#teammk

So earlier I answered a question on toe picks but I’ll do it again here. There are 3 different kinds of toe picks

straight cut

cross cut

k-pick

The straight cut toe pick allows the skater to dig into the ice quickly and deeply, that allows them to get height on their jumps.  However, it may also make them lose momentum.  The Cross Cut Pick doesn't dig as deeply into the ice, but will keep the pick from sliding on the ice (not as likely to lose momentum).

The K-pick design has a set of extra 3-4 picks to the standard toe-pick. This feature is supposed to provide more control and better anchorage to the ice on toe-jumps. According to blade manufactures, the jump height can increase by 5-10% and the jump length by about 20% on toe loops and flips. (the K-pick has been discontinued but you can find it on kinzie's closet)

Blade heels will either be long or short depending on your discipline, freestyle (singles and pairs) skating will require the longer heel whereas Ice Dance and Synchro skating will use a shorter heel for faster turns and less chance of catching blades with your partner.

here is an example of freestyle blades

compared to dance blades below

Parabolic or traditional blades?

What does that mean you might ask well:

Parabolic blades are offered by MK and John Wilson blades on most of their blades and they feature a blade that is thinner in the centre then the ends.

The design creates less drag across the ice, meaning faster spins, smoother turns, deeper edges and more control. The blade itself is lighter which creates faster take offs for edge jumps and more precise landing. The blade is ‘auto centering’ which means that your weight automatically falls to the centre of the blade (from here).

Based off my coaches experience with Parabolic versus traditional, Parabolic blades give you the ability to hold much, much deeper edge, she found her spins and turns and twizzles centred much easier, her edge jumps were faster and the blades ‘forced’ her to skate faster.

Parabolic blades also ‘hold’ an edge longer meaning that they do not need as frequent sharpenings. The only issue is that you need to find an experienced sharpener because the technique to sharpen the blade is different.

Do not buy parabolic blades until you are novice or above or you will find negative impacts on your skating. In other words maybe avoid buying parabolics the first time you buy blades separately, hold off until you get to a serious competitive level/axels and double jumps. If you are planning on Ice Dance, make sure you get either permission from your coach or have great edge control.

all about blades

another explanation of parabolic blades

Blade recommendations

Like how I love Risport, I will recommend John Wilson (see here) til the day I die with MK blades(see here) coming in a close second. Both these brands are the major two brands worn by all the top figure skaters and they sell a wide variety of blades for all levels of figure skating.

I wear these bad boys

Coronation Ace by John Wilson and let me tell you, in the few months I’ve had them, I have noticed a marked difference in my skating. Because I switched from a longer, slightly flatter blade, I’m still getting used to the curve which means I look wobbly at the moment sometimes (a bit like a bobble head with the back and forth wobbling) but I can really feel the difference in my spins and edges now that I’m on a higher quality blade. I am able to find my centre easier in my spins and my edges are holding beautifully most of the time (when I control the wobbling) and my jumps are much springier.

If you’re going into ice dance or synchro, look at John Wilson Coronation Dance as it is an intermediate level dance blade (otherwise a dance entry blade), whereas MK dance is a more advanced dance blade.

If you’re looking for straight cut toe picks, the John Wilson Four Aces are basically the coronation ace without the cross cut toe pick. The Coronation Comet has a ‘less aggressive’ rocker (8.5ft as opposed to 7ft) which provides better stability, especially for toe jumps.

If you’re coming to your first separate blade/boot pair then I suggest John Wilson Coronation Ace, Four Aces or Majestic, or MK Professional or Galaxy.

Caring for blades

Never let your blades stay wet. When you get off the ice and take your skates off, dry the blade thoroughly including the bits attached to the sole of the boot and the boot itself. Never store your blades in hard guard as they can retain moisture and cause rust. When walking off the ice in your blades, wear hard guards. Keep them on the edge of the rink and put them on when you get off or walk on your toes until you can put them on. If possible rub a little WD40 into the blade when you’re finished to help keep moisture off the blade. If you don't have WD40, run your fingers CAREFULLY (they will be sharp) along the blade as the oil from your skin can help wick away water.

ALWAYS FIND A SHARPENER WHO KNOWS THEIR STUFF

I cannot stress the importance of this.You’ll find at most rinks all the skaters will go to one or two people because they group to the best people. At my rink and all the rinks locally, absolutely everyone goes to Mario, everyone knows who he is and he is really good.

Having a good sharpener means the hollow of your blade can be adjusted, the rocker will remain intact and the edges will be honed.

And if you have parabolic blades many sharpeners refuse to touch them because it really takes an expert to maintain parabolic blades as the usual tools don’t work on the tapered shape.

Some skater will drive up to an hour to go to the person they like best so be prepared to try a few people out until you find the best fit.

If you have anymore questions just drop an ask and I’ll do my best.

Interesting stuff

John Wilson Pattern 99

Worn by this lovely lady, Gracie Gold

John Wilson Pattern 99 Revolution

Worn by the incomparable Japanese Champions, Mao Asada and Yuzuru Hanyu

John Wilson Gold Seal

Worn by the adorable and talented, Evgenia Medvedeva

MK Phantom

Worn by the wonderful Patrick Chan, king of skating skills

MK Dance

worn by the incomparable Davis & White and the fabulous Cappellini & Lanotte

MK Gold Star Revolution

worn by this gorgeous lady, world champ, Carolina Kostner

this got very long, but enjoy the skater nerding out session and as always if you have anymore questions just drop them into the askbox