How often should I replace my skate blade?

[Shanahanigans]

Simple question: I've had my skates for about 4 years now and it's been through numerous sharpenings. When should the skate blade be replaced?

 

[AIREAYE]

Pictures would help. Sometimes your sharpener will let you know if it gets really low, or just ask.

 

[El Tigre Chino]

Sharpeners will usually tell you you're on your last few sharpenings. If it doesnt fit on their jig they cant sharpen your skates. If you feel your skates are dragging along the ice during tight turns or you feel like you're slipping out then its usually time to change the blades too.

 

[Lonny Bohonos]

There is no correct answer and it depends on the skater.

If one is pedantic enough you could replace the blade after each sharpening so that your skates maintain the exact height +/- 0.0000001mm.

Smart ass-ery aside its probably ideal to change them out before they wear off too much as this will affect how the skates respond to your skating style.

 

[mistrhanky]

Probably a dumb question, but how much difference is there amongst the steel? I have a pretty cheap set of skates(Flite Chaos C-55's). It is hard to find size 14 skates. I wonder though if the steel in these is any cheaper than better skates or if it is all in the boot. I seem to have to sharpen up a lot more frequently than other guys. How much does new steel blades cost?

 

[forbs02]

Probably a dumb question, but how much difference is there amongst the steel? I have a pretty cheap set of skates(Flite Chaos C-55's). It is hard to find size 14 skates. I wonder though if the steel in these is any cheaper than better skates or if it is all in the boot. I seem to have to sharpen up a lot more frequently than other guys. How much does new steel blades cost?

As far as I can tell from a photo off the internet, you can't replace the steel on those skates. You would have to get a new holder and steel mounted on the boot. Those skates have a carbon steel blade in them instead of a stainless blade which is why you need to sharpen your skates more often. The carbon steel is softer and just doesn't hold an edge as well.

What size shoe do you wear that you are in a size 14 skate?

 

[mistrhanky]

As far as I can tell from a photo off the internet, you can't replace the steel on those skates. You would have to get a new holder and steel mounted on the boot. Those skates have a carbon steel blade in them instead of a stainless blade which is why you need to sharpen your skates more often. The carbon steel is softer and just doesn't hold an edge as well.

What size shoe do you wear that you are in a size 14 skate?

Size 16 shoes.

 

[Hal2000]

Size 16 shoes.

Jesus Christ

 

[Aucoin11*]

Jesus Christ

I second this.

I will say though, steel makes a huge difference. From personal experience the quality of step steel far exceeds most stock. I went from a new sharpening every 5 or so skates to one every 15 or so. It pays for itself if you skate enough and are compulsive about your edge.

 

[mistrhanky]

It has been noted that I stop more shots with my feet than with my stick

I may have to look into what it would take to get new mounts/better steel then. It does seem like I cycle from new edges to feeling perfect to getting sloppy in a much shorter time frame than others. It is tough to afford custom sized skates and usually most companies only want to offer it on $500 priced skates... which are just out of my budget unfortunately. At least, maybe I don't feel like it is just in my head that my skates are wearing out faster... maybe they really are.

 

[Jarick]

Simple question: I've had my skates for about 4 years now and it's been through numerous sharpenings. When should the skate blade be replaced?

Typically if your steel is so short that you're touching the holder against the ice when you lean, you want to replace it. Or if you're an elite skater without budget constraints and need to maintain steel height!

Probably a dumb question, but how much difference is there amongst the steel? I have a pretty cheap set of skates(Flite Chaos C-55's). It is hard to find size 14 skates. I wonder though if the steel in these is any cheaper than better skates or if it is all in the boot. I seem to have to sharpen up a lot more frequently than other guys. How much does new steel blades cost?

I found good steel does make a difference. My first skates were cheap Bauers and the carbon steel was rusting and chipping and needed sharpening every few skates. Since then I've had good stainless steel and it holds an edge for much longer, no rusting, and I even find I get better glide because it stays sharper.

New holders/steel plus install could run up to $100 depending on your shop, so it's up to you do decide if that's a good option or saving up for new skates.