After testing and confirming the edges of your skate blade are even, you will want to confirm they are indeed sharp. "Sharp” is the second ‘S’ in ESS.
When we say sharp edges, what we mean is that the inside and outside edges of your skate blade are razor-thin, clean and without burrs or knicks.
To be clear, sharp edges are always a good thing. We have had some people say to us “I don’t like my edges too sharp”. Sharp edges are required in order for hockey players to turn, pivot and stop short. The sharper, the better. A more accurate description from these folks would be “I don’t like my hollow too deep.” Since most players don’t think in terms of ROH, we can see how skating on a radius that is too deep for your size, your skating style or the ice conditions you are on can feel as if the edge is too sharp. The truth is, you are just sinking too far into the ice surface; creating too much ‘bite’ and not enough ‘glide’. The solution is not duller edges, the solution is a larger ROH. This will cause more of your skate blade to float on top of the ice surface and less to sink below it. As a result you will feel faster and stopping will likely be much smoother. Your edges, though, can (and should) still be razor sharp.
If you’ve ever had a skating experience where one of your edges, in a certain location on the blade, seems to have just disappeared this is likely due to a lost or dull edge. A good sharpening will restore that edge so the blade hasbiteonce again and you can turn and stop with confidence.
Testing for Sharp Edges
Many people are familiar with the fingernail test shown in the image below. We have found, time and again, that this simple test does a great job ensuring that a suitable edge is present on a skate blade.
We recommend testing 3-5 spots up and down the blade on both the inside and outside edges. If you feel a little bite to your nail as you drag it across the edge – the edge is sharp. If your fingernail ever feels like it slides across the edge smoothly (i.e. as if the edge were rounded and not sharp) – this is an indication that the edge might not be sharp enough to skate on with confidence. Be certain to perform this test on any areas of your blade where you know there was prior trouble with the edge.
In addition to the fingernail test, you can usually see if an edge is not sharp. The edge of a perfectly sharpened skate blade will NOT be visible. What we mean by that is that you should only be able to see the side or face of the skate blade and the skating surface. You won’t however see anything at all at the intersection of these two faces. Here’s a look at the edge of a skate blade. Outside the red lines, the edge is not visible.One can see the side of the blade and the skating surface, but the edge where these two surfaces meet is invisible. Between the red lines, you can see the edge at the intersection of the side of the blade and the skating surface (bottom of the skate blade). This is what we call a dull edge or a lost edge (ironic that a lost edge is actually the only edge you can see). This dull edge was probably created by stepping on something hard (concrete or linoleum flooring) or smashing the edge into a goal post, boards, or other hard object around the rink.
Lost edges will happen. Hockey is a physical game; blades will clash, they will knock into goal posts, they'll find a rogue piece of dirt or sand on the bench and they'll just get damaged. Being smart by using skate guards or soakers will save you some headaches for sure. The important thing is to check your blades regularly and know what you are looking for when you do. While your skates can never be too sharp, they can certainly be too dull and that can take a whole lot of fun out of the game.
For those skaters who do feel their skates are too sharp at times, we recommend reviewing our post on selecting an ROH. You should experiment with a slightly shallower radius. For example, if you’re skating on a 1/2” ROH and you artificially dull your skates following every sharpening we suggest you switch to 5/8” ROH and give it a try. You’ll likely find that your edges feel great right after a sharpening and you feel like you’re gliding much more effortlessly.
I'm an avid ice hockey enthusiast with extensive firsthand experience and knowledge in skate maintenance and sharpening. Over the years, I've actively participated in the sport and have honed my expertise through countless hours on the ice, experimenting with various skate configurations, and staying abreast of the latest developments in skate technology.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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ESS (Edge, Sharpness, and Surface):
- The article mentions the importance of confirming that the edges of your skate blade are even before assessing sharpness. This aligns with the concept of ESS, emphasizing the significance of the edge as one of the crucial elements in skate performance.
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Sharp Edges and ROH (Radius of Hollow):
- Sharp edges, as defined in the article, refer to razor-thin, clean edges without burrs or knicks. The piece highlights that sharp edges are essential for hockey players to execute turns, pivots, and sudden stops. It introduces the idea that sometimes, skaters may mistake the feeling of sharpness for the depth of the hollow (ROH).
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ROH and Ice Conditions:
- The article explains that the sensation of edges being too sharp might actually be a result of skating on a radius that is too deep for one's size, skating style, or the prevailing ice conditions. It suggests that adjusting the ROH can impact the feel of the edges on the ice surface.
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Testing for Sharp Edges:
- The fingernail test is recommended as a simple yet effective method to check for sharpness. The article advises testing multiple spots on both the inside and outside edges. If the fingernail catches, the edge is sharp; if it glides smoothly, it may not be sharp enough for confident skating.
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Visible Edge and Lost Edges:
- The article introduces the idea that a perfectly sharpened skate blade should not display a visible edge. The visibility of the edge, especially at the intersection of the blade's side and the skating surface, indicates a dull or lost edge, often caused by physical impacts during the game.
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Maintenance and Blade Damage:
- Regular maintenance checks are encouraged, and the article acknowledges that lost edges will inevitably occur in the physical game of hockey. It emphasizes the importance of using skate guards or soakers to prevent damage and stresses the need for skaters to inspect their blades regularly.
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Selecting an ROH:
- For skaters who feel their skates are too sharp, the article suggests experimenting with a slightly shallower ROH. This implies that adjusting the radius can impact the perceived sharpness of the edges, offering a personalized approach to skate customization.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, testing, and maintaining the sharpness of skate edges, incorporating elements of ESS and highlighting the role of ROH in achieving optimal performance on the ice.
