When does a ski's edge need to be sharpened?

A snowHead

I am trying to work out when my edges need "doing" on my skis.
What I want to know is this, what characteristic is lost or what will I see that means they need doing?
I can't imagine ski instructors get their edges done very often but must cover some miles per season.
So how do I know when it's time to get 'em done?

I am an Engineer and so as far as I am concerned there must be a specific key characteristic, I just can't seem to get a straight answer about what it is as usally that person is trying to sell me a service I don't need!

Thanks guys.

A snowHead

When they don't grip well enough... It's a sliding scale involving conditions and ability though, but also a gradual change, it's not like one day they're fine and the next they're clearly not, you won't notice a difference day to day (unless racing, maybe).

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

not to be funny, but "when they need it" is the actual answer. I'd say a reasonable guide would be after roughly 15-20 days skiing unless you are racing. You know they need doing if you try to edge on some hardpack and can't !

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Run your finger over the side edges now and then. If you feel a burr, any deformation or similar then they need sorting. Otherwise I do mine about once a week out of habit.

Get an edge guide, a stone or two and a gummy and sort it out yourself; it really is very simple.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

You'll notice the drop in grip on hard-pack, but it'll be less obvious in soft snow. Run your finger down the edge and it'll probably feel rough as the edge curls slightly, and it'll be worth getting them done.

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The fingernail test is one I've used before, if the edges don't score the nail then they're blunt however do you need razors if its a powder week?

Only if they're selling mirrors in the street...

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

So am I looking for a "sharp" transition / edge between the side and base surface of the edge?
Presumably that edge will wear a radius over time and that is what causes the loss of grip?
Does it wear more at the fattest point front and rear of the ski?

Another question, if I always used the same ski on my left foot for example, presumably I am wearing down the inside edges much more on both skis. So I could swap them round on a nasty icy day?

After all it is free

When we had a short "taking care of your skis" demo the instructor suggested using 15 minutes every Friday for filing the edges Toofy Grin

In real life I usually use about 3 minutes for that every time I wax the skis (every 3-5 days of skiing). I use the fingernail test to determine when they are good enough.

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I think Jesus used to that with his skis back in the day,

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Hmmmmmmmm . . . I did find the better I learned to slide the fewer times I thought I needed to sharpen my edges . . . just saying like wink

You know it makes sense.

James the Last, a metal file won't properly remove case hardened burrs which will also blunt the file quickly. The Edge Trick tool is great for that purpose but it needs to be the one with the alu-oxide/diamond stone - as featured on my site wink

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Masque, +1

From the same idea, but from the other angle...blunt edges "from time to time" can be a really good practising tool.

A snowHead

I use the edge guide each morning I ski, along with a liquid wax. And I iron wax and properly sharpen about every 3 days of skiing.

You are taking so little off if they are kept sharp

Hate my ski's not being perfect

Always shows when we hit an icy black and I ski to the bottom and watch all in my group on hire skiis slide to meet me

A snowHead

Little and often is my preference.

If you touch up your ski edges every few days, then you are likely to be keeping them in top condition all the time.

If you only do them every few weeks, then for much of the time they'll be performing below their optimum and you are likely to over-compensate meaning the skis last less than they should.

Your call.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Most instructors I know don't bother from month to month, but if they are smearing all over the place on hard snow tree passages might be time to sharpen under the feet to avoid hitting something.

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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

It takes the nicks off. The edge guide is pretty weak. your not going to cut a new angle or really sharpen em with it. Just really removes nicks with the corundem and polishes the edges with the diamond

So if your skiing till you notice a degradation that means that 90% of your skiing your ski's are not getting the most for you. Maybe you like sliding on the ice and pushing on the flats. I love it when I glide past everyone else

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Teaching skis once every couple of weeks. Fun skis every couple of days.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

I have been leaving it about 3 or 4 weeks recently, at first I left it for 6 weeks.
Of course I am ignoring an individuals ski ability here and if you skied mostly pow or ice during that time. The question was how to tell when they need doing.
It got brought to the front of my mind last season when we were in Keystone and skied for 2 weeks on solid ice. I got some private lessons for 3 days and my technique down really nice on the icy Black diamond runs so although I didn't get my cat skiing I had hoped for when I booked the trip I did learn something so it was all good.
I seem to have the answer - thanks guys. And I am going to try swapping left ski for right ski (Scot Missons) on the next icy day and see if I can feel the difference!

Help!!

When does a ski's edge need to be sharpened?

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