Released in 2009 for the Canadians and Americans by BlackStone, We now finally have this service in the UK (United Kingdom)
Brand new skate sharpening technology as arrived, this method of sharpening has hit the market like a storm. Unlike the conventional sharpening that puts a hollow between two edges in a U shape, the FBV is a totally new way to sharpen and shape an ice skate blade. With a conventional sharpening, you have to choose between grip/bite and speed. With the FBV, you get both maximum bite (when you need it) but also maximum glide (when you need it).
How does this new technology work?
While the technology is based on physics principles of friction, the application to ice hockey compared to traditional skate sharpening can see and explained with the following image:
As we can see, the edges remain in tact producing a sharp bite for acceleration and agility (keeping your tight turns tight!) but instead of the concave hollow “U” shaped, the middle of the blade is ground flat to increase glide and speed.
We at Hockeytutorial strongly suggest that all hockey players that are focused on a high level of performance, give the Flat Bottom V a go. The Flat Bottom V has virtually zero getting use to time. In a matter of minutes, you’ll adapt easy to this setting and soon be reaping the rewards of super speed and endurance, yet at the same time have all the grip you need for hard turns and stops.
Will it change my skates Rocker?
Getting an FBV on your skates does not alter your Rocker radius at all, it does not take off any more steel than a regular sharpening, and if you are ever in a bind for a sharpening, it can easily be sharpened over with your previous hollow by any sharpener.
We offer many different FBV’s, all have great speed. We’ll select the one that gives you the bite you are use to, or you can even get more bite (better turning) without losing speed.
How are they sharpened ?
The Flat Bottom V or FBV skate sharpening is very different to what you are use to getting on your skates. The FBV has a flat bottom with the edges slightly higher. So when gliding, you are on the flat which gives you great speed, but when you turn and lean on the skates, the edges dig into the ice giving you great turning ability. An example of this would be using FBV you can achieve the gliding equivalent to a 2″hollow, yet at the same time, the turning capacity of a 3/8 hollow.
Basic skate sharpening guide to what Flat Bottom V Skate Sharpening (FBV) can offer you compared to traditional skate sharpening
FBV3/8: This cut is good for goalies who like an extreme grip and will provide edge similar to the 5/16-3/8″ range. Not recommend for players unless the FBV1/2 does not provide enough bite for you. Blackstone 100/1
FVB 1/2: This cut is good for skaters who are currently skating on hollows in the 3/8-1/2″ range. Also called the Blackstone 100/75
FBV 95/1. Close to a 7/16″ hollow.
FBV 9/16: This selection is good for skaters who are currently skating on hollows in the 1/2-9/16″ range. Also called the Blackstone 100/50
FBV 95/75: Similar to FBV9/16.
FBV90/1: This setting provided bite in between the FBV9/16 and the FBV 5/8 and is closer to a 9/16″hollow. Blackstone FBV90/1
FBV 5/8: This selection is good for skaters who are currently skating on hollows in the 5/8-3/4″ range. Also called the Blackstone 90/75
FBV 85/1: Similar to 11/16″
FBV 80/1: Similar to 13/16″ FBV 3/4: This selection is good for skaters who are currently skating on hollows in the 3/4-7/8″ range. Also called the Blackstone 90/50
FBV 1: This selection is good for skaters who are currently skating on hollows in the 7/8-1″ range. Also called the blackstone 80/50.
Flat Bottom V advantages and disadvantages
Flat bottom V advantages
- Great gliding regardless or what depth you get
- Better turning and agility (more bite)
- Less fatigue (blade doesn’t dig into the ice as much which requires more energy to skate)
- The difference is remarkable ! great bite and speed without having to put in more energy into strides
- Same price as a regular sharpen in most places
Flat bottom V disadvantages
- When you lose an edge you lose it all at once, which could mean missing the rest of the game or session until you can get the skate sharpened (unless your lucky enough to have an extra set of blades or skates)
- The blade requires much more care proper blade protectors are a must have!
- If the edge comes off at once then this will result in frequent sharpening to keep the edge (only if you don’t look after them)
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