Even if you are only a casual skater, the metal blades on your ice skates need to be kept sharp and in good condition in order to perform the best. You should check the blades every time after you use them to see if they are dull or not. How often you need to sharpen them depends on how many hours a week you use your skates. On the newer styles of ice skates, you can find a line on the metal blade that shows you the point at which the blades cannot be sharpened anymore. When you reach this line, it's time to purchase new blades. To check your ice skate blades to see if they need sharpening, run your fingernail lightly down the edge of each blade. If each metal blade is sharp, it will tend to dig into your nail. If it is dull, then the blade will just slide across your nail with no tendency to dig into it, and you will know that it's time to sharpen your ice skates. Of course, you will have to sharpen the blades of ice skates every time you buy a new pair because they are not sharpened by the manufacturer.
Make sure to put the storage guard on your blades when not using them then, store your ice skates in a dry place away from cold and moisture.
