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Custom edges with the Sweet-Stick
In addition to using the Sweet-Stick along the entire length of the blade, players often find that taking an extra pass from the bottom 2/3 to the heel offers that little extra grip when making hard, controlled turns and crossovers.
Also, use the Sweet-Stick to suite certain ice conditions. By taking your Sweet-Stick on the bench, if you find the ice is a little hard and you need that extra grip, take a light swipe along the edges to enhance the feel of the ice.
Goalies - Do you sometimes find that your outside edges have too much BITE and your inside edges don't have enough? Use the flat portion of the ceramic by dragging the tool perpendicular along the outside of the edge to remove that extra bite. To increase the BITE on our inside edge, use the Sweet-Stick as you normally would, only making contact on the inside edge.
Does the Sweet-Stick replace sharpening?
- No. However, if you have not totally lost and edge and your looking to regain that BITE from being on the ice after a few skates the Sweet-Stick is a perfect tool. If you have lost and edge it's time to have your skates sharpened. For more information on skate sharpening and contouring visit:Skaters-Edge.com
Can I over use my Sweet-Stick?
- Yes. At some point the Sweet Stick will not have any effect on the edges, usually after 4-6 uses it's time to have your skates traditionally sharpened and you can start the process over again.
Can the Sweet Stick damage my blades?
- If properly used the Sweet Stick will not damage your blades. However, it is possible that if you apply heavy pressure it could actually over-sharpen your edges, giving you too much bite.
When should I have my skates sharpened?
- If you've lost an edge or after about 8-10 hours on the ice (even using the Sweet-Stickâ„¢) it's time to have them done again. For more information on skate sharpening and contouring visit: Skaters-Edge.com
Checking your edges
- Edges loose anywhere from 15-25% of the efficiency of the edge for each hour on the ice. So it's best to think about having your skates sharpened around the 4th skate.
- You don't need to use your thumb nail to check how sharp your skates are. This means nothing. However, to check for a lost edge hold the skate upside down in a light and look down the blade. If you see a "flat" or "shiny" spot longer than 1/8" of an inch they should be re-sharpened.
Skate Maintenance
- Check your edges after each skate. It's easier to have them sharpened after you skate rather than remembering right before you skate.
- Keep your skates dry. Not only the blades (especially non-stainless steel) but the boots as well. Remove them from your bag so they dry completely before your next skate. Wet skates deteriorate quicker, are heavier to skate in and SMELL really bad for your favorite skate sharpener!
- Also, if the foot beds in your skates are removable take those out too. This will reduce the chance of your skate rivets from rusting.
Tips for tying and untying your skates
- When untying your laces, remove the laces from the top 3 or 4 eyelets. It's easier to pull your foot out, and easier to put in the next time you skate. Plus you'll find your foot is more comfortable in your boot.
- When you're tying laces, before making a bow, wrap the laces twice, not once. This way when you make your bow your laces won't loosen up and they'll stay tight.
- If your laces are frayed at the ends - BUY NEW ONES!
- Do not wrap your laces or tape around your skate boot. This restricts forward knee bend and will force your heel forward and put you on your toes, rather than the main portion of your blade on the ice to gain full stride, speed & balance.
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