Ice Hockey Gear Guide
Youth Skate Sharpening Guide: Hollow, Frequency & What to Ask For (2026)
Sharpening is the cheapest performance upgrade in hockey, but the wrong hollow can make a small skater struggle.
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What "Hollow" Means
The hollow is the groove down the center of the blade. A deeper hollow (smaller number) bites more; a shallower hollow (larger number) glides more.
Which Hollow for Kids
| Player Weight | Starting Hollow |
|---|---|
| Under 100 lbs | 3/8" or 7/16" |
| 100–150 lbs | 7/16" or 1/2" |
| 150–200 lbs | 1/2" |
| Over 200 lbs | 1/2" or 5/8" |
Treat this as a starting point and ask your sharpener. If your skater slides out on tight turns, go deeper; if stopping feels jerky or they feel slow, go shallower. Change one step at a time.
How Often
Sources suggest a rough interval of every 10–15 hours of skating, but it varies with the skater's weight, steel, ice conditions, and whether the blades hit hard surfaces. Sharpen when the skater slips on edges or the blade has hit the floor, rubber mat, or debris.
What to Say at the Shop
- "He/she is [age] and about [weight] lbs."
- Ask for the hollow from the table above, or their recommendation for a player that size.
- Ask them to check that the edges are even.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do new skates need sharpening?
Many are sold unsharpened or with a factory edge; get them sharpened before the first on-ice session.
Can I sharpen at home?
Not recommended for beginners. Use a shop.
For profiling, replacement steel and adult players, see the full skate sharpening guide. For fit and the rest of the skate, see the skates guide.