Skates and Blades

Subject: Re: Skates and Blades 02.12.07 2:36

Eli wrote:

I've been wondering how long can I skate on my skates until I will need to sharpen them?
I mean should I do it once a month or once a year???
I'm totally unaware of such things Embarassed

so I'd appreciate any help!!! bisousfleurs

One rule I have heard is after about 40 hours on the ice. But once you start to slip sideways a little pale

, then it is definitely time to have them sharpened, and hopefully by someone who does figure skates more than hockey skates. And remember that blades can only be sharpened so many times because the blades become thinner and thinner each time they are sharpened.

I find my blades are too sharp immediately after they have been sharpened. The blades dig so much into the ice that I cannot do a proper stop. On the other hand, I have no worries about holding outside edges Cool

.

My first pair of skates, I was fitted by a teenage hockey player who told me that the boot must feel really tight. I never felt comfortable in those Riedells

, they rubbed my smallest toe really hard most of the time. My second pair was the first time I bought boots and blades separately. I like my Jackson boots, ( http://www.jacksonskate.com/jackson_skates/ , don't remember which model, one of the medium-priced ones) and I insisted on buying a half size larger than recommended. No idea about my blades. I told my instructor at the time to choose them for me, LOL. MK Diamonds? Much bigger toepick than my beginner skates. I had to relearn how to do back crossovers because they were suddenly scratchyyyyyyyy!!! affraid

Subject: Re: Skates and Blades 02.12.07 3:03

Thank you Karen for the advices hugs

40 hours... then it seems I should sharpen my skates each half a year or so Wink

That sounds reasonably I guess.

Quote:

I find my blades are too sharp immediately after they have been sharpened.

Oh yeeeeesssssss....ITA Karen Wink

But I still don't get it why they can't sharpen them only as much as the skaters need it Rolling Eyes

Quote:

Much bigger toepick than my beginner skates. I had to relearn how to do back crossovers because they were suddenly scratchyyyyyyyy!!!

ITA once again Wink

Risport is not my first pair of skates... the very first one was called Botas (don't buy them if you can chose someting else!)

Subject: Re: Skates and Blades 02.12.07 14:50

Firstly, the 40 - hour rule sounds about right. I get mine done every week or two. However, I, personally, would suggest that you get them sharpened at least every three months. If you look at a blade, the part at the bottom, which is actually sharp, has a different colour/texture. This is because it is NOT made out of stainless steel like the rest of the blade, but a much stronger composite. If you study bladed weapons (like I do Razz

), you will know that stainless steel is unsuitable for any blade that needs to hold an edge : The metal is too soft and will not keep its form under duress. This non-stainless steel part can, and will, rust, as it is constantly exposed to moisture. To prevent this, the blades are oiled and cleaned with each sharpening, just like one would maintain a good sword. Although drying the blades yourself after use is important, it still cannot remove all of the moisture because water from the atmosphere will condense onto the blade, on account of the temperature difference. Thus, the oil treatment is necessary if you would like your blades to last you a long time. Also, I don't think you will ever have this problem, but if all of that differently coloured bottom is sharpened off (it WILL happen, eventually, if you get the blades sharpened enough), it is time to get a new pair.

Subject: Re: Skates and Blades 05.12.07 14:52

THANKS so much Rach for your professional advices hugs

I'll keep them in mind Wink

Subject: Re: Skates and Blades 06.12.07 20:48

Rina - did you ever manage to sort out your boot problems?

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