Transitioning from traditional hollow to BFD to FBV

[JJStripes 1]

Here's the deal:

A few months ago I started getting the Blademaster BFD flat bottom sharpening. BladeMaster recommend that I get the X7 since I was on 5/8 previously. I tried that and it was too much bite. The X8 is perfect, and I have been loving it for months. I have relocated for the summer and nobody here has the BladeMaster version so I need to get the Blackstone FBV. Can someone tell me what version of the FBV is equivalent to the BFD X8?

Maybe we can turn this thread into a conversion reference based on real life experience.

[Chadd 916]

try 90/75 first

[JJStripes 1]

Is that airing on the side of less bite? If there is not easy conversion I would rather get it wrong on the less bite side.

[Chadd 916]

That's what I would suggest if you were coming from 5/8.

[DevilsFan38 0]

I went from 5/8 to 90/75 with no problems, but I've never used BFD so I can't help you with that.

[JJStripes 1]

Thanks guys

[ReggieDunlop 3]

X7 is closer to the 1/2" - 90/75 is closer to the 5/8th

[Jason 65]

Does anyone know if Blademaster makes an X9 dressing wheel? I tried out X8 and it had way too much bite. If not, they definitely need to make one or two more wheels.

[Chadd 916]

I wouldn't count on them making new spinners.

[Jason 65]

So the answer is no then? So basically BFD is only for players that like deeper hollows. That's stupid on Blademasters part. What about Blackstone. Do they have a FBV dress that feels like 3/4-1"?

[althoma1 575]

What about Blackstone. Do they have a FBV dress that feels like 3/4-1"?

Yes, Blackstone offers a lot of options for FBV from deep to shallow, but the most common (the one that most FBV shops will have) shallow FBV cut comparable to the ROH range you're referencing would be 90/50.

[tareatingrat 4]

Coming from 5/8", 90/50 was what I needed. 90/75 seems to be the "standard," but it was just a little too much for me. I'm also 230lbs.

I have used the x7, though, and found it was alright. More bite, but not terrible. If I can't get down to the FBV place I usually go for the x7.

If you like 5/8", but are a bit on the lighter side, I'd go with 90/75. If you're heavier, maybe try 90/50. YMMV.

Problem with FBV, is that it really doesn't take anything to get used to, but you definitely know it when you switch back to ROH. I can go back to 5/8", but it's not fun for the first ten or so minutes...

[JR Boucicaut 3810]

If you can get 95/50, even better. I have it at home and it's awesome.

[goaliemanshark 6]

Is 95/50 in between 90/75 and 90/50?

[Katzenjammer 1]

Is 95/50 in between 90/75 and 90/50?

hmmmm....if so, that would be exactly what I need.

[JR Boucicaut 3810]

yes

[notquitedeadyet 13]

Does anyone know if Blademaster makes an X9 dressing wheel? I tried out X8 and it had way too much bite. If not, they definitely need to make one or two more wheels.

They do. Look on page 22:

http://www.blademast...alog/index.html

edit: looks like it might be special order though.

I think you should get that X8 redone again.

There's no way that should have too much bite.

I'd bet they misread the roll & gave you X6 instead...

[Jason 65]

I think you should get that X8 redone again.

There's no way that should have too much bite.

I'd bet they misread the roll & gave you X6 instead...

Thanks notquitedeadyet,

I will look into the X9. Just so you know, I sharpened them myself. However, I too wondered whether what I was using was actually an X8. I thought they might have mixed up the spinners that they gave us. The bite felt like 9/16 or 5/8 to me. I was expecting about 3/4-7/8. I'll see if the Blademaster rep can find me an X9 to try. I went back to my regular 3/4 ROH and felt way better last night.

[notquitedeadyet 13]

I will look into the X9. Just so you know, I sharpened them myself. However, I too wondered whether what I was using was actually an X8. I thought they might have mixed up the spinners that they gave us. The bite felt like 9/16 or 5/8 to me. I was expecting about 3/4-7/8. I'll see if the Blademaster rep can find me an X9 to try. I went back to my regular 3/4 ROH and felt way better last night.

Wow. For reference, my son & I have been skating on 3/4 for a few years. I bought a dresser that came with a x6 roll & we were both surprised that the bite wasn't too crazy. Felt like about 1/2", but the same glide as 3/4. I'm looking for somewhere to buy an X7 or possibly X8, but I'm not sure of the advantage a X9 might have in glide over 3/4. Let me know your thoughts if you get to try it out.

[Jason 65]

I will for sure. I'm still not sure that the X8 I had was actually an X8, the bite just seemed too harsh. We'll see if I can get my hands on another X8 and an X9.