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ASK MR. EDGE

February 2008

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.



Over the years, I've brought to light many, if not all, the problems that seem to present themselves to skaters of all ages. Given that, I have both good news and indifferent news to share with you.

First, the good news. I've seen a reduction in the number of questions regarding the following:

  • How to properly lace your skates
  • Taking proper care of your skates
  • How to keep your skates clean and polished
  • What to do when your ankle bones hurt
  • My opinion of certain boots and blades
For the indifferent news, there has been little to no change or an increase of the following questions:
  • How do I know if I've outgrown of my skates?
  • My arches hurt, why and what should I do?
  • How often do I need my skates sharpened?
  • How do I get rid of these bumps on my heels?
  • Can boots be stretched and how much?
  • I have problems keeping an edge, why?
  • Why can't I land my jumps?
  • Why do I have spin problems?
  • How do I know if my skates are sharpened correctly?
  • How do I know when my boots are broken down?
For this column, I'll answer this one: How do I know if my skates are sharpened properly?

There are a couple different ways in which skates can be sharpened. In my opinion, regardless of whether they are hockey or figure skates, all skate sharpening has three things in common:

  • Level edges while maintaining a good profile
  • Clean, sharp edges
  • A smooth, clean finish down the center of the blade
Now then, how do we achieve all of the above?

Level edges while maintaining a good profile: There are several different gauges on the market that can be used to check the levelness of blade edges. Maintaining a good profile requires nothing more than a steady hand and just a bit more time.

Clean sharp edges: Wiping your blades down with a towel after sharpening them removes any loose burrs that remain on your edges. If you want to make your blades really sharp, take a fine hand stone and lightly run it across the edges after sharpening. You'll feel an incredible difference when you're on the ice. Chances are, you won't like it and will say that it feels like you're slipping. Truth is, you are not slipping at all. In realty, the degree of edge sharpness changes, leaving you with much sharper edges. If your boots are too stiff and you're unable to bend enough to press the edge into the ice, then you'll have no control and can only describe it by saying that you're slipping and can't hold an edge.

No need to worry, though. After a few hours of skating, the edges will dull and things will be back to normal. I find this somewhat odd considering it works just the opposite on younger, much lighter skaters. Children find it much easier to skate on sharper edges, mainly because they don't weigh enough to even slightly press their edges into the ice (especially if their boots are too stiff).

A smooth, clean finish down the center of the blade: This can be achieved by using a finely dressed softer grit wheel. All good skate sharpeners will make sure they always use a good quality diamond for dressing the wheel, as well as a softer grit wheel when sharpening figure blades. Some may even apply a special lubricant to the blades just before making the final pass down the center of the blade.

Well, skaters, that sums it up for now. Stay tuned for next time, when I attempt to answer another one of the most commonly asked questions. Until then, take care and have a great skate.

Mr. Edge

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.