Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a specific question that you don’t see answered here, feel free to call us at 716-636-3000, or email us at the address below.
We’re happy to be of service!
How often should skates be sharpened?
Most skate techs say that edges last between 20 to 40 hours or so of skate time. This varies depending on several factors:
How often does the skater skate?
What types of elements is the skater working on? Turns and crossovers put less stress on edges than single jumps, which put less stress on edges than combination jumps, which put less stress on edges than double jumps, etc.
Has the skater skated outside recently? Outdoor rinks and frozen ponds often have debris in the ice that will chip away at edges creating nicks and burrs.
If blades have been damaged from walking on metal, hardwood, concrete, or tile you’ll want to have them sharpened. If blades are rusty either in the hollow (bottom) or on the sides of the blades, they’ll be much easier to skate on once sharpened.
After some experience skaters can feel the difference and will be able to determine when it is time to get fresh edges, but if you can’t recall the last time they were serviced it’s likely they’re due!
How do I get my skates sharpened?
All skate services are by appointment only to ensure quality service. Please call us at 716-636-3000 or visit our Calendar Page to schedule an appointment and we will sharpen your skates as soon as possible.
What skate should I get?
The skate best suited to a skater depends on the way a skate fits the skater's foot and the skill level of a skater. Manufacturers each have different widths and lengths that will feel different to each individual. Manufacturers also offer different styles of support that will benefit each skater as they progress. We address these variances during the skater’s fitting appointment to be sure the skate will fit them well.
Can I walk in and get my skates the same day?
Only if you’re really lucky! We’re a small one-of-a-kind shop and our schedule is usually booked out days in advance. We are appointment based and discourage walk-ins. Skates may look like shoes, but they are precision pieces of equipment requiring a personalized fitting to each skater's foot (yes, even for beginners). It takes about an hour to properly fit skates for a skater's comfort and performance. If we have your skate in stock we will then bump, shape, or stretch the boots to precisely fit your foot and give your blades a fresh sharpening, a service which usually needs to be put on the shop schedule, sometimes requiring a day or two’s delay from when you’re fitted to when you can hit the ice.
See our calendar to check when you can make an appointment!
If you don’t have a skate in stock, how long does it take to get skates in?
Depending on the manufacturer inventory and shipping time the skate may be here within a week or so. However if an item is not in stock and the manufacturer needs to place an order or put it into production, it may take 4-6 weeks to get the skate here.
How long will I be able to use my skates?
Growing skaters can usually get 9-15 months of use out of a pair of skates. Stretching and bumping adjustments can be done to get more time out of a pair of skates. Once a skater stops growing, boots still typically last only about a year with consistent use. Over time the support in the boot will break down due to the forces skating puts on it from jumps, moisture exposure, and friction within the boot. There are occasions where skates will last multiple years, but that’s with exceptional care and a really strong skate.
I have skates we no longer use, do you sell used skates?
No, new skates only at our shop! We don’t accept skates from anyone but our skate distributors as we’ve found used skates to be unreliable and not worth the challenges they present.