Skate sharpening

[streak 0]

So, a few years ago, I was having trouble with my skates in that they were not biting enough for me. The was I described to the guys at my LSH was that it felt like I was standing on glass. So, they suggested I change my hollow and I know have a 7/16 hollow. Lately (The last month or so), it feels like my edges aren't sharp enough. I don't notice it in my stride, but if someone pushes me and I try to push back, the skates slide. I notice them when I am stopping as well.

I get my skates sharpened at the same place I have ofr the last 5 years so I don't know if it's the sharpening that is causing it.

Last night was my third skate on my new sharpening and I noticed it.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Where do you live?

[streak 0]

Toronto. Why do you ask?

[greatsave31 0]

I've been working in proshops since I was 14, and I'm now 24... But I have witnessed the same problems in my own skates last night, and I don't let anyone touch my skates. There are a few possible solutions. 1) They could be using a different grinding stone than what you are used to. I have found that there is a huge difference between the blackstone company and the Custom Radius machines by Blademaster. If this is true, than one solution would be to go to a deeper hollow. 2) they may have a new guy in there, you didn't mention this so I'm not even going to assume this. 3) While sharpening they leave a "carbon streak" in your hollow. Now I realize that you have been going to this place for a while, so it does seem unlikely, but it is a chance. A carbon Streak is a black line that usually runs from about the middle of the blade to the heel (or to the toe, depending on how the sharpener feels more comfortable sharpening the skate).

At any rate those are just a few of the possible problems that could be remedied.

if you need any further info or anything feel free to PM.

~Ken

[Ngo_35 1]

pm'ed you. Maybe I can help you out bud.

[Platypus 0]

Did u used to go to THR? I recently (2 months ago) stopped going there after I noticed I wasnt getting sharp skates anymore, dunno what happened.

Ive since switched to National Sports on Hwy 7. Its further away and takes longer but they do a great job.

[streak 0]

I go to Just Hockey on Don Mills. I don't know if it's necessarily that they are doing a bad job, but maybe as my skating improves, I need to adjsut how my skates are sharpened

Thanks for all the help guys

[chippa13 1844]

Sounds like either they've stopped giving you good edges or you've lost a ton of weight. Those are the only 2 reasons that you aren't getting the same bite from the same place.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Toronto. Why do you ask?

It's winter.

Ice is harder as it is colder outside. Rule of thumb - go deeper in winter, shallower in summer.

[houk 0]

national sports is terrible. I purchased new skates there and had them resharpened. First time out on the ice with the new skates was terrible. I took the skates to another LHS and low and behold, the skates weren't sharpened properly.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

One of the top 3 sharpeners that I know is the trainer for National. I suggest you PM me and I'll let him know, or he'll see it for himself.

[streak 0]

chippa13, YES, I have lost about 35 pounds in the last year. so, what should do? change my hollow??

JR, thanks.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

Yes, go deeper.

[streak 0]

cool, i'll give that a shot!!

[epstud74 24]

Toronto. Why do you ask?

It's winter.

Ice is harder as it is colder outside. Rule of thumb - go deeper in winter, shallower in summer.

Probably a good reason why I've only had my skates sharpened once since I bought them in June..Even quality indoor rinks will have softer ice in the spring/summer months..I'm at a 7/8th hollow right now and like my blades to be somewhat dull..that being said, I'm impressed at how well my steel has held an edge considering I'm at 227lbs...I've got an 11" radius as well..probably because I liked my CCM E-Pro runners and the feel of them compared to the default Lightspeed radius. If I do get my skates sharpened, I make a habit of rubbing them against the plastic by the dasher door as I step onto the ice..