Skate Sharpening, Can't I Use My Knife Sharpener?
Another hockey debate for the ages, I hear it all the time, "What should I get my skates sharpened at?". I hear that, I cringe a little. It's the same as going to the store, grabbing the first box of shoes you see and hope they fit. No, "No Soup for You!".
In all seriousness, I had been using a ROH cut (Yeah, I probably lost you) for years, I switched to an FBV cut (Lost you again, I do that to people) and haven't gone back. I find my on ice strides and glides have less friction. The only complaint, it sometimes feels as though my edge goes out on me, but it's still a great type of cut for a player with a few years of experience.
Types of Hockey Skate Cutting Methods
Let's start with, there are two ways to cut the bottom of your blade, either a radius of hollow (ROH) or flat bottom edge (FBV). ROH has been the standard for many years. In the past few years, FBV has become popular among NHL and recreational players. I personally use FBV, but it does take some get used to.
ROH - Cuts a half moon in the bottom of the skate
FBV - Cuts a half octagon in the bottom of the skate
What is Sharpening
When you get your skates sharpened, a little fairy comes out and sprinkles magic dust on... No, that doesn't sound right either.
Essentially the machine cuts into the groove at the bottom of the blade making a half moon shape for ROH, or a half octagon for FBV cuts.
When you select a number, such as 3/8" or 90/50, this is the depth in which the skate is cut and angle with FBV.
Options for Hollow
Here is a great info graphic identifying the hollow options.
The higher the number equals less grip or bite. The lower the number the more bite on the ice.
When you ask for a standard cut, you get 7/16, in most cases that's always too sharp. I am not here to tell you your preference, however, if your ankle or body feels like the skates stop you before anything else, your skates are too sharp.
Weight of Skater
When you are a lighter player, you can opt for a cut that provides more bite. Your lighter weight doesn't cut into the ice as well as a heavier player.
If you are heavier player, you can opt for a cut that provides more glide since your weight helps cut into the ice.
Weather
When it's cold out, the ice is generally harder. This also means that you may opt to utilize a deeper cut to grip the ice and cut through it more efficiently. The flip side to this, in the summer the ice is softer and doesn't require that sharp of a cut.
Most players opt for their favorite cut all the time.
How Often Should I Sharpen My Skates
You should only sharpen your skates when you feel there is a need to. Going every week is overkill, if you do the skate shops will thank you as your burning through your steel runner faster than everyone else. I know, we all wish we were in the NHL
I know the general rule of thumb is 10 to 20 skates. I also know skaters that sharpen once a year. It all depends on your personal usage and preference.
A once a month trip is likely a good rule to follow.
Wow, This Person Knows How to Sharpen a Skate!
I don't know how many times I go get my skates sharpened and the next day look like a drunk person. This is all due to a bad sharpening. It's really important to learn who does a good job and who doesn't. Automatic machines are no good. Find someone who does a great job and stick with them, it's like a good barber, keep it close.
Conclusion
In the end, it's all about personal preference. Switching from a ROH to FBV cut does take time to get used to. My kids get a 3/8 or 5/8, I go with a 3/4 based on my size. And in the end, I take them to a guy that knows how to sharpen as I like my cuts consistent.