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ASK MR. EDGE

November 2001

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.



Having a problem with your skates or boots? Can't find the answers? Well, Mr. Edge is here to answer all your questions. With many years of experience and a never-ending resource list, he can help you solve your boot, blade and foot problems. This month, Mr. Edge discusses issues relating to blade sizes and the best boot to buy for ice dancing. Read on and learn!

It's that time again! Now that summer has come and gone, so has the hot weather. As I travel through Michigan, I watch in amazement as fall sets in with all its splendor. The trees with their multi-colored foliage this time of year are just spectacular.

As the sun sets in the west, it's beaming bright rays shine through the trees that line the lakefront from north to south, giving way to a magnificent array of color. Wow! Oh well, enough of my travels and time to get down to business.

I recently received word about a fellow skater who is trying as best he can to sharpen skates with a hand sharpener, with really no other alternative. Although this is very difficult and time consuming, it can be done with some degree of effectiveness. My hat goes off to this man for his efforts in trying to help his fellow skaters. Here are a few tips that I hope will help him out, and others as well, when using a hand sharpener.

First and Foremost: Realize that this is only a method for touching up your edges and is not meant to replace a full sharpening.

Second: If your edges are uneven, you will need to have them fully sharpened in order to level them. If not, then good luck!

Method for Hand Sharpening
  1. Apply lightweight oil along the length of the blade.
  2. Using a round India Oil Stone (medium grit), stone the
  3. length of the blade until the center looks uniform.
  4. Using a fine round stone, repeat the process.
  5. Using a fine flat stone, hone the edges on both sides of the blade.
  6. Wipe down with a clean cloth and enjoy.

I suggest that if you look through SKATING magazine, you may find a couple of sources for hand-held sharpening kits. They would be well worth the money.

Now that everyone is back from summer vacation and skate school has started, remember to check that your blades are sharpened and ready to go when you hit the ice, or at least step onto it. Oh, and by the way, don't forget to take off your skateguards also.

Having well-sharpened blades is one of the biggest keys to skating success. In our very first issue over a year ago, we talked about the benefits of well-sharpened skates — it can't hurt to mention them again ...

  1. Will allow steadiness on the ice, which results in less falls
  2. More speed with less effort
  3. Faster stops, quicker turns
  4. Take a harder hit during a collision and stay on your feet? Hopefully!
  5. Power skating and edge classes are no longer a struggle
  6. Will give you more confidence overall

AND NOW, THE MOMENT YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Your questions, or question as the case may be, answered!

I am an adult skater who just started skating for the first time in my life. I have been using rental skates but am thinking of buying my first pair. I skate about six hours a week and am just finishing up Basic Level 6. I'm still not sure how far I will go with my skating, i.e., if I will compete someday. What should I consider as I look to purchase my first skates? Ohio

The question to ask is, “Just how good a skate do I really need?” Should I buy a skate with a lot of support and hope that it will last me for many years, or just buy something that is so-so in case I quit skating.

Considering you're not going to grow out of your skates any longer, I say go for the gold. Buy a skate with triple strength so your foot feels like you're wearing a cast all the time and you are unable to bend in them. Go ahead and buy a $300 blade that will allow for a very easy nose dive into the ice because you've tripped over your toe picks. GO! GO! GO! GO! GO!

I hope you're not taking me too seriously. I'm only kidding, you know. Don't even think this way. You'll need nothing more than a soft, yet supportive boot, and a beginning freestyle blade. Since you're not going to grow out of your boots, you can always buy a more supportive boot as your level of skating demands it. You'll also be able to use your blade as long as you stay with the same boot manufacturer. Riedell makes a great boot (220 model) for an adult skater at your level. The Wilson Majestic blade would be a nice complement for that boot and your level of skating.

Now, once again, it's time to say BYE!

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.