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ASK MR. EDGE
November 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.
There are many reasons why this could be happening – let me explain how to prevent this from occurring in the first place!
- 1. All boot soles and heels should be leveled to the particular size and blade you will be mounting on your boots. Shims of any sort are unacceptable.
2. Have your soles sealed with something other than Sno-Seal if at all possible. In time, Sno-Seal will soften your sole and heel leather that could cause the blade to sink into the bottom.
3. Once the final test mount is completed, it is wise to use a silicon caulk to seal under your blades in order to prevent water from getting into the screw holes.
Q: I have been working on my shoot the duck and have noticed that my blade makes a huge hole in the ice because it barely fits my boot and in some parts comes off of my boot. Is this connected to my blade and what should I do about it?
Samantha – West Orange, N.J.
A: Yes, your blade is responsible for the hole in the ice. I suggest you have someone check to make sure you have the correct size blade for your boot and that it is properly mounted to avoid further mishaps.
Q: My laces are constantly coming loose and my tongue slips down. How can I fix this problem?
Becca – Big Rapids, Mich.
A: Replace your laces with a 50/50 cotton-nylon blend lace for starters. You might also want a shoe repair shop to place a hook in the center of your tongue. When lacing up your boots, cross-wrap the laces under the hook. This should keep your tongue from sliding down. If you still feel pressure from the tongue over the top of your toes, put a few stitches across from side to side at the level of the bottom eyelet closest to the toes. Again, have a shoe repair shop do this for you.
Q: I left my guards on without properly wiping down my blades, which has left rust marks. Should I replace my blades or is there something less drastic that I can do?
Stephen – Phoenix, Ariz.
A: There is no need to replace your blades unless you would like to help the economy! Have them sharpened and you will be in great shape for your next skate.
Q: I am taping my skates tan for my synchronized skating team but I am worried that when she takes the tape off that some of the leather will come off too. Is there any special way to remove the tape without taking off the leather?
Maggie – Stamford, Conn.
A: Yes. Just use your thumb and index finger to securely hold the end of the tape you wish to remove and gently pull it away from the boot. This will guarantee that the leather will still be intact after removing the tape. However, there is no guarantee that the polish will no be removed from your boot. This is usually not a problem for synchronized skaters as most leave the tape on year round or re-polish their skates. There will be glue residue on your boots after removing the tape. This can easily be removed with lighter fluid, Goof Off or Goo Be Gone, which are readily available at most hardware stores.
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.
