How do you sharpen knives?

Ski edges can be sharpened (tuned) easily and cheaply using a file and a file guide, which you can purchase from most shops.

The guide makes sure the file is set to a specific angle, as you pull it along the edges of your skis a few times, until you can see that the edges have been sharpened. There's no need to overdo it, as ski edges do slowly wear down with every service. Angles vary between 1 and 3 degrees, but 1 is a good standard for recreational skiiers.

After you have sharpened your edges, you need to dull the edges at the front and back of the ski, a few inches around where the ski profile comes to its widest point. This is done by pulling a diamond stone over a few inches at the front and back once or twice. If the edges aren't 'de-tuned' at these points, your ski will want to turn all the time, instead of just when you apply pressure in a certain direction.

There are other steps you can take, such as polishing your edges, but it isn't greatly noticeable in performance for a recreational skiier.

Shops will use machines that basically do the same thing, but more precisely.

Note: If you do your edges at the wrong angle/ file away too much, you will have a problem! Use a tool for the job or:

If you are still unsure how to do the edges yourself, ask an expert at a ski shop/ ski service shop to show you how.