Ice Skates

Cryogenic Treatment for Hockey Skates

Discovered by NASA in the 1960’s, scientists have known for the years that deep-freezing changes the microstructure of steel and other materials. Industry has used cryogenic tempering technology to extend the life of cutting tools and there has been recent adoption in the sporting and recreational industries. Today, softball bats manufactured by Worth and golf clubs manufactured by Nicklaus Golf use cryogenic tempering technology.

Now, cryogenic technology is available for hockey blades through the Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. Ever important to the competitive hockey player, cryogenically treated blades keep their edges much sharper. No need to worry about losing the edge in mid-game or having to compromise performance because you are unable to get a fresh sharp prior to your next session on the ice!

In addition, the precipitation of eta-carbide in the steel’s microstructure results in a more uniform metal that actually provides for a better edge than non-treated blades. This “micro-smoothing” is used to reduce friction in NASCAR race engines and also benefits skaters who report that they glide better and feel “freer” on the ice!

The cost is only $20.00 per set of blades and because cryogenic treatment permanently changes the micro-structure of the metal, it is a one time, permanent and irreversible treatment. One treatment lasts the life of the blades and all the benefits are maintained after re-sharpening. There is no difference in re-sharpening time or equipment used and typically 33%-50% less material is actually removed on re-sharps, further increasing blade life.