Hockey season is upon us, which means that kids, friends, and family members have been asking you for your hockey gear for a while now. It’s that time of year again. You finally made the decision to buy a set of ice skates, and everything seems perfect… until that one fateful day when you drop them on the ice and discover they’re not as sharp as you’d hoped. That’s when you realize that it’s not just the wrong size or style that makes them uncomfortable, but that they’re actually a little dull. That’s when you wish you’d heeded those annoying tooth aches and bought a different pair altogether.
The truth is, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding on the smooth ice surface, carving through the air as you shoot past the other skaters. If a day goes by without you having felt that rush, then it’s probably time to rethink your life choices. But fear not. There’s still hope. The following will tell you how to easily determine whether or not your new pair of ice skates are up to snuff. Keep reading, and you’ll discover the answer to whether or not your hockey skates are sharp.
Table of Contents
Feel The Needle
If you’ve ever tried on a pair of shoes or boots, then you’ll know the drill. As soon as you put them on, you immediately start to feel the need for a pedicure. The same is true for your ice skates. When you skate, you’ll feel a sharp needle scraping along at the nerve endings at the base of your toes. That’s the sensation you’re looking for. If you’re not feeling it, then it’s probably time to go back and buy a different pair.
With all new gear, it’s essential to be wary of the sharp needle sensation. Many brands have engineered their products with the sharpest of needles in mind, so they can cut through the air as you glide across the ice. Even companies that make luxury items like Yacht and Arcteryx have tested their designs through actual ice skating competitions, so they know what works best and can offer solid guarantees on their gear. If you’re not feeling a sharp sensation when you skate, then it’s probably best to pass as it is not worth the risk of injury to your toes. Remember, you’ll eventually grow out of the shoes you began with, so try buying a pair that’s slightly more comfortable once you have. If you do end up with toe injuries from bad sports shoes, then it’s time for an upgrade anyway. For best results, get a pair that’s been approved for competition use.
Carve The Air
When you’re standing on the ice, pointing one foot in the direction you intend to go, and the other behind you to balance, it’s easy for the ice to swallow you up. But that’s okay. You’ve got bigger things to worry about than whether or not you’re going to keep your balance. The most important thing is that when you start moving, you feel like you’re carving the air, like a hot knife through butter. This is what you should be aiming for. As you get used to the feeling, you won’t be able to help but skate with more purpose, like a laser beam searing through the waters of the lake.
If, when you start moving, you still feel like you’re dragging your feet a little bit, then it’s probably time for an upgrade. This is not how you want to feel when you skate. There’s no drag, no resistance. You should be able to feel the wind as you push off, like you’re flying.
Follow The Timing Belt
The timing belt is what connects the skate’s two parts, the boot and the frame. It ensures that your blades are always in sync with your body, adjusting themselves accordingly at all times as you move. Most importantly, when you feel that tug on your hips as you pull back, it means that your blades are about to catch up with you, and you’ll need to stop or at least reduce your pace. The longer you go, the more your blades will catch up with you, so keep an eye out for that extra gear tug, and you’ll know when to ease up or speed up as needed. But mostly, you just want to keep going, until that feeling of freedom and joy is enough to keep you skating all night.
If you’re not feeling that tug, or if it only happens sometimes, then it’s probably time to go back and try a different brand or style of skate. Some people prefer their gear to be more rigid and stable, while others like a looser fit that allows for more movement. You might also need a different size in order to find the right fit. Remember, you’ll grow out of your boots and into your skates as you get used to it, so you might need to go up a size to accommodate some toe expansion. Your mom will thank you for this, by the way.
Check The Reflex
Before you take off on your first ever skate, it’s important to have a good idea of how to stop. Are you planning on using your hands to help stop or to rely solely on your feet? Your hands are your greatest asset while on the ice. They’re what you’d use to block a puck, slap the face of an unsuspecting bully, or even help someone else up if they’re struggling. But while your hands are incredibly useful on the ice, they’re useless for stopping. Your feet are what you need to focus on when it comes to stopping. So if you’re planning on using your hands to stop, then make sure they’re prepared for the task. Don’t underestimate the power of your palm either. Slap that motherfucker and listen to her screech. Better yet, use your thumbs to find the cracks in the pavement and the seams in your jeans. Your reflexes will thank you for this.
While your reflexes are pretty much essential for stopping, they’re also responsible for your start. Before you take your first step, you need to have a clear idea of how to stop. Practice stopping at various speeds and in different directions, and before you know it, you’ll be able to stop on a dime, like a ninja.
Check The Blade’s Curvature
To say that your ice skate blade needs to be perfectly sharp is an understatement. The sharper the better when it comes to your ice skate’s bite, or cutting ability. There are various ways to achieve the perfect edge. You can get a professional edge sharpening every week, or you can do it yourself with some tools and a steady hand. The key is to develop a really smooth edge that doesn’t have any serrations, abrasions, or cracks. When you’re skating, it’s easy to accidentally bite off some of the skin on your tongue, which can cause serious damage. Not to mention, putting yourself in this position while wearing a crown can cause serious injury as well. Not that we want to discourage you from wearing a crown or licking your fingers while skating, it’s just that your tongue might feel like an extra appendage when you’re trying to maneuver those sharp turns, which can lead to injuries from overuse. This is why it’s best to have a smooth, clean surface when using your ice skates. If it’s not sharp enough for you and you keep on slipping, then it’s time to go back and try a different style or brand.