Sharpening 101

What Is Skate Sharpening, Really?

At its core, sharpening isn’t just about making skates “sharp” — it’s about controlling your bite, glide, and power. Whether you're carving tight turns or sprinting for a puck, the right hollow gives you the edge — literally.

  • Radius of Hollow (ROH)

    - Traditional Circular Hollow

    - Measured in portions of an inch (e.g. 1/2", 5/8")

    - Deeper = more bite; shallower = more glide

  • FBV (Flat Bottom V)

    - Combines glide of shallow ROH with bite of a deeper one

    - More efficient stride, less fatigue

    - Great for skilled skaters or speed-focused players

Which is right for you?

Classic ROH (Radius of Hollow) is the traditional method trusted by generations of players. When done properly, a well-executed ROH cut delivers a smooth, predictable feel on the ice — excellent bite, reliable glide, and easy control. It’s extremely versatile and suits most skaters, from beginners to elite players. Classic ROH is also more forgiving when it comes to blade damage; nicks and dings tend to just “kick” the edge without catastrophic failure.

FBV (Flat Bottom V) is a more modern innovation designed to maximize glide without sacrificing grip. It uses a flat center with sharp edges, creating a unique blend of speed and control. When dialed in correctly, FBV can feel like you’re floating across the ice with effortless bite when you need it. However, FBV requires more skill from the sharpener to execute correctly — and it's less forgiving when damaged. Instead of small edge kicks, FBV edges can chip or break off in chunks, which can severely impact performance.

In the end, it comes down to your style, preferences, and expectations on the ice. We’re happy to walk you through both options and help you find the right edge for your game.

ROH Chart

ROH Size Edge Bite Glide Best For
5/16" Maximum Bite Minimal Glide Young players needing serious grip or stop/start ability
3/8" Very High Bite Low Glide Explosive skaters focused on edge control and power
7/16" High Bite Slightly More Glide Strong skaters needing acceleration and control
1/2" Moderate-High Bite Balanced Glide Most popular — good all-around feel
9/16" Moderate Bite Above Average Glide Advanced skaters looking for efficiency
5/8" Medium-Low Bite High Glide Speed and glide-focused players
11/16" Low Bite Very High Glide Beer leaguers or veterans conserving energy
3/4" Very Low Bite Maximum Glide Big players with great balance and stride
13/16" Minimal Bite Extreme Glide Goalies or players on fresh/fast ice
7/8" Barely Any Bite Maximum Glide Speed skaters, or big men with power strides
1" Flat Feel Ultimate Glide Goalies or players on pristine, fast ice only

FBV Chart

FBV Cut ROH Equivalent (Feel) Bite Level Glide Level Best For
100/75 ~3/8" Very High Bite Moderate Glide Explosive quick starts & tight turns
95/75 ~7/16" High Bite Moderate Glide Aggressive forwards, strong edge control
100/50 ~1/2" Medium-High Bite High Glide Balanced all-around performance
92/75 ~9/16" Moderate Bite High Glide Agile skaters needing more flow
98/50 ~9/16" Medium Bite High Glide Transitioning from ROH to FBV
90/1 ~5/8" Lower Bite Max Glide Speed-focused players, less fatigue
85/1 ~11/16" Low Bite Max Glide Veterans or beer leaguers with control
80/1 ~3/4" Very Low Bite Maximum Glide Big stride skaters, fresh ice
75/1 ~13/16" Minimal Bite Extreme Glide Goalies or efficient skaters
70/1 ~7/8" Barely Any Bite Max Glide Powerful, stable skaters
65/1 ~1" Flat Feel Ultimate Glide Goalies or pristine-ice players only

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"The best edges on the East Coast—so happy they are in NoVA. Customized to exactly your body type and how you skate, and John will explain everything he is doing if you want to know."
Chris S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"I never leave reviews but felt compelled to for this small business because of the unparalleled quality of work. Around 6–7 months ago I found some replacement steel for my Grafs that I refuse to part with. I brought them to The Sharpening Dude, and the results were phenomenal. The attention to detail and craftsmanship are unmatched."

Adrian D.