Skate sharpening is the process of grinding metal off a skate blade with the aid of a machine to create a “hollow” on the bottom of the skate blade.

Most people don’t know that one skate blade is comprised of two edges, the sharpness of which depends on the radius or depth of the hollow.

Sharpened skates allow the skater to push-off, turn and stop properly.

Skate sharpening is part art and part science. Geoff and Brian have a combined 50 years experience sharpening blades.

They’ll consult with you before they cut to make sure you get the right hollow for your style and experience and level of play.

Yes, younger players tend to need a deeper hollow for better “bite” on the ice.

Deeper hollows are great for beginner skaters.

More advanced skaters and NHLers tend to prefer shallow hollows for better “glide.”

Experienced skaters learn to use their edges more efficiently and try to avoid the friction inherent in deeper hollows.

The hollow refers to the depth of metal that is cut out of the centre of the blade by the machine. This action of hollowing produces two distinct edges that help you push off, turn and stop on the ice. It’s critical that those edges are even.