How often should I sharpen my skates

This is question is asked alot.

Keeping your skates sharp is one of the easiest ways to improve your performance and stay safe on the ice. But how often should you actually sharpen your skates—and how do you know when it’s time?

How Often Should You Sharpen Your Skates?

For most hockey players, skates should be sharpened every 8–10 hours of ice time. This can vary depending on your weight, skating style, ice conditions, and personal preference. Competitive players or those skating several times a week may need sharpening more often, while recreational skaters can usually go longer between sharpenings. Typically we find customers are back every other week while some are back between 4-6 hours of ice time.

Signs Your Skates Need Sharpening

Not sure if your skates are due? Here are a few clear signs:

Less grip on turns or stops – If you’re sliding out or struggling to stop, your edges may be dull.
Feeling unstable on the ice – Dull blades make it harder to balance and control your strides.
More effort to skate – If skating feels harder than usual, worn edges could be the reason.
Visible nicks or rust – Chips or corrosion on the blade mean it’s time for a tune-up.
Edges feel dull to the touch - when you gently rub your finger over the blade edge and it feels dull.

Final Tip

If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to sharpen a little early than too late. Well-sharpened skates give you better control, faster acceleration, and more confidence every time you step on the ice.