Quick sharpening question.

[crispy92 14]

Ok so I dont really play ice all that often but im finally taking a skating class up in college and the teacher is legit. I got my skates sharpened for like the second time and moved up to 5/8th from the 1/2 my skates came with. Now when I first got on the ice it felt like the inside edge was just slipping out only on the left skate, right foot was fine. I figured it might have been me not used to the shallow radius and being a better skater on my right foot. Now that were getting into more advanced techniques im going faster and when I try to stop on my left foot only I get this violent chatter that feels like its rattling my bones.

From what I gathered from a search, my blades are more then likely uneven. However since im 240 lbs could it be that I need a shallower hollow too?

P.S I sometimes get an odd squealing noise from the blade when about to initiate the stop. Im guessing its just the blade not completely digging in and just scraping the top of the ice.

[Davetronz 109]

The hollow could be unevenly placed on your blade.

The blade could be a bit bent.

You might be better suited to a 5/8" hollow or higher based solely on your weight and level of experience (then add on stuff like ice conditions).

I'd try the 1/2" one more time, perhaps from a different sharpener, then if you're still having the problems, drop back down to the 5/8" or even try 3/4"

[forbs02 20]

Agree with Dave on all points, especially going back to 5/8". Try the 1/2" again and if you don't like it go back to 5/8"

[crispy92 14]

I meant to say I moved to the 5/8" and now its choppy. However I just told them that I believe they are uneven. They took out some tool that was like a little balance and it was infact off. The lady said it really shouldn't make a difference but she said she would run the skate through again. They are no longer chattering. Im still thinking of going to 3/4th because they feel sharp. Is that getting towards an extreme dullness. Will I have to adjust that much to get used to it.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

What profile is on the skate? If you went to a longer profile you could go to the 3/4 and still feel a similar sharpness? The less work for transition. All depends on what your wanting to do as an end result and what boot and blade you are starting with!

[Davetronz 109]

3/4" is still a decent hollow depending on boot, blade, ice conditions, player weight, experience. Sometimes I put a 3/4" or 7/8" on my skates depending on where I'm playing or how I'm feeling that day. In fact, I rarely keep the same ROH on my skates. I float anywhere between 1/2" and 7/8", with an average of 11/16".