without ridge protection.

Important! Anyone who has bought new skates should immediately purchase plastic or rubber protection, which must be used when leaving the ice on hard surfaces to avoid damage to the blades. If an unexpected exit to the tiles occurs and the blades are damaged, then the defects must be immediately corrected with special sharpening.

What features does the blade structure have?

When using skates, you need to know the structure of the blade, which determines quality skating. Its supporting part can have a flat, pointed, convex profile, as well as a base with a groove concave inward. Due to the radius of the concave profile, two ribs are formed that participate in sliding.

The base profile without a groove concave inward is used for amateur options; such sports equipment does not have the best characteristics:

• the effect of leg oscillation increases;
• it becomes difficult to push from the starting position;
• the smoothness of movement is constantly disrupted.

But if the groove is too deep, the ride also worsens, which forces the skater to skate on one edge. And when skating, a person should experience comfort and ease, feel confident and enjoy sliding.

How to tell if your skates need sharpening
Shoes you just purchased from the store have untreated surfaces on the metal base. At the factory, the blades are not sharpened, but only securely fixed to the sole. They need to be sharpened immediately. The need for subsequent sharpening is determined individually.

What is the manifestation of poor blade sharpening quality?

Any athlete, having gotten used to his boots, will know everything about the nature of their work on the ice. The first signs of a dull base will not take long to appear, as the skater will feel discomfort when skating:

• slipping of the boot on the ice surface;
• no “scraping” effect (a small furrow of snow should form on the side of the traffic lane);
• inability to stop quickly.

To identify problems, you need to:

• dry the metal by wiping it well with a rag;
• run your finger along the surface of the rib;
• the feeling of having hangnails is the first sign of loss of quality.

What is the difference between professional and amateur boots?

When preparing equipment, it is necessary to take into account the differences in sharpening amateur and professional skates. This will help you properly care for your shoes and understand their purpose for a novice athlete and playing hockey player.

Differences between sports shoes for different purposes:

• when sharpening professional skates, the radius of the groove must be observed;
• a groove that is too deep impairs the quality and speed of a sports ride;
• from constant use, the ribs are worn down and the gutter is leveled - this reduces stability on ice;

• hockey boots have a small diameter of the concave groove - 5-8 mm, while figure skates have this size of 11-15 mm;
• when choosing equipment, the structure of the toe of the metal supporting part is taken into account - professional skates on the toe have teeth that help in stopping;
• there are no teeth or concave grooves on children's skates and skates for beginners - these are budget options, they are not designed for complex pirouettes and intense loads;
• Boots for amateurs are simple and undemanding to sharpen, so you can sharpen them yourself.

What to consider when caring for your shoes yourself

To ensure that sports equipment lasts a long time, you must follow the recommendations for caring for it at home:

• when sharpening blades, you need to take into account how much metal was removed from the back (under the heel) and toe - unevenness will negatively affect stability;

• a large difference between the inner radii of the ribs will lead to loss of balance when turning;
• after sharpening, wipe the metal from metal shavings and check with your fingertips for the absence of nicks;
• You cannot put your boots away for summer storage by covering the steel base with hard protection (it is intended only for stable movement on surfaces other than ice);
• after classes, shoes should be dried;
• It is not recommended to use covers that do not absorb moisture - this leads to loss of quality of leather and steel.

How often to sharpen hockey and figure skates is up to the athlete to decide. But professionals, unlike amateurs, do not do this on their own. They regularly use the services of specialists who have sharpening tools.

This forethought makes it easier to adjust the radius of each edge and the depth of the groove - this is the main advantage of properly sharpened skates.

Source: https://sportotip.ru/vidy-sporta/konki-na-ldu/pravila-zatochki-sportivnyx-i-figurnyx-konkov/

Wow little block! Or a pocket sharpener (rule) for skates

With the growing popularity of sports where skates are a mandatory component, athletes also have a need to sharpen their blades. The first devices for sharpening skates appeared in the last century. But since then, along with progress and the introduction of new technologies, the devices have been modernized more than once. Typically, modern skate sharpening machines are equipped with a rotating grinding disc and two diamonds that grind a flat surface.

Today, devices from the Swedish company ProSharp, which was founded in 1980, are especially popular on the market. The models of this company are equipped with a special program into which the sharpening parameters of each sports skate are entered, and if necessary, the program can reproduce the entered parameters again.

How can you sharpen your skates yourself?

Many people think that there is no need to sharpen new skates since they are already from the factory. This is not true, factory sharpening is suitable only for a few. Therefore, you will have to try. The most interesting thing is that athletes trust only a few with this work. These are sharpening professionals. After all, a small error can cause a fall when performing complex tricks.

Ways to sharpen skates:

• File
• Nadfilkom
• Bulgarian

How can you sharpen your skates yourself?

Purposes of the skate sharpening device

The main purpose of such a device is to increase the athlete’s speed and reduce friction. After all, the stability of the skater depends on the quality of sharpening of the skate. Modern manufacturers produce universal machines for sharpening skates, as well as special machines designed for a specific type of blade.

The types of steel from which skate blades are cast are as follows:

• high carbon;
• carbon;
• stainless;
• alloyed.

For figure skaters and hockey players, skate blades are usually sharpened “to a groove”, with a radius of up to 15 mm, dividing the rib blade into outer and inner. The main goal is to sharpen the edges of the blade and restore the groove. After all, in the process of skating it is he who levels out.

Skaters' skates, thanks to their wide blades, have a shallow groove. In skates for hockey players it is somewhat deeper. In order not to damage the blades, athletes, when forced to skate, put on protective covers and remove them immediately before going on the ice.

Skates for running and short track speed skating are only sharpened by hand. In this case, skate sharpening machines are placed parallel, and skates are attached to them with the blades facing up.

The work begins with a wide block, with the help of which a new edge is formed with an angle of 90 degrees. Then sharpening continues with a thin whetstone, which eliminates possible irregularities that impede the smooth movement of the skate on the ice. As a result, the blades are brought to a mirror state.

Source: https://instanko.ru/drugoe/ustrojstvo-dlya-zatochki-konkov.html

Skate sharpening: equipment and tools, technology and expert recommendations:

In order to get the blades in order, you need to sharpen your skates efficiently and correctly. This can be done in two ways - independently or in special places. Experts recommend not to conduct experiments and immediately contact professionals in their field.

Where can I sharpen my skates?

Let's determine your level to understand which of the possible methods is more rational. If you are an amateur and plan to ride “in circles” without practicing any movements, then you can do it yourself, go to a metal repair shop that has suitable equipment, or to a chain store - for example, you can get decent skate sharpening at Sportmaster. , at the ice arena, if they provide the appropriate services.

If ice is your passion, then the only option would be to contact specialized stores or services in the section that are completely out of luck in this matter.

How are different skates sharpened?

Different skates need to be cleaned differently. For example, if you are involved in speed skating, then all the blades for your skates will be sharpened by hand. Defects on hockey or figure blades are first removed with a machine, and then brought to perfect condition by the hands of a master. Different types of ice sports have their own sharpening technologies.

For speed skaters, the only acceptable option for a working surface is its absolute smoothness. Figure and hockey blades are sharpened with grooves of various shapes and depths.

When should you sharpen your skates?

The frequency of sharpening is determined by the type of sport, intensity of load, skill level, care of the blade and upcoming competitions. It is believed that figure skates are sharpened less often than other skates. In any case, you will have to take your skates to the workshop if you:

• New, just purchased shoes. A very common misconception is that you can put on new boots and immediately go on the ice. If you ride for yourself, you don’t have to correct the factory’s flaws. If you want to start studying the simplest elements, then you should take them to a worthy specialist.
• Error during previous sharpening. Professionals in their field can correct almost any flaws - the mistake of an unqualified specialist or the consequences of independent work.
• Blades slip on ice during acceleration.
• Blade displacement when turning.

Now let's talk about when you don't need to take them to the workshop. Skaters are quite demanding about the quality of sharpening, but even professionals need time to get used to and break in. Therefore, it is highly not recommended to sharpen skates before competitions.

You can take them to the workshop two weeks before an important event to get them in order. If for some reason you were unable to do this earlier, be sure to tell the master that you have a competition coming up.

It won't remove too much metal from the blades.

Equipment and tools for sharpening

In order for the master to put your skates in order, he will need special equipment. Machines are divided into two types - automatic or manual. Automatic models allow you to place the boot vertically, with the blades themselves located at the bottom. The master only needs to mark the skate, insert the skate into the holder and adjust the diamond discs. Then the machine will do everything itself.

For manual mechanisms, the skate lies on its side, its blade is directed into the structure, and removal of irregularities is possible only with direct control of the entire process by the master. In addition, a specialist must check the quality of the work performed, and, if necessary, manually fine-tune the blade.

An abrasive stone coated with diamond, a polishing stone and a finishing stone will help him with this.

The craftsman will also need a diamond pencil, oil and wax for sharpening, measuring instruments and other accessories for manual and automatic work.

How to properly sharpen figure skates

The quality of the work performed depends very much on the craftsman who carries it out. It is he who evaluates the condition of the blades, selects the appropriate sharpening radius for the skates and finishes them manually. All blades for skaters have a semicircular concavity, which provides them with the ability to perform various maneuvers and jumps.

The groove is sharpened to a depth of 6 to 40 divisions. Usually work is carried out in the range of 10-15. Its size depends on the purpose of skating, the elements performed, the weight of the athlete and the quality of the ice. Based on this information and on behalf of the trainer, the master selects a suitable disc and sets the required radius.

Sharpening of figure skates is carried out in several stages:

• adjusting the device and installing the blade into the grooves;
• carrying out work to remove the metal layer and form a groove;
• checking the quality of sharpening and manual polishing of the surface of the blades to remove burrs, nicks, microparticles and improve adhesion to the surface.

In order to determine the required groove depth, the master is guided by special tables.

How to sharpen hockey skates

Hockey skates are sharpened more often than figure skates. Constant collisions with other players, the puck or hits with a stick oblige athletes to sharpen them once a week or even more often. The sharpening technique for hockey is different from others; it can be done in 3 ways.

For amateur skating, the standard method is used - a groove is made in a semicircle inward. Most manual and automatic machine shops offer these services. The next option is the so-called Cannel Z.

Thanks to the unique groove configuration - semicircular with a square notch - the blades become thinner less, as they are sharpened to a shallower depth while maintaining and increasing quality characteristics.

The third method - FTB sharpening of hockey skates - is practically not used in Russia.

Sharpening stages

The sharpening process itself involves several steps:

• Step 1. Assessing the condition of the blade, choosing a sharpening method and groove depth. For convenience, a diamond pencil is used to apply the markings.
• Step 2. Surface treatment on installation. The boots must be secured using special clamps and the device must be started.
• Step 3. Check the symmetry of the ribs on both pairs. Using skate sharpening devices, treat the surface to remove burrs and other irregularities.
• In order to correctly perform the work on automatic or manual machines, you will have to refer to the instructions. It describes in detail the setup of the device, the rules of sharpening and working with tools.

Experts recommend monitoring the condition of the blades. The deeper the grooves from impacts on them, the harder it is for a specialist to restore them to an acceptable working appearance. To prevent skates from having to be taken frequently for correction, walking outside the ice arena without covers is highly discouraged. The same goes for metal curbs at exits, ceramic tiles and wooden decks.

Source: https://www.syl.ru/article/386832/zatochka-konkov-oborudovanie-i-instrumentyi-tehnologiya-i-rekomendatsii-spetsialistov

How to sharpen skates correctly

If you are into figure skating or hockey, you should know that properly sharpened skate blades can greatly improve your athletic performance. It doesn’t matter – leather or plastic skates. The issue of blade quality is a completely different story. Don't join the ranks of those who ride on "abandoned" and worn out blades. How to sharpen skates correctly? Let's figure it out together.

Can everyone sharpen their skates?

If you bought new skates recently, keep in mind that the blades have a certain profile radius, the features of which depend on the specific model of skates. In addition, many are mistaken in believing that the factory blade contours are ideal for the vast majority. Let's just say that the factory profile (contour) of the blade shows passable results, but no one is stopping you from bringing the good to almost perfect.

If you train on average 3-4 times a week, then your skates will require sharpening once every two weeks. Beginners often ask – why do you actually need to sharpen your skates? There are four main reasons:

• The athlete feels much more confident on the ice and gets more pleasure from gliding
• Blades and balance are subject to greater control by the athlete
• Rapid acceleration and fast spins (beautiful spins are especially important in figure skating; in hockey, a slow player can miss the puck)
• Sharpened blades provide better glide

Do I need to sharpen new skates? Necessarily! As a rule, skates are sold in a sports store untreated for full-fledged ice sports. Again, don't be fooled by the misconception that leather skates have superior blade quality. It is a myth.

Skate blade diagram

 How should skates be sharpened correctly?

Most often, athletes prefer to have their skates sharpened by professionals who will do their work using special equipment. Once you've been presented with your sharpened skates, there are a few important factors to consider.

The first of these is a small groove along the length of the base of the skate blade. Its presence is mandatory because it creates two edges. If they are not there, then there is a high probability of tilting in one direction or another while sliding, in addition, the correct push will be significantly difficult. Over time, this groove levels out. Few amateurs are able to restore it correctly.

As you know, the better the quality of the blade, the less often it needs to be sharpened. The quality of a blade is determined by its hardness. As soon as you feel on the ice that your skates for some reason are slipping during a push, and simply break during turns, this is a sure signal - it’s time to sharpen!

Figure skating masters know this nuance - if the groove on the blade is too deep, then it will be almost impossible for the athlete to glide on one edge. If the groove after sharpening is too small, then during turns you still cannot avoid breaking the blade. Naturally, different depths of the internal and external ribs along the entire length of the blade are unacceptable.

In hockey, by the way, there is a certain difference in sharpening the toe of the skate for defensive players and attackers.

Finishing the skate blade

There are three main methods for the final stage of sharpening skates:

• Using an abrasive stone, the master eliminates burrs on the blade
• Use a polishing stone to remove sanding particles.
• The blade is finalized using a special stone (rough), which ensures first-class grip on ice

If the first method is suitable for the absolute majority, then the second and third are recommended for professional athletes.

The most common mistakes made by amateurs when sharpening skate blades

These errors are the most common. Talk to experienced athletes and coaches, they will confirm them and will probably advise you to give your skates to sharpening specialists. And, again, it doesn’t matter whether you hand over leather skates for sharpening or plastic ones.

1. You will be returned skates with the wrong blade contour and groove radius. You simply won't be able to control your skates properly.
2. You will notice incorrect steel removal in some areas of the blade. Most often, non-professionals go overboard when removing steel from the toe or heel. This results in insufficient stability, as well as overheating of the blade while sliding.
3. The inside and outside of the blades are different. The athlete will lose balance.

How to sharpen skates correctly? On a special machine or equipment from a professional. There are many instructions on the Internet for sharpening skates at home. However, we repeat - you should not experiment with this at home or rely on amateurs. We strongly advise you to find a professional with specialized equipment. It is almost impossible to sharpen skates properly at home.

Source: https://www.dvjournal.ru/2241-kak-pravilno-tochit-konki/

Rules and features of sharpening figure skates and hockey at home

21.10.2019

For those who are engaged in figure skating or playing hockey, sharpening skates is the most important and rather difficult stage in preparing for a performance. An athlete can use the help of a sharpening specialist or do it himself, adjusting the equipment to suit himself. The second approach is preferable, but more difficult to implement.

Common mistakes in skate sharpening, and why do such problems occur?

Preparing shoes for going out on the ice is a responsible and time-consuming action. People who have no experience in such events are doomed to make mistakes. Advice from knowledgeable people, understanding of the principle of operation and theoretical education on the Internet will make it possible to avoid some of them, but the amount of practice also plays a role. Even with good preparation, sharpening skates with your own hands should definitely take place after consultation with a specialist. Common beginner mistakes:

1. Differences in the degree of sharpening on the right and left legs. This circumstance must be carefully monitored, otherwise sufficient balance will not be ensured. For example, when turning a person can be “swept” to the left or right if one of the blades dominates in length. The more often a person compares a finished blade with one that is being processed, the less likely it is to “overdo it.”
2. The inner and outer sides of the blades differ from each other in quality and sharpening angle. This affects the balance, ride quality and stability of the person. May be caused by incorrect sharpening method.
3. Improper balancing due to uneven removal of metal from blades. This shoe element is divided into 3 elements:
   • A rib is a part that has constant and direct contact with the ice. There are several ways to sharpen this element, which involve creating a concavity or groove. May also be called "pad", "profile", "contour", "groove". It is recommended to grind down 60% of the total surface.
   • The toe is the area located on the front of the blade. Used to accelerate, dash, or roll backwards. Experts recommend grinding down 35% of the surface.
   • The heel is the opposite of the toe. Used mainly for turning and braking. It is advisable to grind down at least 15% of the surface.
4. Incorrect cutting of the groove using one or another sharpening method will lead to a sharp decrease in the performance of the blade.

If a person goes out on the ice for the first time, then it will be enough for him to use a factory sharpening. As soon as a person gains some experience in skating, he will already have time to form his own idea of ​​​​how to sharpen skates for himself personally.

The reasons for the errors lie in the fact that many hockey players are “delayed” in sharpening or do not change their skates for a long time, which is why the blade wears out and it is no longer possible to sharpen it according to all the rules due to lack of space or “metal fatigue.” Lack of experience also takes its toll.

What are the current standards and requirements?

In order to understand how to sharpen skates at home correctly, a person is recommended to familiarize himself with modern standards for processing equipment. These rules are based on the European style of sharpening, which indicates the following points:

1. The type of counter blade is selected personally for the skate owner with some reservations. Weight, physique and method of movement are taken into account, as well as the goals that the athlete is focused on. For example, a larger rib radius will give higher speed and provide better stability, but will slow down and make turns more difficult.
2. The term "tilt" defines the angle at which the edge of the blade bends. According to the standard, a zero angle of inclination and 1.5° back are allowed, that is, with a raised heel. However, other variations - too much heel lift or toe lift - are prohibited as they deprive the athlete of the ability to accelerate and disrupt the balance of the body, causing the risk of injury.
3. Center of gravity. According to the regulations, the point of rotation, that is, the place on which a person rests while riding, should be a few centimeters closer to the nose relative to the center. The remaining options are considered incorrect.
4. Notch (groove, groove) - the difference in height between the extreme point of the blade toe and the edge. The smaller this difference, the better the sliding, but the friction force also increases.

These were the main points and recommendations on how to sharpen skates for comfortable use. Each person finalizes the little things for himself.

Types of sharpening

Those who are at least a little familiar with ice skating understand that there are different types of skate sharpening for different styles. For example, sharpening a goalie's skates is conceptually different from sharpening the skates of an attacker or defenseman. There are three main directions:

1. Standard sharpening. Appears as a semicircular groove at the bottom of the blade. The shape of the gutter may vary depending on the owner's preferences. Recommended for beginners.
2. Channel-Z An advanced version of the standard method. In addition to the semicircular gutter, there is a square cutout in the center. The depth and width of the additional cutout varies depending on the needs of the owner. It allows you to greatly increase the athlete’s maneuverability, speed of movement and reduces surface resistance. This procedure is quite expensive.
3. Flat Bottom “V”. The channel in this case resembles not a circle, but a trapezoid, since it is formed from straight lines and obtuse angles. Provides better glide and less friction compared to the standard method. The idea belongs to Canadian hockey players.

After purchasing new shoes, a person may have a question: do new skates need to be sharpened? If this is not the first purchase and the skater has already formed his own idea of ​​​​a suitable sharpening, then you can switch to it. If the buyer is a beginner, then he should use the factory sharpening and try to ride it in order to choose his type in the future.

How to sharpen different types of skates at home?

Sharpening hockey skates at home is a technically difficult task, but can be done with patience and determination. It is recommended to purchase the following tools for these purposes:

• sandpaper;
• grinder with grinding wheel;
• round file.

The blank for the gutter is cut out on the blades using a grinding wheel - the boot should be positioned perpendicularly and, if possible, the grinder should be used evenly. The sheet metal from which the blade is made will itself cut lengthwise when positioned correctly.

You can deepen the intended groove with a file, but so that the radius of the groove does not exceed 15 mm. Any burrs and irregularities that appear are removed with sandpaper.

Sharpening figure skates will require care and effort, but you can cut out the necessary channel yourself.

As for sharpening of the “Channel Z” type, it is strictly recommended that it be performed by specialists on machines, since attempts to do this manually will result in damage to the skates.

Finishing after the sharpening procedure: principles and rules

Below we described how to sharpen skates at home. Once the rough work is done, all that remains is finishing. To do this you will need additional tools:

• abrasive block;
• polishing stone;
• finishing stone.

The bar destroys all burrs and particles of removed metal. Now the blade is ground with stones at the desired angle until the required inclination is achieved. Do not forget that the blades on a pair of skates must be sharpened exactly the same. You can check the uniformity by running a piece of plastic over different surfaces of the blade - if the grooves remain the same, then the sharpening was successful.

How often should skates be sharpened?

The frequency of a person's activities determines how many times skates can be sharpened. If an athlete practices, for example, 4 times a week and these approaches take several hours, then he will have to sharpen his skates after every second time on the ice. If the skiing is less intense, then one procedure will be enough for 3 or 4 times, but you should not skip classes. Excessively frequent sharpening will quickly exhaust the life of the shoe.

Source: https://ProVelik.ru/konki/pravila-i-osobennosti-zatochki-figurnyh-konkov-i-dlya-hokkeya-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html

Secrets of proper skate sharpening

Sharpening skates is a difficult task, but quite doable. It is worth understanding that its solution requires deep knowledge in theory and some skills in practice. There are not so many manuals for this activity, and to be more precise, there are practically none at all, even on the World Wide Web. To fill this gap, it is worth reading this article.

Basic nuances of sharpening

The ability to skate makes many people happy. And if ordinary people who decide to take up this craft are presented with a basic set of requirements, their list for hockey players is much wider. One of the most important aspects is skate sharpening, which will be discussed in this material.

Knowing these recommendations, you can sharpen not only hockey skates, but also figure skates. Using the above recommendations in practice will allow you to achieve tremendous progress in the process of skating on ice and ensure optimal gliding, development of the desired speed limit and complete safety.

Benefits of proper sharpening

By organizing competent sharpening and using professional skate sharpening machines, an athlete can count on solving an impressive number of problems:

• gain smooth and at the same time instant glide;
• control the direction of movement and balance;
• rotate at maximum speed and get slight acceleration;
• maintain self-confidence and enjoy any, even minor victories.

Such results will be achieved only if the rules given in this article are followed.

Common Mistakes

People who are not professionals in this skill often make a number of mistakes. The most common of them are described below.

1. Different heights of blade ribs. This approach provokes a feeling of imbalance and leads to loss of balance. Dissonance is the result of illiterate use of techniques and non-compliance with expert recommendations.
2. Different removal of steel from parts of the blade. The result is a lack of balance due to the loss of the proper level of support. Also, unskilled work can lead to overheating.
3. The blade profile is incorrectly selected or sharpened. As a result, the quality of skating becomes worse due to the inability to provide full control over the skates.

To avoid such mistakes, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the reasons for mistakes on ice and the recommendations of experts.

Why do such problems occur?

Most hockey players skate on blades with significant wear. This results in a reduction in speed. The fact is that new blades have a certain profile, machined at the factory. But in practice, this indicator is not always appropriate if the player/skater has the goal of developing sufficient skating speed.

Another nuance is that the profile developed by a particular manufacturer must be suitable for the riding style. Despite its fairly high-quality device, difficulties may arise.

Indeed, at the beginning of hockey lessons, which usually occurs at 4-6 years, when using a factory circuit, there is insufficient contact between the ice and the blade.

Due to the constant development of balance and speed in a young athlete, learning to skate perfectly comes with many challenges.

You can often notice that a player/skater has to spend a lot of effort to develop the necessary skills. A rationally chosen profile will help establish this very contact and make the process of learning to drive simpler and more understandable.

What are the current standards and requirements?

Today sharpening is as close as possible to European regulations. The purpose of this sharpening is to reduce the level of friction and ensure effective safe skating.

To develop maximum speed, it is worth combining different radii of the blade profile. The order and principle of sharpening also depends on the specific riding style. For example, butterfly riding requires a light grip to enable rapid movement, while in other types of movement this aspect is optional. Thus, for a “butterfly” it is customary to use a sharp sharpening with a double groove.

Blade profile

It is this that determines the width of the blade at which contact will be made between the blade and the ice surface. The main condition is to ensure a balance between the grip zone and the friction force.

The choice of profile depends on the player’s weight, his skills, and role on the court. The greater the weight, the larger the contact area should be, and vice versa. This will distribute the weight evenly and avoid falling.

Adaptation of the body to the new profile plays an important role. Taking into account modern requirements, a small profile radius implies maneuverability and the ability to start as sharply as possible. The optimal radius leads to balancing, stability on ice and a reduction in friction parameters. The result is increased skating speed with less effort while on the ice.

On the other hand, the ability to make quick turns is lost. The small radius of the blade profile causes maximum friction and the contact is reduced. As a result, the pressure increases. This forces you to sink deeper into the icy surface. A deformed surface, in turn, implies a greater frictional force.

As for the choice of a small profile radius, it is optimal for a number of reasons: increased maneuverability in any turning conditions, development of optimal speed, minimum resistance.

The blade is conventionally divided into three parts.

1. Heel, occupying 20%. Its main function is to provide balance, support, optimize rotation, and create cross skating.
2. The middle, which accounts for 60%. This area is used primarily during pressure skating. It provides jerks during movement.
3. Sock, also 20%. It is necessary during acceleration, during toe rotation and reverse skating.

As you can see, each element of the blade is functional and requires separate care during the sharpening process.

Tilt Features

It is commonly understood as the angle formed between the ice and the blade. This approach ensures the balance of the body of the person who is on the skating rink. There are certain recommendations regarding choosing the appropriate size:

• if the blade is tilted back, the body is in the wrong position, there is no possibility of balancing;
• An excessively large slope is optimal when there is a load on the toe part.

Tilt measurement is traditionally done in degrees or millimeters.

Pivot point

It is located in the central part of the surface on which sliding and movement between the forward and backward directions occurs. In accordance with the recommendations, the center of gravity should not be located at the central part of the blade, but at some distance from it.

Notch (groove)

This element is usually understood as a concave sharpening in the area of ​​the lower surface. The groove is designed to increase the level of sliding. A small radius provides an optimal parameter and increased friction force. In turn, a significant radius ensures low slip and a similar friction force. Currently, the Z-groove sharpening technology is considered widespread.

What conclusion can be drawn

The rational radius of the skate blade profile is the criteria that influences the speed and quality of skating. The profile is needed to ensure balancing of the friction force and optimal sliding. It is also determined by the slope.

Absolutely any type of skates must be fine-tuned. Experts recommend using small metal removal and regular sharpening.

After all, the blades need to be in optimal shape, regardless of the type of skating (for games or figure exercises).

Thus, sharpening skates is a complex undertaking that requires a certain amount of time. A competent approach to its organization will ensure high quality skating for both beginners and professionals of this difficult craft. The main thing is to take into account all the nuances described in this material.

Source: https://tochilka.pro/articles/sekrety-pravilnoj-zatochki-konkov/

How to sharpen skates with your own hands?

In winter, many people start skating and skiing. To enjoy outdoor activities in winter, you need to be able to keep your equipment in good condition. Skate sharpening is a special procedure that must be carried out regularly.

Sharpening a skate on equipment

How often should you sharpen?

This question is most often asked by beginners. Professional skate sharpening is performed 2 times in 7 days if a person trains 4 times a week. However, this is the opinion of professional hockey players and figure skaters. Beginners, amateurs who do not engage in sports associated with special equipment, ride for their own pleasure, need to learn to determine that the edge has been damaged.

You can understand that the blades are dull based on several factors. Firstly, the socks will move apart on the ice. Secondly, if you run your palm over a damaged cutting edge, marks will remain on the skin. Thirdly, chips and burrs may be visually visible.

Do I need to sharpen new equipment?

Most manufacturers do not sharpen the cutting edges of ice skating equipment. Because of this, it is necessary to carry out a processing procedure immediately after purchase, before using them. However, models from Reebok with a T-blade do not require sharpening after purchase.

What do sharpened skates look like?

To determine the correct sharpening of skates, you can use several methods:

1. Gently run your fingers along the edge. There should be no chips on it that could leave scratches.
2. Use your fingernails to run along both sides of the cutting edge. Sharpened skates will leave scratches.
3. Check visually. To do this, you need to look at the blade from the ends. It should look like two cutting edges with a groove running between them. If there are chips on the ribs, you need to think about regrinding.

Professionals test the sharpness of performing some movements on the ice. To do this, a side search is performed. If your feet don't slip, the blades are sharp.

Appearance of sharpened skates

Why do you need to sharpen?

Beginners sometimes ask why sharpen equipment. There are several reasons for this:

1. The quality of gliding improves.
2. Using sharpened skates makes it easier to accelerate and maintain balance.
3. The accuracy of performing individual skating elements increases.
4. Easier to control balance.

With poor sharpening, the legs will move in different directions, movements will become uncontrollable.

Tools and equipment

To properly sharpen your skates, you can use several tools. These include:

1. Files, needle files. Hands-on experience is required to operate these tools. Processing time starts from an hour or more.
2. Abrasive whetstone. A plastic slingshot that has abrasive surfaces for sharpening the blades. With its help, it is convenient to remove burrs that remain after rough processing. It is difficult to correct chips and chips using an abrasive whetstone.
3. Whetstones are a classic tool for sharpening various tools. Depending on the size of the abrasive chips, there are different types of cutting edge processing.
4. Sharpening machines. Specialized equipment that is used in professional workshops. They require correct settings, choice of turning mode, and selection of abrasive.

It is advisable for beginners to conduct their first processing training with old equipment.

Additionally you will need the following devices:

1. Diamond pencils for creating grooves.
2. Touchstones that will be used to remove burrs.
3. A vice in which the blades will be secured.
4. Needle file, file.

If you don’t want to try sharpening the blade yourself, it is recommended to leave the job to professionals.

Proper sharpening of a skate

How to sharpen at home?

Turning skates at home requires following a number of rules and taking into account the features of the equipment. Independent work is accessible to anyone. It is necessary to select tools in advance and prepare the workplace.

Sharpening figure skates at home

Sharpening skates with your own hands depends on the type of equipment. When working with figure skates, people with little practical experience may experience the following errors:

1. When turning different sides of the blade, there is no uniformity. Because of this, the skater will lose balance and perform certain elements incorrectly.
2. Removing varying amounts of steel along the entire length of the cutting edge. If the quantity is uneven, the balance of stability on the ice will be disrupted.

Sharpening goalie skates

Goalie skates most often collide with the puck, because of this they have a modified shape and additional protection. Although they stand separately from other equipment, sharpening their blades is no different from sharpening other types of equipment.

Hockey skate sharpening

When it comes to turning equipment for hockey players, professional players give preference to craftsmen who carry out work on automatic machines. This is due to the fact that an incorrectly sharpened blade can take a hockey player out of the game, causing the team to suffer serious losses.

When turning hockey equipment, it is necessary to choose the right type of processing. The most popular option is channel z. This option eliminates possible slippage during sudden movements.

To sharpen hockey skates, you need to pick up a sharpening machine and practice on an old pair.

How to check sharpening?

After carrying out the work, you need to check the sharpness of the blade. This requires several steps. These include:

1. Inspect the edge. It is important that the sides are symmetrical, without differences in height or chips.
2. Use a plastic stick to move along both sides of the blade, controlling the pressing force at the same level. Inspect its surface. There should be no gouges or serious scratches on it.
3. Indicator of a sharp edge - the equipment must be level on the ice. A hockey player's legs should not move in different directions.

If any burrs remain, they must be removed using a sharpening stone with fine abrasive particles.

Today, craftsmen sharpen the blades of sports equipment according to European standards. This is due to the fact that such technologies can reduce friction and increase riding comfort. The combination of the radii of the grooves and their depth will help increase the speed of skating during the game. During transportation and storage of equipment, it is advisable to use special protective covers for cutting edges. They come in rag, rubber, silicone.

Many people love to skate on ice.
However, dull blades will not allow you to fully enjoy this activity. Because of this, it is advisable to learn how to sharpen cutting edges yourself, so as not to spend money on specialized workshops. Sharpening skates at home. How to sharpen your skates yourself.

How to sharpen skates with your own hands? Link to main publication

Source: https://metalloy.ru/obrabotka/zatochka/konkov

Tips for sharpening skates

 

The “platform” of the blade is the contact patch between the blade and the ice. It is important that the “platform” is the same on the right and left skate.

On the automatic machine "PROSHARP" there is a gradation of the length of the "platform" from 4 cm to 6 cm.

Individual selection of a “site” is carried out only experimentally. It depends on several factors:

• athlete's weight;
• riding style;
• ice hardness.

The length of the “platform” affects speed, stability, and maneuverability. Each athlete finds the optimal ratio between the length of the “platform” and the depth of the trench.

“Radius” is a reduced contact patch between the blade and the ice. Allows you to increase your riding maneuverability. On the automatic machine "PROSHARP" there is a gradation of radius sizes from 3.5 to 4.3. The size of the “radius” is also selected individually for each player.

Usually the platform (radius) is machined exactly in the middle of the blade, but some players move the platform (radius) forward or backward, depending on their role or individual skating style.

Sharpening the pad or radius is not necessary, but it will help achieve better riding comfort and results.

If you have sharpened the “Platform” or “Radius” , the craftsmen do not advise subsequently sharpening the skates on hand-held machines. This can change the geometry of the blade.

The blade profile is the shape of the blade's angles. The profile is machined to provide better maneuverability and depending on the individual wishes of the player.

Profile and Site (radius) are separate types of work.

Complete preparation of new blades is:

• PROFILE;
• SITE or RADIUS ;
• GUTTER point .

Such preparation is not mandatory for every player, but it allows for greater comfort and results when skating. Moreover, the ratio of the parameters of such training may be different for each player and reflects his individual qualities (weight, height, skating style).

If you have had a “PROFILE”, “PLATE” or “RADIUS” made, the craftsmen do not advise subsequently sharpening your skates on hand-held machines. This can change the geometry of the blade.

Why and how to sharpen skates

A groove is machined into the blade along its length, which is necessary for lateral stability during maneuvers, braking, and repulsion.

On an automatic machine (PROSHARP) there is a gradation of groove depth (from 40 to 6), where 40 is straight sharpening, and 6 is the deepest groove. The average gutter is considered to be 12-15. Individual selection of gutter is carried out only experimentally. It depends on several factors:

• athlete's weight
• riding style
• ice hardness

Usually they start trying with the middle one, and with each subsequent sharpening you can change the groove up or down. This is the only way to find your groove number and sharpen it with each new sharpening.

Masters advise sharpening not a deep groove, but more often, while during the sharpening process as little iron as possible is removed, and the quality of sliding is better.

Thermoforming

Its meaning is to match the shoe as closely as possible to the shape of the owner’s foot. It is not a means to adapt any skates to any foot, but serves to finally adjust boots that are known to fit, and reduce the time of getting used to them, without bumps, calluses, and other similar troubles. To do this, the design of the boot includes a layer of thermoplastic material (plastic or foam), which softens when heated and hardens again when cooled.

Manufacturers recommend molding skates like this:

• After preliminary fitting, the skates are placed in a special oven, where they are heated for several minutes so that the thermoplastic material in them softens. In this case, you should loosen the lacing as much as possible so that your foot fits in very easily when putting on the shoes;
• after warming up, the boots become soft and flexible;
• removed from the oven;
• putting on shoes;
• They don't lace up much. In this case, you should place your feet on the heel, tighten the laces from beginning to end tightly, but without over-tightening;
• You need to sit in hot skates (10-15 minutes) while the thermal layer cools down and “remembers” its new shape. You should not stand up in hot skates, so as not to deform the glass and shoe of the skate;
• After 10–15 minutes, the skates should be unlaced as tightly as possible so that they can be easily removed from the feet.

The result is a boot that does not require lengthy break-in and getting used to, fits well, does not press, and does not rub. In principle, the molding process is repeated, and in special cases it is possible to mold not the entire boot, but a separate zone. There are special tools for this.

Thermoformable skates require compliance with certain care rules, for example, they cannot be dried near heating or heating devices, and in general, after molding, heating the boot above 40-45 degrees should be avoided.

Source: https://www.sportdepo.ru/page.php?id=13

How to sharpen standard models

In order for ice skating to be masterful and reliable, it is important to have perfectly sharpened blades. Sharpening provides a degree of slip, the ability to brake and perform figure tricks. Therefore, you should know how to sharpen skates at home.

You can sharpen in two ways:

The existence of a gutter (groove) ensures comfort and correct movements on the ice.

How to sharpen products with a groove

To sharpen products with a groove, you should stock up on:

• emery;
• round file;
• a bar with a fine-grained base.

If the products have just been purchased, you need to form a groove with sandpaper, or make it deeper if the blades are very dull. To remove the gutter, use a file, the diameter of which will be 10 mm.

It is important to monitor the depth of the gutter, which should reach a maximum of 0.6 mm. Do not allow the groove to fall to the sides. To avoid troubles, a flat surface is applied to the product. It is attached perpendicular to the position of the blade.

Use a fine-grained block to remove burrs.

Using the machine

Purchasing a machine will allow you to sharpen your skates even while at home. This device can achieve good blade roughness. The main thing is to purchase a high-quality device with good characteristics and the purchase will justify itself, since the cost of home sharpening will be less than workshop services.

Before carrying out manipulations, the back of the boot is placed towards the guide. The blade is pressed at an angle. Then the skate slowly rotates, heading downwards. It is important not to overdo it by pressing it into the circle.

The machine must be used carefully, using protective glasses, special clothing and gloves. The skate should be held so that it does not fly out and disturb its position when stitching. You need to monitor the operation of the circle - its rotation should be directed away from you, otherwise sparks will not avoid getting into your eyes. After the work on the machine is completed, the blade is treated with an abrasive stone to polish the surface.

How to properly process products without a groove?

Handling sports equipment without a chute is easier and more convenient. To sharpen skates without a groove with your own hands at home, you need to have emery or a file. The products themselves should be secured and proceed directly to the sharpening process. The sole is sharpened at a right angle, heading towards its side walls.

To properly sharpen products, you can use step-by-step instructions:

1. Secure the vise using a stable surface.
2. Cover the boot tightly with a cloth to provide protection.
3. Place the skate in the device so that it does not move.
4. Check that the emery or file is hard compared to the blades themselves.
5. You need to sharpen at right angles to the sides.
6. If the blade has burrs, they should be processed. Fine sandpaper or a fine-grained block is suitable for this.
7. Gently wipe the blade with a soft cloth.

After sharpening, its correctness is checked. For this equipment, they are placed on a flat surface; if sharpened well, they stand straight. After the manipulations are completed, covers are put on the skates.

Adviсe

Sharpening is a rather labor-intensive process and requires certain knowledge and skills. It is better for athletes to turn to professional craftsmen, since the slightest inaccuracy can cause serious troubles, such as loss of balance, overheating of the blade, and falls. If you want to take up figure skating or hockey professionally, you should only contact professionals. If ice skating is just a hobby, you can learn the basics of sharpening and do it yourself.

When sharpening skates at home, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. To ensure reliable fixation of sports equipment, you need to buy a vice.
2. To create a blade with an even groove, you need to buy a round file. It is important that it has a small diameter.
3. You need a wooden block, which you can make yourself. To get the necessary device, you should cut it in length, making a small hole that matches the width of the skate blade.

If you have all the necessary tools, you can handle sharpening yourself. The main thing is patience and attentiveness.

How are skates sharpened for figure skating and hockey? Is there a difference in sharpening methods?

If you are involved in figure skating or hockey, you should definitely know how to sharpen skates and why it is needed. Don't be on the list of those who skate on worn out blades and have completely neglected the condition of their skates. So, how are skates sharpened?

Who can sharpen skates?

You recently purchased new skates for skating. Keep in mind: blades have a certain profile radius. Its features depend on the specific model. How wrong are those who think that the factory blade contours work well for almost everyone. In this regard, we can say the following: the factory makes a good contour, but wouldn’t you want to bring the good to the ideal?

How are skates sharpened? Is it necessary to sharpen them at all if they are just about to be purchased? There is only one answer - definitely. In a sports store you can buy skates for full training on ice, but they are completely untreated. And one more thing: under no circumstances should you listen to those who say that leather skates have high quality blades. This is nothing more than a myth.

How often should you sharpen your skates?

How often should you sharpen your skates? If, for example, you have training up to 4 times a week, then you need to sharpen twice a week. A favorite question for beginners: “Why do you need to sharpen your skates?” Below are the 4 main reasons:

• a person skating on ice
  begins to feel more confident and gets great pleasure, since gliding is much better;
• the athlete has better control of balance and blade;
• fast rotation and instant acceleration: in figure skating this is necessary for beautiful jumps and spins, in hockey - in order to catch the puck and prevent the opponent from scoring a goal;
• sharpening the blades ensures better glide.

Proper sharpening of skates

First you need to understand what types of sharpening exist. There are two types: without a groove and with a groove.

Professional athletes never sharpen blades themselves; they entrust this task to masters. They have special equipment and know their job well. Once you get your skates back, there are a few factors to consider.

Let's go back to the groove again. Without it there is no question, it creates two ribs. Its absence increases the likelihood of the blade swinging to the sides while riding. In addition, the correct push will be difficult. Later, the groove is leveled, but few people can restore it correctly, we are, of course, talking about amateurs.

A high quality blade does not require constant sharpening. Its quality is determined by its hardness. If you stand on the ice and your skates begin to slip during a push and break off when turning, this is a signal that they need to be sharpened.

Real professionals take all this into account, because they know that if the groove is too deep, the athlete will not be able to slide on one edge. It’s bad when the groove is very small: stalling when turning is also inevitable. Along the entire length of the blade, the depth of the ribs should be the same.

However, there are several nuances. How to sharpen hockey skates? They should have a small groove with a radius of 5 to 8 mm. There is also a noticeable difference when sharpening socks for hitters and players.

Then how to sharpen figure skates? Sharpening of figured ones differs in that the radius of the groove ranges from 11 to 15 mm.

As you can see, there is still a difference in sharpening skates for figure skating and hockey.

The most common mistakes that amateurs make when sharpening skates

It has been verified that such errors exist and they occur frequently.

1. Skates are returned with the wrong groove radius. The outline is also incorrect. Result: You will not be able to control your skates while skating, which will lead to injury.
2. Incorrect steel removal can be seen in some areas of the blade. Beginners or just amateurs sin the most at this stage. They remove too much steel from the heel or toe. Result: poor stability; the blade may overheat while sliding.
3. The difference between the outside and inside of the blade. Result: a person may lose his balance while riding and fall, and again get injured.

The very first thing that experienced coaches and athletes will advise you to do is to have your skates sharpened by real masters. It doesn't matter what kind of skates you have: plastic or leather, the main thing is how the skates are sharpened. After all, it depends on whether you can feel comfortable in them while riding.

How are skates sharpened? Is it worth trying to do this yourself? The person who does this has a special machine and all the necessary equipment. But you shouldn’t do this personally and trust amateurs. It is best if you seek help from a real professional. In addition, doing this at home is very difficult and almost impossible.

Source: https://FB.ru/article/141501/kak-tochat-konki-dlya-figurnogo-kataniya-i-igryi-v-hokkey-est-li-raznitsa-v-sposobah-zatochki