Get the Edge: Skate Sharpening
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran on the ice or just starting out, skate sharpening is a must for everyone, but is also a topic for debate. Since no skate sharpening can be identical to the last, the majority of hockey players prefer to get their skates done by the same shop each time. Some manufacturers have attempted to achieve blade uniformity by using robotic sharpeners, but others continue to rely on the trusty pro-shop guy who’s got skate sharpening down to a science.
If you’re a hockey player, you have probably heard the term “radius” thrown around in the locker room, or have been asked by your local skate sharpener what radius you’d like on your skates. But because there are two different types of radii per skate blade, it is important to know the function of each.
The most familiar radius on a skate blade is the Radius of Hollow (ROH) pictured right. On a single skate blade there are two edges. The ROH refers to the depth, or hollow, in between these two edges. ROH preferences vary for each individual, but are always relevant to the hardness of the ice you are skating on. If a player plans to skate on an ice surface that is harder than what they are used to, a hollow that is deeper than usual would be advised. Goaltenders typically get their skates sharpened with a 1 inch
hollow, thus allowing them to easily slide side to side in goal. Whether you are a forward, defenseman, or goalie, it is important to try out different ROH’s and find your preference.
Custom radius sharpening, or blade profiling, is one aspect of skate sharpening that isn’t frequently discussed, but very important. Buying the top of the line skate is always exciting. Your feet have a new home that’s likely to be more comfortable, durable and lighter than your old skates, but there’s another thing you can do to your skates that will help you reach your peak performance level: blade profiling, or “custom radius sharpening” pictured above.
When skating, only a small portion of the actual skate blade touches the ice at a time. The amount of blade touching the ice corresponds to the profile radius of your skate blade. Standard profile radii for senior skates include 9 foot, 11 foot, and 13 foot blade profiles. The larger the profile radius, the more of the skate blade will be touching the ice. It is important to pick a blade profile that meshes well with your skating attributes. A shifty player who wants to easily maneuver in the corners with quick turns would lean towards a smaller blade profile, while a defensemen looking to build up speed fast to join a play would lean towards a larger blade profile.
What most skaters are unaware of is that the majority of skates purchased in stores have factory blades with mismatched profiles. By getting a blade profile done you will be better prepared to reach your full skating potential.
For all of your skate sharpening needs, click here to find the FMC pro-shop and Pure Hockey store closest to you!
Make sure to check in with the next FMC newsletter where we’ll look into the evolving world of college hockey and what we can expect in future years!
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