Ski Edge Care: Maintaining the Sharpness of Your Skis

Smooth, sharp edges increase ski grip and control. This can be especially crucial for skiers who prefer challenging, steep terrain. The amount of time it takes for edges to become dull depends on how frequently you ski and the state of the snow. The base will wear down more quickly if the edges are dull; this can be fixed with P-tex or a shop service.

Examine the base

Your skis won't glide across the snow as smoothly, and your turns may feel "washed out" or difficult to control if they have a dull base. In order to prevent the edges from catching on the base, inspect the base for gouges, nicks, and abrasions. Run your fingernail around the base edge to make sure it is secure. Your basic edge is still sharp if it removes a tiny bit of nail material, but it might require some fine-tuning to become smooth and crisp. Use the fine diamond file on both sides of the ski and the oxyd stone to smooth out any burrs on the base edge. Always work from the tip to the tail, and make sure your strokes are long and consistently overlapped. To make sure the file guide is kept firmly against the ski's edge, you also need to employ a spring clamp.

Examine the edges.

Your skis' edges assist you in making turns and maintaining control in the snow. However, while in storage, they may get dull and develop burrs from being abraded by the snow or by hitting hard surfaces like rocks. On the slopes, this damage could impair your performance or perhaps cause harm to you. Using the back of your hand, you can determine whether your edges need to be sharpened. It's okay if the edge is smooth; however, if you feel burrs or rough patches, they need to be sharpened. If you would rather perform your own maintenance, get a decent file and a file guide designed specifically for grinding base edges. To keep metal fragments contained and lubricated, wet the edge with water. Beginning at the tip and working your way down to the tail, make sweeping passes that overlap by six inches. Continue with the side edge. Avoid skipping this step since a harsh edge may throw off the balance of your skis.

Tip and Tail Cleaning

Use a lint-free cloth to wipe away any rust or grime that may have accumulated during the season as you store your skis. Rust might make it difficult for you to grip the snow since it frequently forms on metal imperfections. Examine your base to ensure it hasn't been severely gouged or scraped (hot wax cleaning is for that). Additionally, look for burrs or nicks on the edges, since these could cause your ski to catch and slow you down. Deburring your edges when they are newly filed is the ideal situation. This is a great use for a sticky stone; make sure you moisten it first to prevent slipping. Small filing burrs that are typically left behind after sharpening your edges will be removed by doing this. Your skis and boards will remain smoother for longer if you do this. This stage is particularly crucial for shaped boards and skis. Overly sharp edges have the potential to cause structural damage to your skis by nicking and crinkling the sidewalls, shortening their lifespan and increasing their susceptibility to rock damage.

Wax

Using a scraper, remove any old wax from your skis once the base has been cleaned. By moving your scraper in a straight line from tip to tail down the base, you can remove it all. Your bases will appear glassy smooth to the touch and eye as a result. As an alternative, you can apply a thin coating across the base using liquid wax. Select a cold wax based on the kind of snow you plan to ski on. Assemble your workspace. You will need a file and a file guide, as well as a table or bench—ideally one that can be fastened to keep your skis in position. A good ski-specific file guide will give you a predetermined angle for the base edge bevel and an angle for the side edge bevel. This keeps your bevels clean while enabling you to make sweeping, six-inch-long passes with your file that cut the steel edge. Then, smooth away any burrs from the edges with a gummy or diamond stone.