The sharpening of the edges is a crucial step. We’ll explain how to do it.
Have you bought used skis and want to refurbish them to hit the slopes in style?
Have your skis already gone through several seasons and need a little maintenance?
We’ll guide you through sharpening your skis.
Let's start by clarifying one point: you will sharpen the edges of your skis.
The edges are located under the ski on both sides of the base. They allow you to literally slice through the snow, and it's thanks to them that you can grip the ice. Poorly sharpened skis, or skis with damaged edges, will be difficult to steer. And as you know, poor edges are unforgiving!
This is why edge sharpening is part of the maintenance routine for all lovers of great skiing.
If you start to make repeated edge errors, lack speed or can no longer bite the snow properly, it's time to get out the tools to sharpen your skis!
It is also the regularity and intensity of your skiing that will determine if you need to sharpen your skis every season or if you can afford to do it every other season.
After sharpening your edges, you will also want to wax your soles. As long as you have your equipment out, you might as well do it. So, also equip yourself with your waxing kit before you start sharpening.
It may take you an hour or two, but after that, your skis will be ready to take off again.
Having the right tools is essential to achieve a good edge sharpening. The sharpening angle is very important to do a good job and the use of a small blade square is highly recommended.
Gloves, as the edges may and definitely will become sharp, so protect your hands.
An edge sharpening kit generally includes: a blade square, sharpening stones (diamond), files, a brush, rubber bands.
👉 Start by preparing your skis: make sure they are dry and take stock of the necessary operations. If your edges show signs of rust (it won't happen to you, I know you always store your skis in a dry place, but you never know), you will have to scrub it with a metal brush.
If you have a ski vise and a workbench, you will be more comfortable working well.
Place clean, dry skis on the workbench.
👉 If you have a blade square, set the desired angle (or press it against a base edge tool to get the right angle). Pass the square along the ski, in as fluid a motion as possible. To avoid multiple passes, make sure the teeth bite down on the metal.
Beware of the iron filings that will form as the blade passes over the metal of the edge (also called cuticles). To avoid metal splinters, clean the edge by scrubbing with your stainless steel brush.
👉 It's time to take the diamond file to smooth the edge and get a perfect finish.
One other thing: if you are right- or left-handed, you will surely have a preferred working direction. Opt for the one that suits you best. 😉
PREPARE AND PLACE YOUR SKIS
pass the square along your ski
pass the file along your ski
Have you finished sharpening your skis? Now go on to waxing.
To perform this operation, you need a waxing iron, a wax bar, a plastic scraper and a bronze nylon brush. To block the skis, you will also need a table and a workbench.
To find out how to properly wax your skis, go to the dedicated tip (link).
If you prefer to leave the maintenance of your skis to professionals, go to the specialized workshops in Decathlon stores. Your skis will be pampered and you won't have to invest in sharpening or waxing equipment. The rates will be indicated in the estimate established by the workshop before starting the maintenance of your skis. The sharpening and waxing service generally costs from 18 euros. It all depends on the condition of your skis, and of course regular maintenance means that you don't have to do too much work on your skis.
Don't hesitate to ask them for advice on the choice of wax, the frequency of maintenance, and any other question you might have about your ski equipment.
You now know the steps to follow to properly maintain your ski equipment. Do not hesitate to come to the Decathlon Workshops, we will be able to advise you and take care of your equipment to get you the best in winter sports.
