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ASK MR. EDGE

June/July 2009

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.

Let's start with two reminders to beat the summer heat when it comes to your footwear.

First, don't leave your heat moldable boots in the car. The temperature inside your car gets hot enough to soften your boots and can temporarily affect their support. The lack of support may come as a surprise when trying to land those first jumps.

Second, if your feet perspire more than average, use any brand of medicated foot powder and apply it directly to your feet before putting on your socks or tights. It won't do you any good to apply it over your socks or tights. Keeping your feet dry will also help keep your socks, tights and boots dry.

During the summer, many rink operators turn their compressors down to save on electrical costs. Rinks that normally have hard hockey ice have softer ice.

Even though most figure skaters prefer softer ice, those used to skating on harder ice may find it more difficult performing their spins and jumps. If so, consider a slight change in how your skates are sharpened.

Let me explain. When skating, the friction from the blade on the ice causes the ice to melt. The water then runs through the center of the hollow (less hollow, less friction, more speed). When skating on harder ice, you'll find that a deeper hollow gives you more edge bite than a shallower hollow does. On softer ice, you'll find it more difficult to spin and jump with a deeper hollow because it cuts deeper into the ice, creating more drag. Regardless of ice conditions, if you want greater edge bite, take a hand oilstone and hone the edges of the blades. By doing this, you will extend the time needed between sharpenings. If not, you'll find your edges can dull down in as little as two to three weeks.

Despite differences in sharpening techniques, there are other reasons that cause your blade edges to dull down quickly. Inconsistencies in edge hardening and edge distortion can lead to a loss of edge bite and the need to have your skates sharpened more frequently.

New CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology and the use of hi-grade stainless steel make it possible to have the best of everything. Paramount, for example, uses a process that eliminates nearly all the imperfections along the blade surface, while at the same time, giving you a much more consistent rocker profile.

From the first sharpening, you get near perfect edges and virtually 100 percent edge bite along the entire length of the blade. Less distortion and greater edge bite not only provides you a much smoother run on the ice, but greater control and more speed as well. Also, having a more consistent rocker profile makes it much easier to spin and jump. Add to this a hi-grade hardened 440 stainless steel and you'll extend the edge life of the blade and the amount of time between sharpenings.

Regardless, if you find that the ice conditions at your rink have changed, consider having your blades sharpened a bit differently in order to maintain the same feel for the ice and consistency in your skating.

Let's wrap things up with a question.

Q: What type of skate should I get that has enough ankle support, without spending a lot of money? I can land all of my single jumps and will soon start attempting doubles.
Lisa, Beaver Creek

A: I suggest that you look around for a good used pair of skates. If you can't find anything used, then I suggest getting a summer job and saving up your money.

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.