Graf Cobra to Pitch Transition

[Powerfibers 8]

Recently, I bought a pair of Kor Shift 1's from a board member, and I have been experimenting with the blades. I'd appreciate any advice you can give. I realize I am throwing a lot of info out, so I apologize for that.

My old skates are Graf 735s in what I am assuming are 9' radius. They are size 6.5EE, I think 263mm holder. I usually get them sharpened at 1/2" because 9/16" on the hard ice seems like I have no edges, and I feel unstable out there especially when I take a beating in front of the net. Love the skates and feel, but they are getting beat up.

The Kors I picked up are the most comfortable skate I have ever had on, boot-wise. The holder is slightly bigger, the 272 mm Pitch 3 holder had an 11' radius and I felt like I was on skis. Way too much edge, even when I went all the way down to 9/16". I could hardly skate on them.

So, I went and got them radiused this week and sharpened to 9/16", and I got the runners cut to a 9' radius. (Sticker says Blackstone 9' F, 9/16th). I have the Pitch 3 setting at neutral.

When I skated on them today, I still felt like I still had way too much edge. I cannot imagine the difference in feel between 9/16th on one skate and the same on the other. What can or should I do to make the Pitch holders usable? Is it the length of runner? The steel? The pitch adjustment? I would love to use the skate, but I don't see it happening yet. What gives?

Thanks!

[Chadd 916]

stock radius on Graf is 11'

Try a more shallow hollow on the pitch, the only thing I can think is the sharpener altered your Graf radius over time.

[Powerfibers 8]

Thanks Chadd, makes sense. I was hoping that going to the shorter radius would eliminate that long blade/edgy feel? Maybe I will go down lower to 5/8 or shallower.

[Powerfibers 8]

would the +1 be better?

[LkptTiger 1]

Given the aggressive forward pitch of your old Graf boot/holder, putting the PITCH on a +1 might make you feel a bit more comfortable...but it's not going to be the answer to the issues which you're addressing here.

Trying something a bit shallower is going to be your best bet right now. It's been my experience that the PITCH steel holds and incredible edge at just about any depth: I'm rockin' PITCH on my Vapors right now and usually fluctuate between 3/4" and 5/8," depending on ice conditions and my mood. I've been very impressed with how well the edges bite the ice with such little hollow.

[Powerfibers 8]

Thanks. I think it may very well be that the steel is just that much better and stays sharper. Usually after 20 minutes I feel more comfortable after a sharpening. Not with this steel, but as you know, I ain't the youngest guy, and I am not the best skater out there either. May take longer to adapt.

I like that easy glide to a stop. With these edges I feel like I am sliding on a waxed floor and then I hit the sticky spot and wipe out! LOL.