Blade Sharpening FAQ – The Boot and Blade

Sharpening your figure skating blades is one of the most important parts of skate care. Well-sharpened blades give you control, consistency, and confidence on the ice — whether you’re practicing basic edges, landing jumps, or gliding through choreography. 

How should my blades feel after they’ve been sharpened?

A properly sharpened blade should feel smooth and ready to use straight away — there’s no such thing as a “break-in” period. You should be able to get on the ice and skate normally.

• Clean, refined edges make turns and stops feel more controlled.

• You shouldn’t struggle to glide or stop. Difficulty usually means the blade has a rough or “scaly” finish, which isn’t recommended.

• The goal is consistency. After sharpening, your skates should feel like an improved version of your last session, not a completely different blade.

How often should I get my skates sharpened?

As a rule of thumb, figure skates should be sharpened every 30–40 hours of skating. To keep on top of this, many skaters map out how many hours they skate per week and set a calendar reminder.

Other factors that affect sharpening frequency:

• Public or rough ice surfaces can dull blades faster.

• Forgetting to use skate guards when walking off the ice.

• A heavier skating style or pressing hard into the ice.

Regular sharpening keeps your skating consistent and means less steel is removed each time, extending the life of your blades. Over time, you’ll develop your own preference and schedule based on how your blades feel.

How to know if your skates need sharpening?

Are there different grades of sharpness?

Yes! Skate sharpness is determined by the depth of the hollow — the curve ground into the bottom of your blade.

• For most figure skaters, 7/16” hollow is recommended, offering a great balance between grip (“bite”) and glide.

• Shallower hollows (e.g., 1/2”) give more glide but less grip.

• Deeper hollows give more bite but can feel too sharp for some skaters.

Keep in mind: finish quality also affects sharpness. A poorly finished 1/2” hollow can feel “sharper” (but worse) than a well-finished 7/16”.

👉 Pro tip: Talk with your skate technician. Let them know how your blades feel so adjustments can be made. At The Boot and Blade, we keep records of your sharpening preferences for consistency every time.

How can I tell if my blades have been sharpened badly?

Signs of a poor skate sharpening often appear gradually rather than instantly, which can make them tricky to spot. Common problems include:

• Flattening the rocker (losing the blade’s natural curve).

• Rounding out the toe pick (reducing grip for jumps and toe steps).

• Rounding the tail of the blade (affecting stability).

These issues can lead to difficulty with gliding, stopping, or executing clean turns.

Some sharpening mistakes can be corrected over time by an experienced technician, but in severe cases the damage can be permanent.

At The Boot and Blade, every new blade we sharpen is first inspected for:

• Mount alignment

• Existing blade condition

• Sharpen quality and care

If there are issues that can’t be fixed, we’ll always flag them and work with you to find the best solution.

Final Thoughts

Blade sharpening is a balance of science and personal preference. Consistency is key — both in how often you sharpen and in the quality of each sharpening. The right routine will give you confidence on the ice, longer-lasting blades, and better overall skating performance.

👉 Looking to get your figure skates sharpened by trusted specialists? Get in touch.