FAQs

What geographical areas do you offer your mobile skate sharpening services in?

We are headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. We currently offer our mobile sharpening within Calgary and surrounding areas.

I normally go to the same local skate shop for every sharpen because they always do a good job. How can you ensure that quality is matched when operating out of a mobile van?

GRINDERS is powered by the most cutting-edge and trusted name in automated skate sharpening technology: Sparx Hockey. Because the skate sharpening process is automated, all potential for human error is removed. There’s a reason why more than 25 NHL teams are using the same technology as GRINDERS – unmatched accuracy and consistency. Our Sparx sharpeners produce incredibly precise results every single time, and you skates don’t leave our care until they pass through our edge checker (see picture below) to ensure your edges are evenly aligned within 1/1000th of an inch. No other sharpener can match this accuracy and consistency, meaning it produces as good (or better) results as the guy at the skate shop you’ve trusted for years. Still not sure? Check out this video to hear what the NHL pros have to say about their experience with this technology!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What kind of skates can you sharpen?

Our sharpeners can handle all sizes and types of hockey skates, including goalie skates. We can also sharpen carbon-coated or "blacksteel" blades.

We can also sharpen most figure skates, recreational skates, and kids skates.

 

What kind of sharpening hollow should I choose?

The sharpening hollow is a measurement of the radius of the circle shape grinded into the bottom of the skate blade. In short, the smaller the radius measurement, the deeper the cut into your blade, which results in sharper inside and outside edges. The "sharpness" of your edges is a matter of preference, and is a trade-off between "grip" and "glide".

A smaller radius such as 3/8" results in the most amount of "grip" (most pronounced edges from the deeper cut into the blade) and least amount of "glide" (most amount of edge surface area cutting through the ice when skating forward). As you move from left to right in the chart below, the feeling of "grip" decreases, while "glide" performance increases.

1/2" is considered a "standard" sharpening, as indicated by the level of popularity in the chart below. Some heavier skaters (including NHL pros) may prefer a larger radius such as 5/8" or even up to 1", given the increased weight on the skate blade makes this feel "sharper" than it otherwise would if they were lighter. Goalies may prefer a smaller radius such as 3/8" or 7/16", given they mostly move side-to-side in the crease and are less concerned with "glide" performance.

When switching between hollows to hone in on your personal preference, remember to order a cross-grind to ensure the new hollow can be accurately ground in (see further FAQs below on cross-grinds).  

What is a cross-grind?

Cross grinding a skate blade removes the edges, or radius of hollow on a skate blade, giving the blade a flat, blank slate. A cross-grind is essentially a reset button for your edges, and also brings old rusty skate blades back to life.

 

When is a cross-grind required?

We strongly recommend a cross-grind for blades that meet any of the following criteria:

  • haven’t been sharpened in a really long time (8-10 ice times for regular skaters, < 12-14 ice times for junior skaters) - this will cause the inside and outside edges of the hollow to be very uneven
  • have had a “Magic Stick”/“V-Tool” used on them - this damages the blade by forcibly folding in the edges
  • have noticeable damage to the bottom of the blade when closely inspected – knicks/chips from cement, goalposts, or any other surface besides ice or the soft rubber flooring in a dressing room.
  • have noticeable rust on the bottom of the blade - common in older skates that haven’t been used in a long time)
  • have just been purchased and have not had their first sharpen - new steel does not have an existing hollow
  • you are planning on choosing a different sharpening radius than the last time you got your skates sharpened

Blades with any of the above conditions require a cross grind before our sharpening wheels can accurately grind in your customized hollow.