Need help with a decision

[john row]

After recent events, I've decided that I can NOT go about my everyday life without carrying a

blade.

After seeing "CastAway" with Tom Hanks and being a long time NHL fan I've chosen Ice Skates! I

need help with a few decisions though. Hope you guys can help!



1.Should I get Hockey or Figure Skates? Figure Skates have "Toe Picks" - basically the front tip is

serrated. a 5/ 95 edge. Hockey Skates only come in Plain Edge. Both hold a great edge if not

abused.

2. I'm leaning toward Hockey skates. I like the black uppers. But I'm worried that I might become

bored with them after awhile. Figure Skates come in every color under the rainbow.

3. Do you think I should wear both skates, which ever type I decide on? I do like having a back

up. But I'm concerned with being "Politically Correct" too. Won't the limp when wearing just one

attract unwanted attention from law enforcement? If I DO wear both I don't want to offend shorter

people or scare bank tellers by wearing TWO skates.

4. What type of steel is best? I tend to do alot of axels, lutzes, flying camels and sit spins in my

everyday work place. But in a Self Defense situation, I want to be able to "spray ice" in the BG's

(Detroit Red Wing Goalie) face. So I need an EXCELLENT steel that holds an edge and wont

break! What grind? Hockey skate blades have a more rigid profile. But for delicate work, the

Figure Skate would seem better.

5. Can anyone recommend a good skate lace? I don't want to be in the midst of a tense situation

like Tonya Harding and have my lace break!

6. Can anyone recommend a good custom Ice Skate maker? I'll probably need to stick with

production for awhile. I've heard SP Terry makes good production Ice Skates. What do guys

think?

7. Can anyone recommend a good instructor in SDWIS? (Self Defense With Ice Skates). Books?

Videos?

8. Will the Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker sharpen Ice Skates?





John



They say there's a long tunnel with a bright light at the end. I've been there. it's just REALLY DARK!! :) LOL

[GlockDoc]

John,
I think you should go with one of each. The hockey skate should be on your strong side for quick access during a defensive situation and the figure skate on the off side for back up. And of course you should have them both at the same time! You can never tell when an "ice storm" is going to hit and catch you unaware.

I think from all the available information that VG-10 would be the steel of choice. Of course if they are only available in G-2 I still wouldn't worry as it is better than most steels that you will find on cheapskates.

For laces I would use red paracord. It is not only colorful but very versatile as well, a great help in shelter construction, etc.

One thing I would be wary of is the hollow heel. While some like them to carry useful items it is my personal opinion that the interface between the blade and hollow heel is a potential source of weakness.

I do not know of any custom skatemakers who are not already 2 years behind on orders but you might check skateforums and see if any are currently accepting orders.

As for self defence I would see Tonya Hardings series of tapes made with the assistance of her husband. The only other tapes of which I am aware were made by a former competitor of Tonyas. I would not recommend her tapes. While her system does work on the rink it will not pass muster on the street.
And lastly you cannot find a better sharpener than the 204. It will sharpen both the hockey and figure skates including the serrated toe. I personally have sharpened two ball peen hammers a bowling ball and an anvil on mine.

I hope that I have been of some small assistance to you in your quest.

GD

"I just thought of something. What if this thing can read minds?" "He's gonna be real mad when he gets to me." THE THING

Edited by - GlockDoc on 10/15/2001 9:23:38 AM

[GlockDoc]

Profuse apologies for the multiple posts!!!
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[GlockDoc]

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[GlockDoc]

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[GlockDoc]

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[GlockDoc]

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[GlockDoc]

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[GlockDoc]

Edited by - GlockDoc on 10/15/2001 9:17:26 AM

[john row]

A couple more questions:
What constitutes ice skate blade "abuse"? If for example, I used my skate blade for a screwdriver bit on a Cruise missle and it chipped would most manufacturers cover it?

Has anyone heard if any Ice Skate manufacturers are the "official" supplier to any SWAT Teams or SEAL Team?

That would be an important factor in my choice of skates.

John


They say there's a long tunnel with a bright light at the end. I've been there. it's just REALLY DARK!! :) LOL

[Lt.Hawkins]

from what i hear, SEAL teams are pretty much given free reign over their skates, though many go with crampons. more of a puncturing footwear, it will penetrate deeply, gives decent traction when playing soccer and assaulting taliban-held mountains, and also glides reasonably well on a lot of ice due to a very low surface area being in contact with the ice.

but if you want to also have general utility, like cutting food and doing triple-axles, you're probably best off with skates, regardless of what the SEALs use. but remember- a skate is next to useless if it doesn't have a spyderhole! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[Lt.Hawkins]

oh no! i lost the post i just made!

Microsoft VBScript runtime error '800a01f4'

Variable is undefined: 'rs2'

/forum/post_info.asp, line 641


i betchya the first line on the serverside forum code is "option explicit" <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

edit: i guess it DID get through. sweet <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
hey someone at spyderco- get someone to "dim rs2" somewhere before line 641 <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Edited by - Lt.Hawkins on 10/15/2001 2:03:39 PM

[Clay Kesting]

John,

Check out the MBC Forum for posts on the importance of practising with drones rather than "live" blades. I would strongly suggest buying a pair of roller blades first to avoid injury to yourself or your training partner. These can also be worn in situations where a blade might be illegal (i.e. on aeroplanes) but can still function very effectively as a percusive instrument.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[john row]

Thanks Guys,
I knew I could count on you for answers. If Janich, Keating, Frank or even Tonya hold any Martial Skate Classes (MCS) at SFO (Skate Factory Outlet) I'll try to attend and let you know how it went.

ONE MORE QUESTION though. Does anyone have copies of Col. Rex Applegate's "Skate or Get Hip Checked" or "10, 10, 10, 8.5" for sale at a reasonable price? Or can I borrow it?

John

They say there's a long tunnel with a bright light at the end. I've been there. it's just REALLY DARK!! :) LOL

[Jeff/1911]

What a wonderful thread! Thanks John, for such a lighthearted treatise.

The next time I sit watching my daughter's figure skating lessons, I'll be having a good ole' belly laugh thanks to you and the rest of youse'.

Cheers, Jeff/1911.

[Brandon]

A Skate is the least effective and most expensive prybar you'll ever own

[john row]

Thanks Jeff
And everyone for "playing along"
God Bless America

Never Forget 09/11/01 If you're not a friend, you must be an enemy

[GlockDoc]

John, your post was the funniest thing I had read in a while. After I answered you I had to leave on a "trip" and got back late last night. Clays response about "drones" was priceless. Thanks for the laugh.

GD

Edited by - GlockDoc on 10/19/2001 10:00:38 AM