Expert Insights on Hockey Skate Fitting & Sharpening with John Scharnberg

As someone whose experience with skating is more on my backside than on my feet—I decided to tap into the expertise of John Scharnberg from our Hockey & Skate Shop to learn more about skate fitting and sharpening. 

Q: What experience do you have with hockey skate fitting and sharpening?

John Scharnberg: I’ve been fitting and sharpening skates for the past seven years, and at 46 years old, I’ve been involved in hockey since I was eight.

Q: Can you describe the process you follow when fitting a customer for skates?

John: We start by finding out what kind of skate the customer needs—whether it's for hockey, figure skating, or recreational use.

Q: What factors do you consider when selecting the right hockey skate for a customer?

John: The first thing we consider is the customer’s level of play. Then we look at how often they’ll be on the ice. Price point is also a factor in the final decision.

Q: How do you determine the correct sharpening hollow for different hockey players?

John: A lot of skaters will tell us what radius of hollow (ROH) they prefer. If they’re unsure, we typically start with a 1/2" ROH and make adjustments based on their needs. Factors like skill level and ice conditions can also influence the best hollow for a player.

Q: Can you walk us through the process of sharpening hockey skates?

John: Sure. We use a tool called an H.D.I. (Hollow Depth Indicator) to measure the edges and depth of the hollow. I start by checking the ROH to ensure we're sharpening to the correct depth. Then I use a side stone to smooth out any nicks on the blade. After that, the skate goes into the jig, and I begin sharpening. If a skate has been regularly sharpened, only a few passes are needed. Once the hollow is clean, I make 1-2 slow, light passes to smooth everything out. Finally, I check the edges again to ensure they’re perfectly even and side-stone the blade one last time to remove burrs.

Q: How do you handle special requests from hockey players, like custom profiling or adjustments?

John: We’re a full-service hockey shop. We offer custom sharpening, blade profiling, and even repairs. With three different sharpening machines, we can handle just about any request.

Q: How do you ensure that customers are comfortable with their skates after fitting?

John: With every pair of skates we sell, we offer baking and sharpening. Most hockey skates have heat-moldable pads. We heat the skate in a special oven and then lace it up on the skater’s foot. The heat moldable pads conform to their foot, creating a custom fit. If any areas are still uncomfortable after baking, we can heat and adjust specific areas of the skate to improve the fit.

Q: How do you educate customers about proper care and maintenance for hockey skates?

John: The most important part of maintaining skates is keeping them clean and dry. It's also essential to regularly check the eyelets and rivets, and sharpen your skates as needed.

Q: What sets your skate fitting and sharpening services apart from a standard store?

John: We’re a small-town hockey and skate shop, and most of our customers are people we know personally. We care about the success of our players and take pride in our sharpening services, no matter the skater's experience level. Every skate that leaves our shop is sharpened to the highest standards.

Q: How do you stay updated with the latest trends in hockey skates and equipment?

John: Bauer offers training through their Bauer University program, and our reps visit a few times a year to educate us on the latest products. Honestly, I listen to what the kids are talking about and asking for—it keeps me informed on current trends.

Q: How would you address a player's concerns about comfort or performance in their current skates?

John: The key is to listen to the player. Only they know how their skates feel. From there, we do our best to correct the issue or help them find gear that fits their needs.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about skate sharpening or fitting?

John: New skaters and their parents often don’t know much about sharpening or the gear they need. That’s part of our job—to educate and guide them in selecting the proper equipment.

Q: Have you worked with customers who have unique foot shapes or medical conditions?

John: Absolutely. Everyone’s feet are unique, so the key to a proper fit is knowing our products well and measuring each foot correctly.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working in skate fitting and sharpening?

John: I love the end result—seeing the player on the ice. There’s also a great satisfaction when a skater specifically requests that I sharpen their skates.

Q: How would you handle a situation where a customer requests a sharpening or fitting method that might not be ideal?

John: Listening to the skater is the most important part. We educate them and make recommendations, but ultimately, the choice is theirs.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with hockey players or customers?

John: We’ve covered a lot, but for beginners, I’d say don’t be afraid to ask questions—that’s what we’re here for. We do everything we can to make sure every skater leaves our shop with the best possible experience.

John’s extensive knowledge and passion for helping skaters shine through in this Q&A. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the team at our Hockey & Skate Shop is here to ensure you have the best possible fit and sharpening experience.