International influences
Until the last quarter of the 19th century ice skating had been an activity with a very local colour. In Friesland the accent lay more by speed skating like use of ice skates and in Holland it was more just fun making on the ice. Ice skates were general objects and they were grinded after the wish of their riders. Flat if they wanted to go straight forward and round if they wanted to roll along. This situation changed dramatically by the end of the century as a result of the increasing international contacts which were stimulated by the invention of the combustion engine. Sailing ships were provided with steam engines and auxiliary motors and the time necessary for a journey over sea became more predictable. Regular connections between the continents were established and a circuit of more or less professional ice skaters emerged.
Also at this time a general worldwide feeling grew that gymnastics was a healthy activity and all kinds of sports were introduced and popularized. Speed skating, figure skating and ice hockey were born and in contests their fans wanted to trial their strength. National ice skating associations were founded and the International Skating Union (ISU) established. Officials travelled the world and European and World championships were organized to canalise the activities. Also outdoor and indoor ice rinks were built and the growing density of skaters on ice surfaces brought attention to special design elements and safety aspects.
All these aspects had their effects on the design and manufacturing of ice skates. The all purpose
ice skates disappeared and dedicated speed, figure and hockey skates made their entrance.
Industrial revolution
The arrival of the combustion engine also had its effect on the manufacturing of ice skates.
The handwork of the blacksmiths was mechanized many smiths decided to buy auxiliary machinery and to convert his smithy into a metalworking workshop. The new entrepreneurs expanded their firms and specialized. Some decided to specialize in ice skates. This happened in all ice skating oriented countries. In the German area around Remscheid-Solingen near Cologne e.g., where raw iron could be extracted easily, a large metal oriented industry developed. They became suppliers to the world, also for ice skates and related half products. Blades for ice skates no longer were forged but punched from sheet metal.
From regional to national models
Unfortunately this resulted in the disappearance of the charming curled ice skates by the end of the 19th century. The Holland blacksmiths ceased making ice skates but on the contrary the Friesland blacksmiths specialized in it. They at first broadened their assortment with some Holland models and a few new ones but at the beginning of the 20th century only three main models are left: Friesland ice skates with extended runner blades, Dutch rolling skates and Dutch speed skates.
 Friesland ice skates with wooden curls and extended runner blades |
 Dutch rolling skates |
 Dutch speed skates |