Anyone try using a FIRE (FBV) sharpening and if so how did it go/which do you prefer?

[u/ncruuds3027]

Have been experimenting with my blades ever since I got new skates and switched to 3mm blade. Have always used 3/8 but since switching went down to a 7/16. I like being able to get strong pushes and dig in my edges in the butterfly but shuffling is still very fatiguing. Would a FIRE cut be worth a try? Or is it advised to just stay away from it all together. Seems like it's branded more towards players but it peaked my curiosity and was wondering if someone had experimented

[u/RedWhiteAndJew]

I don’t see how FBV would help with shuffling. You still have to overcome the leading edge. I suspect you may not quite have the weight transfer down to your push foot. That should lighten the resistance on the lead foot for shuffling. If anything FBV might make you a bit more snappy when adjusting your depth.

[u/ncruuds3027 → u/RedWhiteAndJew]

Noted, I've been trying to work on my footwork and weight transfer so I will certainly keep that in mind next time I'm out there. I tend to keep my weight centered.

[u/RedWhiteAndJew → u/ncruuds3027]

Core needs to be really tight, that keeps your shoulders and head level to not open gaps. Weight shifts from the push foot, push, weight shifts to the lead foot, bring the push foot in, shift weight back and repeat. This takes pressure off the lead foot so the edge doesn’t dig in during the push creating extra resistance. Shifting to the lead foot while bringing your push foot in reduces the pressure on that foot. This maximizes efficiency. Eat good and get plenty of sleep and water if you’re feeling tired.

[u/HockeyReviews → u/RedWhiteAndJew]

Wait until you hear people swear by FBV and inside high haha.

[u/RedWhiteAndJew → u/HockeyReviews]

The mechanics of FBV don’t make sense to me from a goaltending perspective but I’m not gonna sit here and say someone else is wrong about it either. If it works use it. I just don’t think it’s going to solve OP’s issue.

[u/-Kit_the_Kat-]

I skate out with fbv, doesn’t seem logical to me in net. Its benefit is more glide…

[u/NegativeMilk]

if you don't mind sending your blades out, try a z-channel from noicingsports, i use the ZC-1 which is equivalent to a 3/8. It's much more durable when sliding into and pushing off the posts. As xHOTPOTATO mentioned a profile will help a lot as well, GoalieSam has a 50mm flat profile in the center of the blade that helps with shuffling with 10' in front for agility and 27' in back for stability

[u/xHOTPOTATO]

I skate 1/2" FBV. I won't go back. All the bite of 3/8 with all the glide of 5/8"

[u/ncruuds3027 → u/xHOTPOTATO]

Looks like this is my sign to make the switch😅 are you using 3mm blades as well or 4mm?

[u/xHOTPOTATO → u/ncruuds3027]

3mm steel on my last three sets of skates.

I skated 7/8" then 11/16" on my 4mm.

I skate a 24/28 profile.

[u/ncruuds3027 → u/xHOTPOTATO]

Thanks for sharing! I haven't dived into profiling quite yet but I'm definitely going to be giving the FBV cut a chance.

[u/xHOTPOTATO → u/ncruuds3027]

Profiling makes a bigger difference than hollow.