How to Profile Hockey Skate Blades

Hockey skate blade profiling or contouring shapes the rocker profile of the skate blade to suit the preferences of the skater. A longer radius will increase speed and stability but will sacrifice quick turn ability and agility. A smaller radius will increase turn quickness and the ability to pivot but slow the skate's speed. A blade profile is based primarily on position and preference, but age, height and weight are also factors to be considered when selecting a profile. These factors will affect selected radius, hollow and depth of the sharpened and profiled skate blade.

Instructions

  1. Selecting the Right Profile

    • 1

      Determine the desired blade radius. Smaller radii are more suited for smaller players or those who desire quick-turn ability.

    • 2

      Determine the skate blade hollow and depth to sharpen the skate to. These factors are determined mainly by age and weight. Younger, lighter skaters will typically have a deeper hollow with a bit more depth ground into the blade.

    • 3

      Have an experienced technician grind, profile and sharpen the skate blades.

    • 4

      Practice on the newly profiled skates to determine if this profile is suitable.

    • 5

      Adjust the profile as needed.