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MattyK · 10-14-2006, 03:05 PM

The real factor in skate sharpening is how sharp you like them. Sharper skates have a lot less contact with the ice than dull skates. As a result, they dull a lot faster and need more frequent sharpening to maintain that degree of sharpness. For an analogy, think of how fast a sharp pencil wears out compared to a dull one.

My out skates, I sharpen about every ten games. My goal skates, I haven't sharpened for about 45-50 games. I like them really dull.

As far as taping the stick goes, I like to retape it as soon as it starts to get frayed on the bottom. Every three games or so. I recommend waxing the stick, especially if you like slapshots. If you don't wax, water can seep into the blade. It'll get waterlogged and swell up -- and the spongy blade will absorb a lot of the slapshot power.

IMHO, waxing isn't that much of an issue if you stick to wristshots and snapshots, though.

Taping a goal stick, OTOH, I leave it on as long as possible. Puckmarks on your goal equipment convey experience. And no waxing...a softer, waterlogged blade on your goal stick will reduce rebounds off the blade.

10-14-2006, 03:05 PM	#10
MattyK Backup Goalie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Edmonton, AB Exp:	The real factor in skate sharpening is how sharp you like them. Sharper skates have a lot less contact with the ice than dull skates. As a result, they dull a lot faster and need more frequent sharpening to maintain that degree of sharpness. For an analogy, think of how fast a sharp pencil wears out compared to a dull one. My out skates, I sharpen about every ten games. My goal skates, I haven't sharpened for about 45-50 games. I like them really dull. As far as taping the stick goes, I like to retape it as soon as it starts to get frayed on the bottom. Every three games or so. I recommend waxing the stick, especially if you like slapshots. If you don't wax, water can seep into the blade. It'll get waterlogged and swell up -- and the spongy blade will absorb a lot of the slapshot power. IMHO, waxing isn't that much of an issue if you stick to wristshots and snapshots, though. Taping a goal stick, OTOH, I leave it on as long as possible. Puckmarks on your goal equipment convey experience. And no waxing...a softer, waterlogged blade on your goal stick will reduce rebounds off the blade. Last edited by MattyK; 10-14-2006 at 03:10 PM.