Input On Sharpening on New Skates

[mhkehoe 1]

Background info: I have been trying to get back into ice after a 5 year hiatus. While roller has screwed up my stride a bit, I still felt pretty comfortable on my old CCM 552 Tacks. I bought Bauer Vapor x30 because the Tacks had a hole inside near the heel and it was giving me a blister from rubbing. Skate fits great, and I had it sharpened to 1/2" cut at the one and only shop (inside the one and only ice rink).

The problem is that my skating feels off now. While trying to get a full extension and push off hard (with a bit of a toe flick), it feels like the toe of the skate is not sharpened far enough up the toe and I end up on the non-sharpened portion of the blade. I am also having trouble doing a choppy running stride to get initial speed (for the same reason).

My question, does this sharpening job look like it was done properly?

I have been equating the issues to getting accustomed to new skates, new holder, and different stride, but getting confirmation that there is nothing inherently wrong with the cut will help me focus on working on the rest.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

I normally leave it around there for the first sharpening - I actually applaud your sharpener. That way, I can't be blamed when the skater loses his heel/toes.

[mhkehoe 1]

I normally leave it around there for the first sharpening - I actually applaud your sharpener. That way, I can't be blamed when the skater loses his heel/toes.

Glad to know that they know what they are doing. I am assuming losing "heel/toes" means that as they are sharpened more in the future, there is an overall decrease in blade length from taking off the ends?

Thanks for the reply, now I can just focus on getting comfortable with the skates.

[JR Boucicaut 3809]

Right - if your sharpener ground down to the plastic on his first sharpening, signs are you'll be in trouble pretty soon.

[MyBoxersSayJoe 134]

Also take into consideration that you went to Vapors. You're going to be on your toes more with them. May feel like they're slipping out from underneath you, when it tends to require a little adjustment in your stride. I remember when I first got my Grafs when I was in high school that I felt like the skates didn't have a toe.

[HockeySavants 5]

It's not a bad first time sharpen. If you are not comfortable with the 1/2 cut I suggest asking the sharpener for a 3/8 cut and see if you are more comfortable.

[DarkStar50 680]

Going to a deeper ROH at this time of year is a bad idea. As spring settles in, even indoor ice will get a bit softer. Ever notice how now it takes longer for the ice to set up and dry after the Zamboni cut? Getting more bite and digging in deeper will stress your legs, especially for someone coming back to ice after 5 years. Work with that 1/2" ROH. It will be fine.