Consistent hollow
The selected ROH should be reproduced consistently along the runner and across future services.
Blade Hollow · Sharpening 101
Radius of Hollow
Bite and Glide
Live on a Spectrum.
The hollow is the concave groove sharpened into the bottom of a runner. It creates two edges and changes how the blade balances grip, resistance, glide, and speed.
Bottom cross-sectionHollow changes the groove—not the blade silhouette
Sharpening 101
A Quality Sharpening
Controls Four Things.
EDGE uses Elite’s educational framework inside a professional sharpening process.
Symmetrical edges
The groove must be centered so the inside and outside edges finish at equal height.
Preserved profile
Sharpening should remove material uniformly rather than changing the toe-to-heel geometry.
Clean finish
The burr created during grinding must be properly removed through final honing and inspection.
Finding a Starting Point
There Is No
Universal Best Hollow.
A smaller ROH generally cuts a deeper groove and creates more bite. A larger ROH generally creates more glide. But body weight, profile, skating style, ice conditions, experience, and player preference all influence the result.
The objective is not the deepest possible cut. It is a setup the player understands, trusts, and can have reproduced.
Change one variable intentionally.When hollow changes, document it and give the player meaningful ice time before drawing conclusions.
The EDGE Difference
Your Hollow Is
Part of a Player Record.
EDGE connects the setting to the player, their steel, the E-S4 process, final inspection, and future service history.
Inspect
Review steel condition before sharpening.
Confirm
Check the player’s documented hollow.
Sharpen
Operate the Elite E-S4 to the intended setting.
Verify
Check edge symmetry and the finished result.
Finish
Hone and remove the sharpening burr.
Record
Maintain continuity for the next service.
Common Questions
Know What
You Are Skating On.
Does a smaller number mean a sharper skate?
A smaller radius generally creates a deeper groove and more bite, but “sharper” is incomplete. Edge condition, symmetry, finish, profile, player weight, and preference all affect the experience.
Should every player use 1/2 inch?
No. It is a common shop default, not a universal answer. The player’s context should guide the starting point.
Can a wider hollow still provide bite?
Yes. Elite’s positioning is that precise, symmetrical edges and an appropriate profile may let some players use a wider hollow while retaining the bite they need. The player should evaluate changes on the ice.
Is hollow the same as profile?
No. Hollow is the bottom groove measured in inches. Profile is the toe-to-heel contour measured in feet.
Professional Sharpening
Your Hollow.
Managed by EDGE.
See the E-S4 process, compare professional sharpening options, or request a weekly membership.