Skate Sharpening Myths: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction?

When it comes to skate sharpening, there’s no shortage of opinions. Locker rooms, pro shops, and even well-meaning parents pass along advice that sounds convincing — but often does more harm than good. The truth is, your blades are one of the most important pieces of your gear, and misinformation can hold you back on the ice.

At SchwendiSharpens, we use professional-grade tools like the SSM-2 Pro for figure skates and the Commercial Sparx 3 for hockey skates, which means we see firsthand how much of a difference precision makes. Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the biggest skate sharpening myths out there.

Myth #1: A Deeper Hollow Makes You Faster

It’s easy to see why this one gets passed around. A deeper hollow gives you more “bite” into the ice, so it feels like you have more control. But more bite doesn’t equal more speed.

In fact, deeper hollows create more friction, which can actually slow you down. Speed is a balance between edge control and glide. Too deep, and you’ll fight against the ice instead of flowing over it. Too shallow, and you won’t have enough grip.

The truth: The right depth of hollow depends on your weight, skating style, and ice conditions. Speed comes from finding the right hollow for you — not just going deeper.

Myth #2: Figure Skates and Hockey Skates Should Be Sharpened the Same Way

A skate is a skate, right? Not even close.

Hockey blades are shorter and generally thinner, designed for quick cuts, stops, and accelerations. Figure skate blades are longer, often thicker, feature a pronounced rocker, and (most importantly) have toe picks. Using the same sharpening method for both ignores these differences and can actually ruin the performance of your blade.

The truth: Figure skates and hockey skates require different sharpening techniques. Specialized equipment can help with that. That’s why, at SchwendiSharpens, we use the SSM-2 Pro for figure skates and the Sparx 3 for hockey — we find these to be the ideal machines for each discipline.

Myth #3: You Only Need a Sharpening When Your Blades Feel Dull

Many skaters wait until they’re slipping on crossovers or struggling to stop before scheduling a sharpening. The problem? By that point, you’ve already been skating on compromised edges for too long.

Performance declines gradually, so you might be compensating for dull blades without realizing it — which can lead to bad habits or even injuries.

The truth: Sharpening should be based on hours skated and how you care for them, not just feel. For most skaters, that means every 15–20 hours of ice time. Competitive skaters may need it more often.

Something else to think about. How often do you walk around unprotected, even on the soft surfaces of the rink?

Myth #4: New Skates Don’t Need Sharpening Right Away

This one surprises a lot of people. You just paid for brand-new skates — shouldn’t the factory edges be perfect? Unfortunately, no.

New skates often come with uneven or poorly finished edges straight out of the box. They may look sharp, but they’re not optimized for performance. I've had many skaters tell me about falls related to new skates or assuming a skate was ready for the ice.

The truth: Always sharpen new skates before hitting the ice. It ensures you start with even edges and the correct hollow for your style of skating. Don't chance an injury.

Myth #5: Any Sharpening Is a Good Sharpening

Not all sharpenings are created equal. Rink sharpenings can be inconsistent, and even small errors in edge alignment can throw off your balance. Over time, uneven edges can wear down your blades faster, costing you more in replacements.

Believe it or not, I often notice a variance in thickness between the blades on the left skate and the right skate. This means that some adjustments may be required to center the hollow, even if both skates are using Ultima Mark IV blades.

The truth: Precision equipment and technique matter. At SchwendiSharpens, we rely on pro-level machines, equipment, and gauges to ensure accuracy. That consistency gives you confidence every time you step on the ice.

Final Thoughts

Skate sharpening myths spread fast, but the reality is clear: sharper knowledge leads to sharper skating. Whether you’re chasing speed in hockey or perfecting your edges in figure skating, the right sharpening makes all the difference.

👉 Ready to feel the difference? Book your sharpening online today or check out our apparel shop to wear your passion on and off the ice.

Because life’s too short for dull blades.