About Us

ASK MR. EDGE

December 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!

Well, hello skating fans! Welcome to another installment of Ask Mr. Edge.

I'm sorry to say that once again my e-mail has been down, so for those of you who have sent me questions over the past two months, please resend them so that I may answer them for you.

Moving right along now ...

How many of you have been to a function with your spouse, friend, relative or whomever and felt left out of a conversation because ice skating seemed too boring a subject to talk about — especially if you're the only skater in the group.

Well, take heart. All is not lost. Ken Hammarstrom from the Skating Club of Utica, N.Y., wrote me this new take on all the benefits of ice skating that go unmentioned — and now I am sharing it with you.

One of my neighbors recently cornered me and began an interrogation.

“Do you have a job?” she asked.

“Of course I have a job,” I replied.

“What field of work are you in?” she asked.

My cool reply was — “I am in the research and development field, and (I am) an associate of figure skating footwear and development and management skills.”

My interrogator seemed impressed and asked what I did in this field.

“I have a continuing research program — in the laboratory and in the field (indoor skating rinks and outdoor),” I replied. “I am working on my masters and have five credits (four skating tests and one dance). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the whole sports field, and the rewards are in personal satisfaction rather than financial gain.”

There was an interesting look of respect on my interrogator's face.

As I was en route to the lab (Whitestown Rink), buoyed by my glamorous career title, many of my fellow lab assistants were awaiting their turn. The lab assistants range from the experimental models that are just beginning to stroke around the rink and are in their single digit years, to the laboratory professors who have been teaching for years. Some of the skills required for my job are:

Footwear development: Trying to see if I have enough guts to try the next jump without injuring myself. I surely can't blame the people who make the boots.

Human relations: Being an adult skater and trying that double jump, only to have one of my lab assistants cut me off into the boards.

Vocabulary development and management skills: Trying to maintain my composure after one of my lab assistants sent me crashing into the boards. I am presently in the process of collecting my inventory of anatomy and functionally doing a check of the parts involved.

Lab Note Gravity Function Analysis: Analysis complete. Gravity functioning 100%.

Physical Repercussions: Ouch! I knew I shouldn't have had these skates sharpened. A chemical evaluation of aspirin will be next.

Ah, skating. What a glorious career — especially when there is a title on the door. Only two days left until the next laboratory experiment session begins. I just can't wait.

Well, folks, there you have it! A great new take on the glorious sport of skating. If you enjoyed Ken's remarks as much as I have, then please let him know at kenskip1@borg.com.

I am a novice skater and have skated for just a year. I would like advice on buying a “good” pair of skates, new or used. I don't plan on skating like Michelle Kwan, but I currently own a $25 pair of skates and know that I need to upgrade. Any advice? Hope, R.I.

Well hopeless, oops, I mean hope, lend me your ear and listen up. The chances of finding a good, used pair of skates in an adult size is slim to none. You'll have better luck playing the lottery. Seriously now, I would invest in a better boot and a slightly better blade at this point in time. You're probably going to have to spend around $350 to get both the comfort and proper blade for your level of skating. I would search around for someone who has a great deal of experience with all the boot manufacturers and can give you really good advice. Ask other skaters or coaches and see who they recommend. Shop around, but don't let price sway your decision. Buy from a reputable dealer.

My daughter bought a used pair of skates about six months ago and has wobbled in them ever since. We had the blades moved because they were not properly mounted, but this has not helped. She is 10 years old and a Free Skate Level 5 skater. She should be able to hold an edge without wobbling. I tie her skates to make sure they are tight. Any suggestions? Bolingbrook, Ill.

First off, it is very difficult to find a used pair of boots in good enough condition for a FS 5 skater. However, from what you are describing, I would venture to say that the boots are way too big on her — not necessarily in the length, but around her heels and ankles. This is the main reason for her troubles. I would suggest that you contact someone in your area who has the experience and knowledge to see that your daughter is fitted correctly.

Well, skaters, it's after midnight and my eyelids are slowly closing shut. I hope you all enjoyed this issue of “Ask Mr. Edge,” and I hope everyone has a happy holiday. Don’t eat too much less you run the risk of ruining that great diet plan you've all been on this past year. On second thought, go ahead, eat up and enjoy. You can always skate it off. Till next time, this is Mr. Edge saying goodbye!

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.