How Often Should You Sharpen Your Skates?
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Pro Tips from True North “Bench” Staff
One of the most common questions we hear from hockey families:
“How often should we sharpen our skates?”
The answer? It depends — but if you’re slipping in corners or can’t stop with confidence, chances are it’s time.
Proper skate sharpening affects every aspect of your game: your speed, edge control, stopping ability, and even your confidence on the ice. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a rep-level goalie, consistent sharpening matters.
Here’s what you need to know, straight from the sharpening bench at True North Sports.
What Is Skate Sharpening, Anyway?
Sharpening your skates means creating a hollow — a concave groove — in the blade that gives you two edges to grip the ice.
That hollow affects how much bite your blade has:
- Deeper hollow (e.g., 3/8") = more grip, tighter turns, slower glide
- Shallower hollow (e.g., 5/8") = more glide, less edge, faster but looser
The sharper the hollow, the more bite you get — but too sharp and you’ll feel “stuck” or burn out your edges quickly.
How Often Should You Sharpen?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but here’s a general guideline based on player level:
| Player Type | Skating Frequency | Recommended Sharpening |
|---|---|---|
| Recreational (1x/week) | Light | Every 6–8 ice times |
| House League (2x/week) | Moderate | Every 4–5 ice times |
| Rep/Competitive (3–5x/week) | Heavy | Every 2–3 ice times |
| Goalie | Depends on preference | Every 4–6 ice times |
Pro Tip: Competitive players often sharpen once per week, especially before games or tournaments.
Signs It’s Time for a Sharpening
- You’re slipping when stopping or turning
- You hear more scraping than cutting on the ice
- You can’t hold edges on crossovers or transitions
- The blade feels dull when rubbed gently with a fingernail
- You just skated outdoors (concrete, gravel, or pond ice eats edges!)
What Hollow Should I Use?
Your hollow is usually measured in inches. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Hollow Size | Glide vs. Grip | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8" | Max grip, less glide | Quick stops, younger skaters |
| 1/2" | Balanced bite and glide | Most common default |
| 5/8" | More glide, less edge | Older players, goalies |
| 1" or Flat | Minimal edge | High-speed glide, outdoor rinks, or goalies |
Not sure? Ask our bench staff — we’ll help you test and adjust over time.
How to Care for Your Edges Between Sharpenings
- Use skate guards when walking off the ice
- Dry blades completely after every session to prevent rust
- Avoid banging blades on boards, glass, or posts
- Get both skates sharpened at the same time — never just one
What About Goalies?
Goalies tend to sharpen less frequently — not because they don’t need edges, but because they rely more on stance, push-offs, and stability. A slightly dull edge can sometimes help with smooth movements in the crease.
Many goalies use a shallower hollow like 5/8" or 3/4" for better slide control. But if they’re slipping on pushes, it’s time for a tune-up.
Final Thoughts
Sharpening your skates isn’t just routine maintenance — it’s part of your performance strategy. Regular sharpening gives you better edge control, more confidence, and fewer accidents on the ice.
Still not sure how often to sharpen or what hollow to use?
Drop by True North Sports — our sharpening pros are happy to inspect your blades, offer advice, and help dial in your perfect edge.