- Forms
- Current Issue
- Membership
- Fantasy Skating
- U.S. Figure Skating Auctions
- SKATING Magazine
- Judges & Officials
- History
- Employment
- Member Services
- Museum & Hall of Fame
- U.S. Figure Skating at a Glance
- Figure Skating A to Z
- Headquarters Staff
- Scholarships, Grants and Awards
- Logo
- STAR
- Sponsors
- Mission Statement
- Links
- Contact Us
ASK MR. EDGE
January 2004
Mr. Edge is a qualified skate technician with years and years of experience. He can answer your questions on boots, blades and foot problems related to your equipment. Questions will be answered in SKATING magazine and later posted on the web site.
Go ahead skaters — slap my hand! In the November 2003 issue of SKATING I gave suggestions for keeping your blades dry after skating. Well, it turns out that my list was correct but limited. Readers have been sending suggestions for keeping your blades dry and now we're all a little wiser. Ian Macadam from Braintree, Mass., suggests using a natural chamois, which auto dealers use to dry metals on cars. The only maintenance required is that the cloth must remain damp to work effectively. The cloth can be purchased at any auto parts store.
Another reader, Eric Houston from Cambridge, Mass., suggests that skaters carry a hair dryer in their bags. Some of his other suggestions include pouring hot water on your blades and heating a wet towel in the microwave.
I love it when readers offer such great feedback. Now moving on to your questions.
Q: I have been having problems lately with my skates (haven't we all, it seems). They hurt me right by my heel and toes. What should I do? Should I get new skates or what? Wheeling
A: I vote for — or what? But before you do whatever that is, have your feet measured. Indeed, it seems you have grown out of your skates. However, make sure it has been at least two weeks since you have first noticed the pain and tightness. In that time frame, your feet would have been finished growing for now.
Q: Does the type or quality of metal that's on the blade affect for better or worse how the skater skates? Dayton
A: I'll assume that you mean the metal that the blade is made of. The quality of steel used to make a blade along with the edge hardening process involved will generally affect the strength of the blade and how long the edges will remain sharp after they have been sharpened. I've personally witnessed a friend of mine do single Axel in hockey skates. Word to the wise — only bet on a sure thing! In other words, if you have the talent, you can skate on anything!
Q: Would you please tell me what the differences are in rocker/radius dimensions? Why do some companies use the term rocker and others radius? I was under the impression that the radius was the depth of the hollow, which could be changed with each sharpening. Help me, please! Orlando
A: Mr. Edge to the rescue! Rocker/radius are many times interchanged. How you reference it in your discussion will determine just what it means to someone else. I'll try to explain it as simply as possible.
Rocker: Usually means the amount of rock that is on your blade allowing a skater back and forth rocking motion (the curved longitudinal profile of a figure or hockey blade).
Rocker Profile: The measurement in feet that identifies the rocker profile along the plane of the blade. (e.g., 7 feet, 8 feet).
Rocker Radius: Sometimes confused with the term hollow radius or radius of hollow.
Radius of Hollow: In inches, the depth of the hollow groove cut down the center of your blades when sharpening them. (e.g., 7⁄16", 1⁄2", 3⁄4").
Well, my time and space has run out for now! Don't be discouraged though for I will return. Same magazine, next issue, probably a different page number though. Until then, this is Mr. Edge signing off and wishing you a happy start to a great new year.
Mr. Edge and all related elements are property of Arena Sports & Consulting Services, Inc. ©2013. Send your questions to Mr. Edge via mail (Ask Mr. Edge, SKATING magazine, 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906); FAX (719) 635-9548 or e-mail them online.
The opinions of Mr. Edge are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Figure Skating or SKATING magazine. Remember, if you have problems with your feet, check with a doctor – the problem may very well be with your boot, but it could be more serious. Check with your local pro shop for more information about boots and blades.
