side edge

Question
I used to race in college and primarily used a 3 degree side edge. Noow that I will be strictly skiing recreationally I'm thinking of sticking to a 2. Is there any downside in maintaining a 3?  

Answer
Hi Pete,

The disadvantage to maintaining a side edge of 3 degrees is that like all metal when it is shaped to a point the greater the degree the narrower the point. This said while the initial edge is sharper it wears quicker and requires more touch ups to maintain the edge angle.

On the subject of the suitability of the edge angle to the skiing you are doing now the 3 degree is intended for extremely hard snow surfaces and is usually too grabby for the recreational snow conditions that we ski in regularly. The type of ski, snow type and hardness and the kind of skiing or turn shapes that you wish to do will all dictate the right edge angle. Two or less should be fine for most skiing conditions.