INSTRUCTIONS

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF SMALL CHILDREN!

SkateMate fits ice skate blades in two ways. The knobs are turned at the same time in opposite directions to adjust the gap width for a snug yet freely sliding fit. The cylinder is slightly elastic and will flex under LIGHT pressure to sharpen almost every type of blade hollow. It will also flatten sufficiently to sharpen ultra-thin flat-ground blades such as on speed skates and modern Scandinavian tour skates. For deeply hollow-ground blades ( <= 3/8” i.e., ice hockey blades, figure skates etc.), use of the RETROFIT KIT [accessory] is recommended.

CAUTION: Open the sharpener wide enough to fit easily over the blade and to avoid damaging the bonded PP-polymer strips. (Cleaning the PP-polymer surfaces after use to remove residue will extend service life.)  
   Turn both knobs to close the two sides EQUALLY so that they grasp the skate blade tightly, then turn back just enough to allow sliding movement up and down the blade. If the sharpener is allowed to rock from side to side, one or both edges may become duller instead of sharper!
   Do not press down hard! Use light pressure. Too much pressure will make the edges duller. It may be best (see figure below) to start with [1] short strokes and gradually change over to [2] sweeping strokes to finish up. Turn the cylinder in its holder when a fresh abrasive surface is needed.
   Producing fine edges may take several minutes depending on the condition of your blades. Finish off by using the deburring strips along both sides for ultimate sharpness. IF YOU HAVE EXPENSIVE, SHINY, CHROMIUM-PLATED BLADES, DO NOT USE THE DEBURRING STRIPS. The optional fine-grade abrasive cylinders are also recommended for final touch-up work (e.g. speed skates).
   To switch to a different or a new cylinder, hold SkateMate with the holder downwards and turn both knobs at the same time with your thumbs to open the sharpener until the holder falls free -- and then stop turning AND DO NOT TURN THE KNOBS AGAIN until the cylinder holder is put back in place. Turning too far after the holder has been removed will cause the knobs to fall off the special screws.  

WARNING!
Ice skate blades sharpened with SkateMate tend to become very sharp. No responsibility can thus be assumed for any injuries directly or indirectly linked with the use of this sharpener.