An automated self-service machine for the selective sharpening of ice skate blades utilizes a pair of actuating mechanisms that operate a sharpening device. The sharpening device is disposed within a base and accessible only when activated. A user wearing the ice skate blade to be sharpened steps onto the base and inserts the ice skate blade within a slot where the sharpening blade resides. A control system is configured to enable a user to interface with it to provide the activation of the sharpening device and to enable financial transactions.