Sharpener All Skates
I would like to start sharpening figure skates but what do i buy?
Hello,
In my area there is not one person who sharpens figure skates. I would like to buy all the gear needed to sharpen skates for all the skaters in my area. Where is the best place to learn? And what kind of sharpener should i buy. Right now i have no idea how to sharpen skates but im a fast and skillful learner i just need to be shown the correct way.
Don't buy anything yet, until you've done your homework. You need to make sure that sharpening skates is really a business you want to pursue, so hold off on the equipment.
Sharpening machine manufacturers have basic classes, tutorials and video learning on how to use their equipment.
Blackstone: http://blackstonesport.com/skate_sharpening_videos.cfm
IceSkateology: http://www.iceskateology.com
Blademaster: http://www.blademaster.ca/
Rink Magazine is another good source of education: http://www.rinkmagazine.com/
NARCE provides training throughout the year, plus they have annual tradeshow and conference.
The ISI has articles regularly in their "Edge" magazine that provide tips and insight to the industry.
http://www.skateisi.com/site/Sub.Cfm?Content=Publications_ISI_Edge
The best place to learn is from a master. That means you'll have to travel to several experienced sharpeners to learn the nuances of figure skate sharpening. They have special tools to measure the condition and troubles of blades. I've never met a sharpener who wasn't willing to share his knowledge, especially with someone who won't become a competitor. Most good sharpeners have more than enough business and would like to see the out-of-town skaters have a local option. Volunteer to be an unpaid apprentice for a few weeks during the peak of the season. They probably won't let you sharpen unless you really make a good impression but they'll let you watch and listen to why they do things a certain way and how they resolve problems. Plan on visiting at least three different sharpeners so you get a variety of information. Everyone does things a little different and it's good to know different ways of handling the same problem.
Once you start sharpening skates, people will expect that you can also do adjustments, punch outs and stretching as well as diagnose problems. So your education cannot be limited to fs sharpening along. Remember that the customer is always right and if a sharpener wants to continue to stay in business, they have to protect their reputations by accomodating even demanding customers. It's just part of the dance.
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