Skate Sharpening and hollows etc

[spjon25]

I know this has been posted numerous times, but can someone post some info on skate sharpening and the different hollows etc. and what people think are good for beginners etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Mods, do you think we can get a sticky on this one for the top of the page so it does not get lost. Thanks

[dmpaquet]

For hockey (not counting goalies), the most common are usually 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8". For a beginner, I'd probably say 1/2" - a lot of times, if you don't specify, that's what you'll get anyway.

3/8" is good for better maneuvering, cutting turns, etc. You may lose some speed with it (though for lighter people, 3/8" is good because you get a little more grip into the ice). 5/8" is a shallower hollow - good to get some more speed going, but less grip on the ice, so your turns might not be as sharp.

Another issue is the softness/hardness of the ice. The more advanced player will notice the difference in edges and ice condition more, of course. But generally, people take a more shallow hollow on the softer ice.

Last thing - depending on how often you skate and sharpen them, you'll eventually need new steel blades. These are usually about $20 a piece, give or take a bit. Don't let them get too low!

I'd add this: I've seen a lot of recreational hockey players who get their skates sharpened on a monthly (or even less often basis) because it's "too sharp." This develops bad skating habits and not making the best use of your edges. A couple of skates to get used to the feel of fresh edges (meaning sharpening them every 2-3 skates early on) might be the best bet, just to force yourself to get accustomed to that feeling.

I used to get a 3/8" hollow, but have been going 1/2" lately (for some reason, since I got here in Ohio, I've felt more comfortable with 1/2"). I'll probably try out the 3/8" again after I get new blades put on.

Here's a good site:

http://noicingsports.com/employee_bios1_2.html

And another:
http://www.redi-edgeice.com/skate-sharpening-tips.aspx
(this mentions 1" hollow - probably for speed skaters would be my guess)

[mudfisher]

The shallow hollow will be easier to stop with then a deeper hollow depending on the hardness of the ice..

[johnmac44]

Wheres JR when we really need him? :)

[JETS GARAGE]

Great info b.b.orr!

I like the 1/2 inch hollow which is what most sharpeners are cut for.

It's a good idea to write your preference on the bottom of the skate (1/2", 3/8", 5/8", etc.) with a sharpie felt pen so the guy sharpening the skates will know, especially if you drop them off to be picked up later.

there's my 2 cents.

[GregDM]

I like a freshly sharpened 1/2". When I had competent people doing my skates I sometimes did 7/16", especially if thought I wouldn't get them sharpened for a while. I felt like I couldn't stop if I did 3/8". Never saw a reason to try larger than 1/2".

[Leatherface]

FYI - most modern style goalies run 3/8"-1/2"
I have a friend that goes 1/4". I run 1/2"


Player skates, 3/4" at my size I chop a bit too much at anything deeper. Though if I do outside edge skating drills, I do well at a deeper hollow, worse in a shallow. My regular power turning does pretty well at 3/4"

[beingbobbyorr]

... Player skates, 3/4" at my size I chop a bit too much at anything deeper. Though if I do outside edge skating drills, I do well at a deeper hollow, worse in a shallow. My regular power turning does pretty well at 3/4"

With my age & skill, my choice of a shallow 3/4" hollow is all about stopping reliably and avoiding joint injuries .... the skating faster part? Well, that's a hopeless pipedream.

[pkd88]

Can you explain Countouring and Profiling please? What are the differences, do they work?

[beingbobbyorr]

Can you explain Countouring and Profiling please? What are the differences, do they work?

Sorry for the late response. Sticky-ied threads are evidently less visible in my consciousness.

Contouring is simply cutting the blades to take out any manufacturing variances that leaves the left & right skates non-identical when you take them out of the box. You might think of it as the equivalent of Lasik surgery for skates. It is completely independent of what hollow, radius, or lie you choose (or accept by default).

I'm not sure if this is the strict definition of Profiling, but I'll take a guess that it is when you choose to have your skates cut with a non-default radius & lie (everybody understands hollow, but many players are never informed about the options for tweaking their radius and lie).

[ianmonsta]

i just got a new pair of skates, should i sharpen them out of the box or skate on them first?

[SirJW]

Look at the blade you should be able to tell if they have ever been sharpened. If you bought them online they probably need to be sharpened first.

[beingbobbyorr]

i just got a new pair of skates, should i sharpen them out of the box or skate on them first?

Skates are NEVER sharp 'out of the box'. They always need to be sharpened, and the pro shop where (and when) you buy them should do it without extra charge.

More importantly, you need to get them baked at the time of purchase. Having the boots molded to the contours of your feet is critical to having a short break-in time.

1. Purchase skates
2. Have them baked and sharpened at time of purchase*
3. Wait at least 24 hours (I'd wait 48 to be safe)
4. Then you can go for your first skate

* purchasing skates via internet means making a separate trip to some local pro shop to have the baking and sharpening done ... probably for some nominal fee, as they aren't making any money on the skate purchase.

[AutomaticBzooty]

I've been experimenting with different depth hollows recently.

First I tried a 3/8" and found stopping to be a very ginger proposition; but as expected, digging in to the ice felt really secure. In fact, my acceleration seemed to benefit as well...I weigh about 150 lbs without any gear on, so I wonder if I fall into the category of one of those light people who do well with deeper hollows because it allows us to dig in deeper. I felt like my first shove had a lot more power than before.

Yesterday I switched to a 5/8" and I was sliding all over the ice at first, but gradually I got more and more used to it. The pro shop guy recommended that I unlace my skates by one eye, to give me more control over my edges. This was also a rather tricky thing to navigate, having never done that before. I'm not so sure I like this, though; I feel like I'm having trouble digging in with my inside leg in turns, and the general feeling of sliding all over the ice is unnerving, especially having just come from the 3/8" hollow.

Here's my question; exactly what is it about a shallower hollow that lends to speed? Is it the gliding of the blade on the ice, or is it something to do with the fact that your skate digs in less on each push than it does with a deeper hollow? Or both?

[beingbobbyorr]

... Yesterday I switched to a 5/8" and I was sliding all over the ice at first, but gradually I got more and more used to it. The pro shop guy recommended that I unlace my skates by one eye, to give me more control over my edges. This was also a rather tricky thing to navigate, having never done that before. I'm not so sure I like this, though; I feel like I'm having trouble digging in with my inside leg in turns, and the general feeling of sliding all over the ice is unnerving, especially having just come from the 3/8" hollow. ...

Another thing I only discovered a year ago to improve my skating was how to deal with my socks. I used to do the following:

(a) put on regular knee-high socks
(b) put on these elastic/spandex shin-guard holders
(c) put on hockey socks
(d) put skates on
(e) tuck (b) & (c) into top 1" of skate boot
(f) lace up skates & tighten
(g) stuff shin-guard into (b) behind tongue of skate boot (which is then pushed out & down)

..... then hockey pants & rest of equipment (NO tape!)

DUMB! DUMB! DUMB! DUMB! DUMB!


Now I do the following:

(a) put on regular knee-high socks
(b) put on hockey socks
(c) put skates on
(d) lace up skates & tighten (hockey socks NOT tucked into top at all)
(e) pull bottom of hockey socks down over boot top
(f) tuck the laces (already firmly tightened) under hockey socks
(g) stuff shin-guard between regular socks and hockey socks with bottom of shin guard now going in front of tongue of skate boot
(h) wind clear plastic hockey tape (easily tearable kind) from bottom to top: one loop at bottom around top of ankles (now your laces can't accidentally come undone during your game/practice!), continue with 1/2 to 1 loop diagonally around calf to get to one more loop just below the knee

..... then hockey pants & rest of equipment

First, tape secures so much better than those elastic/spandex holders. Why didn't anyone tell me?

Second (finally addressing AutomaticBzooty's issues), having only the one regular sock layer inside the top of my boot (below / at / and above the ankles) gives me so much better control over my skating that I don't know whether to kick myself for not experimenting sooner or kick the more experienced players for not pointing out my ignorance over the years in various locker rooms.




... Here's my question; exactly what is it about a shallower hollow that lends to speed? Is it the gliding of the blade on the ice, or is it something to do with the fact that your skate digs in less on each push than it does with a deeper hollow? Or both?

The shallow hollow = less surface area of metal blade in contact with the ice.

Less surface area = less friction = greater speed & less fatigue.

[Hockey Girl]

I have a question about sharpening and reading this thread actually has me a little confused.

First my question. I've got about 4 hours on my blades since they were sharpened and I noticed today that my right outside edge is completely gone, there is no sharpness to it at all. Not a fun thing to discover in the midst of a turn. The inside edge isn't much better. My left skate still feels sharp. Is it possible to have one skate sharpening wear out so much quicker than the other or was it a botched sharpening?

And now, the reason for my confusion. I was at Hockey Giant and the guy there recommended a 3/8" sharpening because of my small size. Now, after reading this thread, it seems that I should've gone for a 1/2" sharpening to compensate for my lack of size and weight on the blade. I don't have a problem generating speed and I'm comfortable turning, so I'm thinking a deeper hollow might be good for me. Is that the correct thinking?

[mudfisher]

First my question. I've got about 4 hours on my blades since they were sharpened and I noticed today that my right outside edge is completely gone, there is no sharpness to it at all. Not a fun thing to discover in the midst of a turn. The inside edge isn't much better. My left skate still feels sharp. Is it possible to have one skate sharpening wear out so much quicker than the other or was it a botched sharpening?

Yes its very possible that you favor one side over the other which causes one blade to dull faster. As you get more experience on your skates this problem should go away.



And now, the reason for my confusion. I was at Hockey Giant and the guy there recommended a 3/8" sharpening because of my small size. Now, after reading this thread, it seems that I should've gone for a 1/2" sharpening to compensate for my lack of size and weight on the blade. I don't have a problem generating speed and I'm comfortable turning, so I'm thinking a deeper hollow might be good for me. Is that the correct thinking?

Hallows are all about personal feel. Shallow hollows more speed and easier stopping. Deeper hollows easier turning and little tougher on the stopping. 1/2 is right in the middle.

If you are still trying to learn how to hockey stop I would try 5/8 inch hollow.

[AutomaticBzooty]

And now, the reason for my confusion. I was at Hockey Giant and the guy there recommended a 3/8" sharpening because of my small size. Now, after reading this thread, it seems that I should've gone for a 1/2" sharpening to compensate for my lack of size and weight on the blade. I don't have a problem generating speed and I'm comfortable turning, so I'm thinking a deeper hollow might be good for me. Is that the correct thinking?

Actually, being somewhat light myself (5'9", 153 lbs), I have to say that personally I like the deeper hollows a lot better. I use a 3/8", since I've never had any problems stopping, but have always had more problems with acceleration. The deeper hollow lets me dig deeper into the ice, and get a more solid first push. I recently experimented with both 1/2" and 5/8", and I was sliding all over the place, and wasting a lot of energy by not being able to get a good grip on the ice.

I say try them both out! I spent three weeks in February with a different depth hollow each week.

[pkd88]

I think BobbyO messed up his wording.

The sharper or deeper hollow allows for more edging. Tighter turns and quick acceleration.

The less sharp or shallower hollow allows for speed but, without the edges it will take you longer to get there.

The heavier you are, the less hollow you need.

There is a balance and comfort you have to discover yourself. If you only play once a week it doesn't matter much.

[HULKING WAR MACHINE]

And goalie skates?

[mudfisher]

1 inch to 1 1/4 inch.

[WingHater]

I'm around 6'4" & 240lbs. I am just learning to skate. They had my skates done at 5/8. Like Bzooty said it feels like I'm sliding all over the place. Should I have my skates changed or do I just suck?

[Kopitar11Fan]

So I read all the info and I think the 1/2" would probably be good for me, I am only 120lbs, so I was just wondering if 3/8" would really slow me down that much seeing as I can't really dig my edges in that much.

[theone]

ive always had mine 7/16
its good for turning and its not meant for speed

[VCRW]

I'm around 6'4" & 240lbs. I am just learning to skate. They had my skates done at 5/8. Like Bzooty said it feels like I'm sliding all over the place. Should I have my skates changed or do I just suck?

Like you I'm 6' 4', 210 lbs. My new Vapors are at 1/2 and that hollow works for both speed and maneuverability for me. I have a long stride and generate a lot of power in turns. I'm going to add a little forward pitch on the next sharpening though so I don't sit back due to my height.

[ianmonsta]

anyone know anything about pitch?

my skates have a pitch adjustment and i change em from n to -1, there is also a +1 option. it seems like it just rockers the front a little bit, i kind of liked it and i think its made for a smoother stride and easier stopping.

[mudfisher]

Adding pitch to the skate forces the skater to bend the knee's and standing up adding to a better stride. This also helps the skaters awareness.

For some people it takes some getting use to the feeling.

Most grafs have the forward pitch. I havnt skated with any other brands with there pitch design.

However,

Once you are use to it you wont want to go back.

If you skate backwards alot. I think you would rather have a neutral pitch. Probably mostly about feel.

[GregDM]

I'm around 6'4" & 240lbs. I am just learning to skate. They had my skates done at 5/8. Like Bzooty said it feels like I'm sliding all over the place. Should I have my skates changed or do I just suck?

A lot of it is learning how to use your edges. There's some difference between a 1/2" (standard) and a 5/8" hollow, but I don't think I would have noticed the difference when I first started skating.

As far as learning to use your edges go, I'd recommed either taking a few lessons or reading a book like Laura Stamm's Power Skating. You won't find many books locally, but you can find plenty of good hockey and skating books on Amazon.

[fuzzerson]

Personally I have never had any issues with tight turns so believe it or not, I use a 7/8 cut. No I am not a goalie

[LOSTcauseZERO]

And goalie skates?

An inch is a good starting point to figure out what best fits you. Right now I'n using 3/4 of an inch, but I'm pretty sure I'll be going even sharper next time.

[Anonymous028]

Personally I have never had any issues with tight turns so believe it or not, I use a 7/8 cut. No I am not a goalie
Damn,

I know coffey used a 1/2, but 7/8?

My hats off to you, Im a big fan of the 7/16 personally.

[Lososaurus]

I've been using 1/2 since I started and I can't do a 2-foot hockey stop correctly. Last night, I finally managed to get the hockey stop going with two feet, but I can't remember the last time I got my skates sharpened. I'm thinking of going to 9/16 or 5/8.

Advice?

[Anonymous028]

I've been using 1/2 since I started and I can't do a 2-foot hockey stop correctly. Last night, I finally managed to get the hockey stop going with two feet, but I can't remember the last time I got my skates sharpened. I'm thinking of going to 9/16 or 5/8.

Advice?
Leave the 1/2 inch and practice, practice, practice.

If you go to a real large hollow you will develop bad habits more likely than not. I mean, a 9/16 is not extreme or anything, but 1/2 is what most pro shops would suggest you use as your learning.

Just try to remember the technique you used to stop, and then apply it to skating with the fresh blades.

[Lososaurus]

Leave the 1/2 inch and practice, practice, practice.

If you go to a real large hollow you will develop bad habits more likely than not. I mean, a 9/16 is not extreme or anything, but 1/2 is what most pro shops would suggest you use as your learning.

Just try to remember the technique you used to stop, and then apply it to skating with the fresh blades.

I think they were getting pretty dull. I can stop on one foot, like a one-foot hockey stop. Like turning a snowplow into a hockey stop with my foot perpendicular to my direction of motion( outside, rear foot ). I can't do 2 feet though, the foot under my body judders or skips on the ice. Is it a sharpness problem or a learning to skate problem?

[4/10/82]

I think they were getting pretty dull. I can stop on one foot, like a one-foot hockey stop. Like turning a snowplow into a hockey stop with my foot perpendicular to my direction of motion( outside, rear foot ). I can't do 2 feet though, the foot under my body judders or skips on the ice. Is it a sharpness problem or a learning to skate problem?

the condition of the ice can also affect how your skates respond in a hockey stop. if the ice is too cold or the air is very dry, it can feel brittle and give you that chattering effect, the opposite of warm or humid weather making the ice feel sluggish, like you're skating on pudding.

[Kings>Ducks]

Picking up my skates tonight. 1/2... Ill let you know how it goes.

[lentz]

Just went from 1/2 to 9/16 and I'll probably go even further. I love the speed and ability to stop without digging in too hard. The guy that did my skates said he was trained where the Red Wings used to practice in the '80s and some would get a one-inch cut. Interesting

[Jeffrock]

I usually skate with a 9/16 hollow, but I will move up or down 1/8 depending on ice conditions.

I like a deeper hollow on harder ice (Panorama or TSC) versus the slush I play on at Burbank.

Here's a chart of hollows used by the Pens.
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/3917/hollowchart.jpg

[fuzzerson]

My U+ I keep at 9ft Neutral and a 7/8 cut.

[The Lurker]

Can someone recommend a good sharpener at one of these rinks:
- Westminster
- OC Ice Palace
- Anaheim
- Hockey Giant

I want to get both mine and my son's blades profiled for the first time and the sharpeners at my home rink are just the kids that work in the shop.

Don't Stop Believin'!

[freebass55]

Has anyone tried the ?flat bottom V" cut? Are there any places around socal that can sharpen like this? My buddy in Texas said I should try it, but I had to look it up to see what it was. He said he likes it. Just curious, and wanted some more opinions.
Posted via Mobile Device

[SirJW]

No where in SoCal as far as I know unless you know a pro trainer.

[freebass55]

Thanks.
Posted via Mobile Device

[SuperCalo2000]

I know people will talk crap but the last time I got a sharpen at Hockey Giant, it was the best sharpening I had ever gotten on my skates. I should have asked for the guy's name. It was just a regular cut. Whatever that means.

[Defgarden]

I just got a 3/4" hollow. I had a 5/8th before, but my right skate wasn't gliding at all. I can't hockey stop either, but I've only been on ice maybe 5-6 times in the past few months.

[Jeffrock]

Has anyone tried the ?flat bottom V" cut? Are there any places around socal that can sharpen like this? My buddy in Texas said I should try it, but I had to look it up to see what it was. He said he likes it. Just curious, and wanted some more opinions.
Posted via Mobile Device
Muddfisher told me about someone who does it in Anaheim, I believe.... I am going to pm him and find out the place again. I think it's a place that does mostly figure skating. I can't remember the name. U.S. something-or-other...
With regards to regular hollows, I find myself going more and more shallow as I keep getting fatter. At 3/4 now, might end up at 7/8 one day...

[mudfisher]

I got the Flat bottom V cut in Anaheim on broadway west of AnaheimIce at USAskates. Their website is Figure skates, hockey jerseys, ice skates, figure skate blades, hockey socks, hockey skates, roller skates and much more! USASKATES - We cater to ice skaters with a large selection of ice skates, figure skates, hockey jerseys, hockey socks, hockey sk (http://www.usaskates.com)

Located between Harbor and AnaheimIce on 411 West Broadway, Anaheim, CA‎ - (714) 999-1400‎.

I have noticed that my edge control is stronger with the V-cut and the glide is much smoother.

[yipperzz]

wait they're not in anaheim ice? my friend said he got his FBV sharpening @ anaheim ice. i'm gonna try it this weekend. and will see how it feels next week.

[mudfisher]

wait they're not in anaheim ice? my friend said he got his FBV sharpening @ anaheim ice. i'm gonna try it this weekend. and will see how it feels next week.

You can see AnaheimICE from the shop.

[yipperzz]

yeah i've seen that shop before. i'll see this weekend. i wonder if anaheim ice got a machine too because i asked my friend 3 times last night at my game if it was INSIDE anaheim ice or the store outside. he said it was inside... lol

[yipperzz]

ok my friend doesn't know what he's talking about :lol:

went to anaheim ice and they have the blademaster flat bottom. which is not the same as the blackstone flat bottom v. so i guess you are right mudfisher. i'll see how this is and then try out the flat bottom v to compare.

i believe glacial gardens at lakewood also has the blademaster flat bottom machine. so if anyone wants to try that type, you can get it in lakewood and anaheim.

[yipperzz]

had a game yesterday on the blademaster flat bottoms. i got the X6 which is the more bite. i usually get a 1/2" or 9/16" cut and it took a while to get used to. on turns i could feel it bite in more than on the 1/2. but it felt good going straight. the glide felt great like the 9/16" cut. i need to get more time on it but i would try it again. not sure how long it'll last though. i read that these flat bottom sharpenings whether it's FBV or BFB don't last as long as the standard ROH sharpenings. so i'll see. i still want to try the blackstone FBV next so i can compare it right away. so i guess that'll be my next update. so far i like it.

[fuzzerson]

I just converted to FBV. I have been skating on a 7/8th for years. First tried the 90/50 then moved up to the 90/75. To be honest I was skeptical, but now I am a believer. Way better glide and shaper edges without the chatter on stops.

[Leo Dem]

Here are the locations where they have the Flat V bottom.. Not sure if this is updated but check it out

FBV - Flat Bottom V - Where is it Available? - Blackstone Sport (http://www.blackstonesport.com/fbv_where.cfm)

Jakes Pro Shop which just opened in El Segundo close to Toyota Sports Center has the Blademaster flat bottom which is basically the same idea and competitor to Flat V Bottom.

Anyone who has tried both let me know which you prefer, the Blackstone Flat V bottom or Blademaster. Thanks.

[Crosscheck]

Monkey Sports in Santa Ana does Flat-bottom V sharpening.

[BeachHockey]

hey guys, quick question on sharpening and hollow depths on skates. For whatever reason, I've never been able to stop with my left foot forward (facing to my right), but I can turn just fine and stop on my right foot with no problems. If I try to stop on my left foot, my skate just chatters and skips and I end up on my ass. My skates are Bauer Vapor X (they're about 7 years old or so) with a 1/2" hollow, and I go 6'2" and 170 lbs. Thanks for the help.

[Lososaurus]

hey guys, quick question on sharpening and hollow depths on skates. For whatever reason, I've never been able to stop with my left foot forward (facing to my right), but I can turn just fine and stop on my right foot with no problems. If I try to stop on my left foot, my skate just chatters and skips and I end up on my ass. My skates are Bauer Vapor X (they're about 7 years old or so) with a 1/2" hollow, and I go 6'2" and 170 lbs. Thanks for the help.

I think that is a skating skill and dominant side/leg situation, not the way the skates are cut. I would kick a ball with my right foot, but I have difficulty on a full hockey stop with my right foot forward( skates pointing left ). Conversely, I can do a full hockey stop no problem with my left foot forward( skates pointing right ). I can stop on just my right foot just fine( skates pointing left ), but when I try to bring my left leg into the equation, things aren't so smooth.

My only advice then is to practice stopping on your off foot until you figure out what works. Someone told me once that not enough weight was being put on the off foot, but I practice it so little that I can't confirm it. Hopefully someone with better skating knowledge can weigh in.

[Makoto]

Resurrecting this thread...Does anyone have any recommendations on a shop to have their skates profiled at? I have some new skates and would like to talk to someone about my "issues" with the blades and possible remedies. Thanks in advance.

[jammer06]

Resurrecting this thread...Does anyone have any recommendations on a shop to have their skates profiled at? I have some new skates and would like to talk to someone about my "issues" with the blades and possible remedies. Thanks in advance.

Easier to recommend if we know where you are at.

[beedee]

Resurrecting this thread...Does anyone have any recommendations on a shop to have their skates profiled at? I have some new skates and would like to talk to someone about my "issues" with the blades and possible remedies. Thanks in advance.


^ Where do you live?

My friend whom is a supervisor at Hockey Monkey always has recommended Anaheim Ice for profiling.

[Makoto]

Easier to recommend if we know where you are at.

Sorry about that. West LA.

^ Where do you live?

My friend whom is a supervisor at Hockey Monkey always has recommended Anaheim Ice for profiling.

Thanks homie. I went by Jake's today and talked to Jake. He was very informative and recommended a neutral profile. I'll grab them and skate them tomorrow. I think it may take a few tries, but I'll have to just wait and see.

[jammer06]

Sorry about that. West LA.


Thanks homie. I went by Jake's today and talked to Jake. He was very informative and recommended a neutral profile. I'll grab them and skate them tomorrow. I think it may take a few tries, but I'll have to just wait and see.

no worries, I'm actually in the Bay area and my knowledge of the south is limited. That said there are a surprising amount of places to go now unlike 20-30 years ago.

[Nyssa42]

so, I see that the topic of "Flat Bottom Sharpening" has been discussed way in the past on this thread, but since I just heard of it for the first time today, I thought I'd share this article that jammer06 found for me. The LA Kings Valley Ice Center in Panorama City offers the flat bottom sharpening, and now, thanks to this article, I am going to try it out. But not until after my playoffs next week.

http://itsourice.com/flatbottomsharpening/

[xLAxKingsx]

so, I see that the topic of "Flat Bottom Sharpening" has been discussed way in the past on this thread, but since I just heard of it for the first time today, I thought I'd share this article that jammer06 found for me. The LA Kings Valley Ice Center in Panorama City offers the flat bottom sharpening, and now, thanks to this article, I am going to try it out. But not until after my playoffs next week.

http://itsourice.com/flatbottomsharpening/

saw the rinks at anahiem ice offer it aswell thought about trying it but not until after im done with my first season wouldnt matter anyway im a ****ty skater right now lol.