I sharpen my own skates because I skate so often (at times every night), and generally sharpen them every 3 ice times. I prefer my skates sharp and well done. I use just under 12mm which is just a bit under 1/2", I've done down to 3/8 but found a happy medium. I typically will sharpen any of my teammates skates whenever they ask, and I've now become their preferential sharpener, but I'm a perfectionist when it comes to it. I use an SSM2 without the swingarm, I have a tabletop config with a Blackstone clamp.
As for blades, I use Step Blacksteel's, and they are honestly all I'd use anymore, they're that good. The glide is just unmatched (although, I do a polishing pass on my hollow with machine polish which helps that too), but they are durable. I've gone through LS2's (liked the profile but ground them out too fast), LS4's (didn't like the heel, profiled them like the LS2's which was good but they were weak and broke one in half on a standard block once), Step regulars which are much better than stock steel for the price. You pay alot for the blacks, but I think its worth it. I've been on these ones for a year, and I've probably got until the fall before they're ground out too much.
Pics for views!
