Edges - different radius'

[Fletch 219]

A buddy of mine is going to start playing and I'm having trouble explaining the differences in radius' to him. Can anyone give me a rundown of the different radius' so I can help him out?

[Eazy_b97 1]

The lower the number the deeper the cut. The deeper the cut, the less glide.

Ex.

1/8 --> Deeper cut, not alot of glide, but alot of bite

7/8 --> Shallower cut, a fair amount of glide, less bite

-- I hope thats what you were looking for.

[Fletch 219]

Thanks....I'll let him know. Should a beginner be going with a 1/2 inch? Isn't that "standard?"

[Fletch 219]

And is there some kind of chart I can find with all the different cuts you can get with descriptions of how they'll feel? That would probably help the most.

[Eazy_b97 1]

It's dependant on so many factors, just stick to the basics. If he feels he is too deep on the ice tell'em to go shallower (higher fraction).

I'd start at 1/2" and go from there, just keep changing every sharpening to get a feel for different radius.

[Ogie Oglethorpe 14]

Questions to consider: is he heavier, or lighter? Heavier guys most likely don't want a deep hollow, but lighter dude's might need a deeper one in order to cut into the ice.

Also, does the player emphasize speed (shallow hollow), or cornering/cutting tightly (deep hollow)?

And, of course, the ultimate - personal preference response.......

[JR Boucicaut 3789]

...and ice conditions...

[Fletch 219]

He's about 6'0, 200.