A Radius of Hollow (ROH) is commonly referred to as a “cut” by most skate sharpeners. If you’ve been skating for a while, you may know your cut already. If you don’t know what to get, we’ll help get you there. As a note, if referencing the chart above, they’re measurements in between the quarter-inch markers known as the 16ths of an inch. This allows you to further dial in your cut.

There’s a lot that goes into finding your specific ROH. There is generally a rule of thumb, but sometimes that’s not always the case. If you’re new to skating and go into any shop around the DMV, chances are they’re going to give you a 1/2” radius. It’s the most common in the U.S., and that’s mostly to do with our ice temperature.

But let’s start with the basics. Mostly it has to do with size and mass. Suppose you are getting skates sharpened for a child under 4’ and weighs less than 60 lbs. I would recommend getting a 7/16” ROH, and it should allow them to have enough bite into the ice without causing significant drag. This also depends on skill level. If you have a very talented player, they might handle wider cuts as they get deeper into their turns and better control their edges.

Let’s use Zuma as an example. When he started the 2021-2022 season, he weighed 98 lbs and skated in size 3.5 CCM skate, and his cut was 7/16”. In January 2022, Zuma is now 112 lbs and received new skates, size 4.5 Fit 3 Bauer’s. His cut is now 1/2”. This is a good example of when the rule of thumb applies. Now, here’s an example of where it doesn’t. I am 5’ 8” and weigh 255. I know, I get told all the time, “how do you weigh that when you look like an ice ballerina.” I skate on size 8 Bauer’s, and I use a 1/2” ROH. I should be at least in a 5/8” with my weight, but I’ve tried, and I hate it. So it all comes down to personal preference.

Goalies! I haven’t forgotten about you. You guys are all mental. IN MY OPINION, what I mean by that is that most of your game is reaction and speed, which generates in your head. It also doesn’t help that most players are told to stay away from you when it’s game day! I have a bit of a reputation as being a “Goalie Whisperer” I’ve had several Goalies have a Shut Out after getting a sharpening the day before a game. What makes me this elusive “Goalie Whisperer.” Knowing some stuff about how your skates interact with the ice. If you’re a “Butterfly” Goalie, you should be using a 3/4” cut or wider. If you’re a “Stack the Pads” goalie, you should be on 5/8”. Although the second one is dying out, I still have mad love for an STP Goalie!

You might be saying, “Ok, Dude! I get it”, “How do I test cuts, so I know which one is right for me?” This is where practices and Spring/Summer hockey come into play. Use these times of non-critical hockey to play around with ROHs so you can “Get Your Edge.” I’m always a text/email/message/call away if you have any questions!