Blademaster Professional Skate Sharpening / Initial Sharpening

The Blademaster Professional Sharpening / Initial Sharpening ensures top performance, grip, and glide on the ice.
At HP’s Sport Shop, we use the Blademaster Infinity sharpening machine combined with the Blademaster 8VBP wheel – one of the most precise and consistent systems used by professional hockey technicians worldwide.

Understanding the Differences – Radius of Hollow vs. Flat Bottom

Radius of Hollow (ROH) – the traditional concave sharpening

With the Radius of Hollow, the skate blade is ground into a curved hollow that forms two distinct edges – inner and outer.
This shape allows the edges to bite deeper into the ice, giving the player maximum grip, control, and stability during turns, acceleration, and stops.

A smaller radius (e.g., 3/8") means a deeper hollow, providing stronger edge bite and better traction but more resistance while gliding.
A larger radius (e.g., 3/4") gives a flatter hollow, allowing for smoother glide and higher top speed but less edge hold.

Advantages of ROH sharpening:

• Excellent grip and edge control

• High stability and precision

• Adjustable for player weight and skating style

Disadvantages:

• Slightly less glide efficiency

• Requires more frequent sharpening with heavy use

Flat Bottom – the modern hybrid approach

The Flat Bottom sharpening features a small flat surface between the two edges instead of a full concave hollow.
This design allows the skate to glide faster due to reduced friction, while the outer edges still provide solid grip for stability.

However, the edges tend to lose sharpness more quickly, especially on rough or dirty ice, meaning players may need to sharpen more often.

Advantages of Flat Bottom sharpening:

• Reduced friction – faster glide

• Efficient energy transfer for speed

• Smooth, effortless skating feel

Disadvantages:

• Edges dull faster

• Slightly less control for heavier or powerful skaters

• Not ideal for aggressive turns or deep edge work

Recommended Radius by Weight (ROH):

• Very light – 3/8" (deep hollow, maximum grip)

• Light – 1/2"

• Average – 5/8" (HP’s Sport Shop standard)

• Heavy – 3/4" (flatter hollow, more glide)

Important Information:

• This service can only be booked together with a skate purchase.

• Performed exclusively by trained technicians using professional Blademaster equipment.

• The price applies to one complete pair of skates.

• Service work is non-refundable once performed.