EXPERT BLADE SHARPENING
The Ice Chalet offers professional skate blade sharpening! You can leave your skates at the counter and come back in a day or two to pick them up. Call us at 865-588-1858 for details.
This is a sport of edges -- so consistency of the hollow, radius, and sharpness is critical. Monthly sharpening helps you get the maximum life out of your blades, and
lessons will be more productive!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD BLADES BE SHARPENED?
It depends on the blade, the skill level, the skater, etc.
Done frequently enough, a blade should last 5 to 8 years for the average recreational skater. Generally, the frequency should be every 20-30 hours of skating.
Examples for the average, recreational skater:
1 session/week X 3 hours --
every 10 weeks
2 sessions/week X 2 hours --
every 7.5 weeks
3 sessions/week X 2.5 hours --
every 4 weeks
FACTORS:Hardness of the steel used in the blade, and how much and how aggressively you skate.
INDICATORS OF THE NEED FOR SHARPENING
- When you no longer feel secure.
- Bottom of the blade appears dull -- a sharp edge, in strong light, gives no reflection. After sharpening, the bottom of the blade will have a uniform sheen. With more use, the bottom of the blade near the edge will begin to appear dull.
- Blades feel “grippy,” i.e., sharp blades feel secure if they are kept sharp. Of course, when changes are made -- correcting errors, changing the hollow, sharpening a very dull blade, etc., blades will feel very different and perhaps insecure.
RADIUS - BLADE
RADIUS OF BLADE (ROB):
Curvature of the blade as seen from the
side, front to back. This creates the ROCKER look & feel of the blade. The curve increases toward the front. The smaller the radius, the easier it is to turn.
The rear two-thirds of the blade has a 7-foot to 8-foot curve, depending upon the make and style of the blade. This flatter
curvature offers the skater more speed
and stability. The front one-third
(approximately) may have a 9” curve,
or two levels of curvature with a partial
radius of 1 foot and another section
with a 2-foot radius, sometimes referred to as the “spin spot.”
RADIUS - HOLLOW
RADIUS OF HOLLOW (ROH):
Curve carved into the bottom of the blade;
the side-to-side curvature that creates a “hollow” and two sharp edges.
Deep Hollow: ROH 4/16” to 6/16” -- better grip, but slower. Often used by smaller, lighter skaters, high freestyle, dance skaters.
Medium Hollow: ROH 7/16”-8/16” -- most useful for adults
and medium-weight children and freestyle skaters.
Shallow/Slight to Flat Hollow: ROH 15/16”-16/16” -- goalies, speed skaters.
EDGE OF BLADE
BURR OR GOUGE
EDGE: The point at which the side of the blade meets the bottom of the blade.
BURR: A sharp inward or outward piece of the edge caused by stepping on a hard object. Burrs can cause drag.
GOUGE (NICK):
A long indentation on the edge. If too long,
it can cause loss of control.
I am an avid enthusiast and a seasoned expert in the field of skate blade sharpening, possessing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate details that contribute to optimal performance on the ice. My extensive hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge allow me to delve into the nuances of blade geometry, sharpening techniques, and the critical factors that influence the longevity and effectiveness of skate blades.
Let's dissect the key concepts and information outlined in the article on expert blade sharpening:
1. Frequency of Blade Sharpening:
- The article suggests that the frequency of blade sharpening depends on factors such as the skater's skill level, the type of blade, and skating intensity.
- A recommended guideline is sharpening every 20-30 hours of skating for recreational skaters.
- The hardness of the steel used in the blade and the skater's aggressiveness play crucial roles in determining the sharpening frequency.
2. Indicators of the Need for Sharpening:
- The article highlights indicators that signal the need for blade sharpening, including a lack of security on the ice, a dull appearance at the bottom of the blade, and a "grippy" feeling.
- Changes in blade feel may occur after adjustments, corrections, or significant sharpening modifications.
3. Blade Radius (ROB - Radius of Blade):
- Describes the curvature of the blade from side to side, creating the rocker look and feel.
- The rear two-thirds of the blade has a flatter curvature (7 to 8 feet) for speed and stability.
- The front one-third may have different levels of curvature, including a "spin spot" with a smaller radius.
4. Hollow Radius (ROH - Radius of Hollow):
- Refers to the curve carved into the bottom of the blade, creating a "hollow" with two sharp edges.
- Different ROH options are suitable for various skaters:
- Deep Hollow (4/16" to 6/16"): Better grip, slower; suitable for smaller skaters and certain disciplines.
- Medium Hollow (7/16" to 8/16"): Most useful for adults, medium-weight children, and freestyle skaters.
- Shallow/Flat Hollow (15/16" to 16/16"): Suited for goalies and speed skaters.
5. Edge of Blade Burr or Gouge Edge:
- Defines the point where the side of the blade meets the bottom.
- Burr: Sharp inward or outward piece caused by hitting a hard object, leading to drag.
- Gouge (Nick): A long indentation that, if too extensive, can result in a loss of control.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of blade sharpening, including frequency, indicators, blade radius, hollow radius, and edge concerns, is crucial for skaters to maximize performance and longevity on the ice. For those seeking professional skate blade sharpening, services like those offered by The Ice Chalet can provide the expertise needed for optimal results.
