Maximum Edge

[modernice 0]

Is anyone here familiar with the Maximum Edge skate sharpening system?

gb

[sogaduch 0]

its what we do at our shop, its a nice and clean process

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I am.

It's a good method, but not the "end to be all" method to sharpen skates. Unfortunately, that is the philosophy of the ones who use it. You can use M-E and be a hack.

[modernice 0]

You can use M-E and be a hack.

JR

that's a good point. Hopefully, everyone gets their M-E training before they get going tho'

My local M-E guy in Vancouver is getting quite the solid reputation for his work...

gb

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

They do, but once they get going, they get lazy.

Prime example is the local M-E franchisee in Metro Detroit. Slightly burned heels and toes and chattered finishes - very sloppy.

But boy, does he have them gassed up on it!

Like I said, I know the method, and I wasn't going to pay for it either. (I considered franchising the Orlando region but the price is pretty ridiculous, and people were coming to me from the entire state anyway, especially Tampa (sorry, Greg) It isn't anything extraordinary, just a step-by-step process.

I do use their Quick Square and Blade Glaze (just a drop, I don't smear it all over the blade) and I buy my 100 grit stones from them.

[Chadd 916]

I spoke with the M-E guy about signing up but he was more interested in selling me things and telling me how great he was. When he finally got around to the cost, it wasn't even close to reasonable for our market. In fact, it was more than double our rent for the year. Then add his expenses like airfare, hotel and meals for three days to come and train two of us.

When he tried telling me that I would be better off using a couple of single head units, his bench grinder, his air filtration system and making my own cabinets and bench than a brand new triple head system I knew he was a quack. He refused to address the fact his prices on all of those things was over a grand more than my Blackstone triple head machine and said he would get me a deal. He refused to give me prices until I signed up.

It's good to train guys but his way is not the only way as JR mentioned.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I love their stones. Great quality - I've been using one for about 7 months - I just clean it every day. It's a true grit stone - it isn't the painted crap like what you get from Pro Guard or A&R.

[modernice 0]

Yes, at one point, we were interested in the Florida rights to M-E and decided, since we had no real competition that the expense was to great.

For someone just starting out, it might be a great way to accelerate the learning curve and build clients driven by the M-E mystique.

The guys who started M-E sure doesn't lack any confidence does he?

;)

gb

[Chadd 916]

Yes, at one point, we were interested in the Florida rights to M-E and decided, since we had no real competition that the expense was to great.

For someone just starting out, it might be a great way to accelerate the learning curve and build clients driven by the M-E mystique.

The guys who started M-E sure doesn't lack any confidence does he?

;)

gb

It's only a benefit if people understand the concept. If you have to educate them on M-E, you're better off spending the money on a local advertising campaign.

His "confidence" was another nail in the coffin for us.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

LOL no I meant is that the guys in your parents' area were coming to me ;)

[jimmy 194]

All I can say is G.I.M.M.I.C.K. A good sharpener can produce a fine result without M.E, regardless of machine used. As JR has said, folks with M.E can do crappy jobs. I've gotten blades from my internet customers that were previously sharpened by the process and they too were terrible.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I wouldn't go as far as calling it a gimmick - because when done right it does produce a nice edge. It's a method. Overhyped? Yes, but a method nonetheless.

The problem with it is that too many sharpeners depend on the name and don't have the skills to apply it.

[jimmy 194]

I wouldn't go as far as calling it a gimmick - because when done right it does produce a nice edge. It's a method. Overhyped? Yes, but a method nonetheless.

The problem with it is that too many sharpeners depend on the name and don't have the skills to apply it.

The gimmick is the price. A good sharpener using good technique and materials can produce superior results.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I see. Yes, I agree with you in that aspect.

Just learn it from someone who paid. That's what I did :P

[modernice 0]

are there any non-shop guys that have good or bad experiences with getting there slates sharpened at M-E.

more to the point:

are there any consumers on these threads?

not that i don't appreciate your comments so far, cuz i really do, i just wondered from a user perspective whether hockey players like or dislike M-E.

cheers,

gb

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Well, I do know that CWAS lives in Windsor and has bought supplies for me, yet skates with t'blades...LOL

No competition in FL? Ha. Maybe now... :)

[sogaduch 0]

M-E is a good method of sharpening but yes anybody can screw a sharpening up if the wheel isnt properly calibrated. me and another guy whose no longer workin for us went to windsor for the training so him and I are certified M-E sharpeners meaning we know how to profile and sharpen M-E. it was a pretty complex training session. 2 full days

[twistoffate19 0]

JR,

I live in Windsor. Our Maximum Edge guys (out by Windsor Airport) do a pretty good job. I've only ever had one bad sharpening, and that guy is not there anymore. Plus I like that place because they stock a lot of Mission sticks (my fav.).

However, if you come over the bridge one day, check out J&R Sports, on Lauzon road. That guy does the best job in Windsor IMO.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Twistoffate - M-E is based out of Windsor. Matter of fact, I'm going through the tunnel on the 30th.

Sean - so burn marks are okay? You still have to physically sharpen.

[sogaduch 0]

Sean - so burn marks are okay? You still have to physically sharpen.

no burn marks arent good at all, i do as little passes as i can when sharpening just some people who dont understand sharpening believe that the more passes you give the sharper it gets and this can result in burn marks

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

I think you aren't seeing my point. My point is that while it is a good method, you can still screw up skates using it - there's a certain element of human finesse involved while sharpening skates, and often it translates into human error.

[jimmy 194]

I think you aren't seeing my point. My point is that while it is a good method, you can still screw up skates using it - there's a certain element of human finesse involved while sharpening skates, and often it translates into human error.

Especially when you're eating a sandwich in one hand and sharpening with the other. :lol:

[thunderbirds_are_go 0]

with all that metal dust flying around you want to be eating?

[Nacho 0]

are there any non-shop guys that have good or bad experiences with getting there slates sharpened at M-E.

more to the point:

are there any consumers on these threads?

I get mine done by a guy with the maximum edge. My skates are perfect every time and I have actually noticed a difference from other places thats i've gone to but I know nothing about the sharpening process. lol.

[Gongshow11 1]

can someone explain this to me, i have no idea if what im gettign is amximum edge. i get mint jobs, but the guy i go to is a pro