The Secret to Sharp Edges - a flat stone.
When it comes to sharpening ice speed skates there are a variety of opinions about how it should be done. This article will not add to that conversation, but will answer the question of what is the #1 requirement for crisp sharp edges; a flat stone.
There are two main types of whetstones used by speedskaters: Natural Stones and Diamond Stones. They are made of vastly different materials, one is obviously made of diamond dust of a certain grit usually attached into a nickel plate. The other is made of Novaculite, a type of quartz commonly refered to as Arkansas Stone.
While many folks favor the use of diamonds, their obvious advantage is not in the material being used, but in the fact that they retain a flat shape throughout their service life. Natural stones, on the other hand, can be worn out-of-flat and consequently deliver a subpar edge. However, the advantage of natural stones is that they last much longer than diamond stones, cost significantly less, and with a little tender care they can give you as good an edge as any other type of stone. This article will show you HOW!
Curious fact: A whetstone is a sharpening stone. The word "whet" means to sharpen and not used in reference to the common use of water or a liquid often used when sharpening.
The stone, resurfacing powder and glass surface is essentially all you need.
Materials You Will Need
With a little patience and practice you can have a perfectly flat stone to sharpen your speedskates. These are the items you really need:
- The Sharpening Stone
- A flat surface larger than 8"x10" to grind the stone: The most common material used is a piece of glass, 1/4" or thicker to prevent bending. Another used material is a piece of granite. Both of these materials can be expensive, but finding a furniture store with damaged goods is sometimes a good place to find a bargain.
- Resurfacing powder: SkateNOW carries 2 different types of resurfacing powder; Viking and Zandstra. The difference is almost negligeble, and they can be used interchangeably. However, it is worth noting that they are made differently because each wants to give their branded stones the best possible finish.
- Dishwashing soap and a soft brush: If you have oiled your stone, you will need to wash off as much of the oil as possible. With soapy water, brush off and clean as much of the oil as you can in order to minimize the resurfacing powder from clinging to your stone. We do strongly recommend you use your stone dry (not oiled) and follow the process shown below to keep your stone as good as new.
THE PROCESS
1)
You will feel and see your stone wear out-of-flat after sharpening your skates a few times. Flattening your stone will eventually wear out the stone to the point it will be almost paper thin. However, we have gone up to 10 years before needing to replace a stone. You should have no problem making your stone last even longer!
2)
You will need to add some of the resurfacing powder on top of your glass/granite; all you need is a small pinch in the middle of the surface to get started.
3)
Put the stone on top of the powder, hold firmly BUT DO NOT pressure down
4)
We recommend making small circles (about 10) in one direction and then switching to the other direction. Then reverse the hold of your stone (keeping the same face down) and repeat the same amount of circles in both directions.
5)
The resurfacing powder will begin to accumulate at the edges of the surface. Take a moment to move as much of it back to the area where you are moving your stone.
6)
How do you know you are finished? The grinding sound will be softer after a few passes. If your stone has been used a long time with little or no maintenance you might need to throw away the dust and put another pinch of resurfacing powder and start again. You will know your are done when the stone looks and feels like new (as shown below). If the other side of your stone is also worn, repeat the same process.
We are sure that you will find that working with natural stones is not only a great investment, but creates the sharpest and best edges for your skates. if you have any questions or you are not getting the results you want; CONTACT US. We are happy to assist you with all your skating needs.