The W.E.A.R. Score Generator Tool

A skater's W.E.A.R. Score provides basic information on all the elements that affect the edge sharpness of an ice skater's blade.

By using the W.E.A.R. Score Generator Tool, any skater can better understand how long their skate blade may hold its edge given these four key elements:

Skaters' Weight, Edge Blade Type, Abrasive Surface, and Rink Hrs per week.

So what's your Score?

Answer each of the four (4) highlighted categories using the W.E.A.R. Scoring Schedule below. 

Each of these factors directly impact the sharpness of your blades which will determine your overall W.E.A.R. Score. 

(Note: Try refreshing your browser if you have trouble loading the tool)

How Do I Find Out My Skate Blade W.E.A.R. Score?

Follow each of the 4-steps below to calculate your overall skate blade W.E.A.R. Score on the graph above.

Note: The higher the Score, the duller the blade, and the need for additional sharpenings (or better quality skates, blades, or blade runners).

Easy 4-Step Instructions:

Step One

Weight: To start the W.E.A.R. Score generator, simply enter the skater's body weight, and the Weight Score will enter into the score field and onto the bar graph to begin the process.

Step Two

Edge: Using the Schedule above, enter the Score for the type of blade that the skater is currently using in the second field just below the Weight Score.

Note: If the skate blade is "Chrome-Plated," then deduct .5 from the scheduled Score before entering it into the score field.

Step Three:

Abrasion: As you can see, surface friction varies from fresh-cut arena ice all the way down to synthetic ice skating tiles (single-sided).

On Arena ice, skate blades will see more wear as the ice surface gets chopped up, much like you would see at any weekend public skating session.

Enter a score of 1 to 5 depending on the condition and quality of the ice with regard to how chopped up it is. 

Note: (Synthetic Ice) Deduct .5 from the Score for Infused synthetic ice surfaces that have a conditioner or glide enhancer applied to the Surface.

Step Four:

Rink Hours: While the previous three W.E.A.R. Scores play a role in the overall sharpness of any skate blade, nothing affects the sharpness more than the time you spend skating on the ice.

Enter a score of 1 to 5 based on the "Rink Hrs. Per Week" Schedule above. You can combine any of the hours in the Schedule above to configure your total hours between skate sharpenings. 

Example: To enter 14 skating hours add Scores 5 (12+ Hrs) plus 1 (1-2 hrs.) for a total score of 6 in the Rink Hrs. Score field above.

What's Considered a good W.E.A.R. Score?

You'll notice as your time on the ice increases, between practices, performances, and games, so does your W.E.A.R. Score.

Once your score exceeds a 4.5 rating, it's probably time to take a good look at your edges and consider getting them sharpened.

If you see that over time you seem to be sharpening your skates more often, you may want to consider upgrading your blade runners.

Like a faucet that needs a washer, there's no need to replace a pair of perfectly broken in skate boots if the blade is the only issue.

How Do I Know When To Sharpen My Skate Blades?

It's a good idea to get in the habit of carefully feeling your skate blade edges for dullness after you dry them before putting them in your bag.

You can also visually see if your edges are uneven if you line up your eye behind the heel and look straight down along the bottom runner of the blade.

By placing a quarter on the bottom of the blade, a trained eye can see if one edge is higher or lower than the other and needs sharpening.

The first thing you'll begin to feel on the ice while skating is that you won't be able to push off or grip the ice as well when the blade starts to dull.

You'll then start to lose your edge while performing crossovers or sharp turns, preventing you from angling closer to the ice.

Staying Sharp

As you can see, there are many things that can dull a skater's blade over time, depending on what their edges are exposed to and the quality of the skate blade.

Record a log of your ice time and the "feel" of your edges so you have a better understanding of when they may need to be sharpened.

A fun mathematical exercise is to track your total ice time hrs. between sharpenings and divide the cost of a single skate blade sharpening by that number.

Here's an example:

• 16hrs. of total ice time between sharpenings
• $12 per sharpening
• Cost = $0.75 cents per hour of ice time

Be sure to choose a skate blade that is appropriate for your skill level and take into consideration whether or not you have access to a skate sharpener when needed.

You will find out that over time, properly maintaining your skate edge will help you become a better skater and advance your overall skills.

Stay sharp, and keep on skating!