How to sharpen skates for figure skating and hockey? Is there a difference in the methods of sharpening?

If you are engaged in figure skating or hockey, you must know how to sharpen skates and what it's for. Do not enter the list of those who ride on worn-out blades and completely abandoned the condition of their skates. So, how do you sharpen skates?

Who can sharpen skates?

You have recently bought yourself brand new skates for skating. Keep in mind: the blades have a certain profile radius. Its features depend on a particular model. How wrong are those who think that the factory contours of the blade are well suited for almost everyone. In this regard, we can say the following: the factory makes a good outline, but would not you like to bring the good to the ideal?

How to sharpen skates? Do I need to sharpen them if they are about to be bought? The answer is one - it is necessary. In the sports shop you can buy skates for full-fledged training on ice, but they are completely untreated. And one more thing: in no case should you listen to those who say that leather skates have a blade of high quality. This is nothing more than a myth.

How often should I sharpen my skates?

How often to sharpen skates? If, for example, you have workouts up to 4 times a week, then you need to sharpen twice a week. Favorite question for beginners: "Why do you need to sharpen your skates?". Here are 4 main reasons:

• A man riding on ice,
  Begins to feel more confident and gets great pleasure, since the slide is much better;
• The athlete better controls the balance and blade;
• Rapid rotation and instant acceleration: in figure skating it is necessary for beautiful jumps and spins, in hockey - in order to catch the puck and not let the enemy score a goal;
• Sharpening the blades provides better slip.

Correct sharpening of skates

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

Professional sportsmen never sharpen the blades themselves, they entrust this work to the masters. They have special equipment, and they know their work well. After you get back your skates, pay attention to several factors.

Again, go back to the groove. Without it, there can be no question, it creates two ribs. Its absence increases the probability of swinging the blade to the sides during skating. In addition, the correct push will be difficult. Later the groove is leveled, but few can restore it correctly, it is, of course, talking about amateurs.

High quality blade does not need In a constant sharpening. Its quality is determined by its hardness. If you are on the ice and during the push the skates begin to slip, and at the bends to break - this is the 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 can not slide on one edge. Bad, when the groove is very small: a breakdown on corners also can not be avoided. The depth of the edges must be the same along the entire length of the blade. However, there are several nuances. How to sharpen hockey skates? They should have a small chute with a radius of 5 to 8 mm. There is also a tangible difference when sharpening socks for attackers and players. Then how to sharpen figure skates? Sharpening of curly differs in that the radius of the groove varies from 11 to 15 mm.

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

The most common mistakes that amateurs make while sharpening skates

It is checked that such errors exist, and they often occur.

1. Return the skates with the wrong radius of the groove. The contour is also incorrect. Result: you can not control skates during skiing, which will result in injury.
2. In some areas of the blade, you can see the wrong steel cutting. Beginners or just lovers at this stage sin most. They take too much steel with a heel or a sock. Result: poor stability, the blade can overheat during sliding.
3. The difference between the outer and inner sides of the blade. Result: a person during riding can lose balance and fall, and again get hurt.

The very first thing that experienced trainers and sportsmen will advise is to give skates to sharpen real masters. It does not matter what kind of skates you have: from plastic or leather, the main thing is how to sharpen skates. After all, it depends on whether it will be possible to feel comfortable in them during skiing.

How to sharpen skates? Is it worth trying to do it yourself? The person who does this, has a special machine and all the necessary equipment. But do not personally engage in this and trust the fans. It is best if you seek help from a real professional. In addition, at home, it is very difficult to do and almost impossible.