Ski wax is a nuisance for skiers and snowboarders alike. The stuff is messy, slow to dissipate, and accumulates all over the place. While it’s not directly dangerous, it’s definitely irritating and something you don’t need on your ski holiday.
The best way to get rid of it is, as the name suggests, to scrape off the wax with your ski boots. But since scraping is such an old-school way of removing wax, a trendy alternative method had to evolve. Enter: The Scraper.
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The Rise In Popularity Of Scrapers
The first patent for a ski wax scraper was filed in 1982 by a company called Dynastar (later renamed Neutron). Since then, the concept has been copied by other manufacturers and the product became hugely popular. Today, you’ll almost always find a scraper on the slopes. Whether you need to remove wax from your ski boots or just want to make your bike ride smoother, there’s a scraper for that.
The 3 Main Differences Between A Scraper And Traditional Scrapping
There are three main differences between a traditional scraper and a modern version. The first is the material that’s being used to make the blade. Most traditional scrapers are made of plastic or metal, but today’s models are made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a mix of both. The second difference is the shape of the blade. The traditional ones have a straight, thin edge along with two sharp corners. Modern versions could have a rounded edge with just one corner.
The last difference is the length of the handle. The longer the handle, the easier it is to maneuver the tool. You’ll often find a thumb rest and a metal finger rest on the handle. This makes it easy for the user to hold on while scraping. The shorter the handle, the harder it is to reach all areas of the boot with the tool. This is why most people still use their fingers to scrape off ski wax when wearing ski boots.
The Main Benefits Of Using Scrapers
There are several benefits to using a scraper to scrape off the wax. One of the first advantages is that the process is faster than using your fingers. According to Dynastar (now Neutron), it can take as long as 20 minutes for your fingertips to get used to the rough texture of ski wax and start feeling their way along the edges. After a few trials and errors, you’ll eventually find the right angle for scraping, but it’s certainly not a quick or easy process.
Another advantage of using a scraper is that it’s easier to transport. Unless you’re lugging around a full snowboard, it’s usually easier to bring a scraper along than it is to bring along a full shovel and snowboard gear. This is especially beneficial if you’re traveling by plane or train, and the wax starts to build up in the aisle as you’re making your way to your seat. Bringing a scraper is also more convenient when you arrive at your destination because you no longer have to find a suitable place to park and drop your gear off. You can keep it in the trunk of your car or in your ski locker at the resort.
How Do I Use A Scraper?
Unlike with traditional scraping, it’s not necessary to wax your ski boots in order to use a scraper. You simply need to remove any excess wax from the surface of the boot using a handkerchief or similar cloth. Once the cloth is wet, take some time to rub it over the entire surface of the boots. You’ll want to do this in a circular motion to ensure that all areas of the boot are even coated. Let dry completely before putting your boots on for the day.
Some ski wax is better left alone and shouldn’t be removed using a scraper. This is mostly due to the type of wax used in today’s professional world. Most regular homeowners use vegetable wax to wax their cars and trucks. While it’s a great alternative for those who want to wax their vehicles independently, it’s not meant for use on ski slopes. If you’re unsure whether or not to use vegetable wax on your ski boots, it’s best to leave it off. It will make your skin feel a little bit healthier and keep your legs cool in the hot sun. Plus, if you have pets or children at home, leave the wax on the surface as it is. It’s not good for them or for the environment to remove all the wax from the surface during manufacturing.
Keep Your Boot Laces Loose
Loose boot laces are more comfortable to walk around in and prevent snags, slush, and ice from causing injury. If you’re planning on skiing or boarding during winter, it’s best to keep your boot laces loosely tied. This will not only increase your safety but will allow you to more easily remove your skis or snowboard when landing. If you prefer to keep your laces tight, it’s best to do so during the summertime. In the winter, you’ll want as much freedom of movement as possible when skiing and snowboarding. Loose boot laces are most useful when skiing or boarding powder. If you’re not experienced in skiing and need some help, it’s best to leave your laces loose until you’re sure that you can handle the maneuvers safely. Tightening your laces during a fall could cause you to become injured or even break a leg.
Make Sure You Practice
The human body is a complicated piece of machinery and it takes time to learn how to operate it safely. One of the main reasons that using a traditional scraper is discouraged is that it takes a lot of practice to make sure that you’re scraping the wax off in the right way. This involves trial and error and a lot of patience. If you’re not used to using a tool like this or it’s the first time that you’ve tried it, start off with a slow and steady pace. Take your time cleaning off each section of the boot and be gentle when trying to remove the excess wax. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can speed things up and take off like a boss.
Wash Your Hands After You Scrape
Washing your hands after you scrape is an old-school method of removing the unpleasant feeling of cold metal on your skin. This is especially helpful if you’re doing a lot of lifting or carrying while skiing. If you forgot to wash your hands after using the toilet, you could get a nasty infection from the ice-cold water from the tank. This could lead to sickness and even death in some cases. So, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after you scrape to remove this risk. Also, if you have an open wound on your hand, it’s best to wash it thoroughly to prevent infection. Many people prefer to use a hot salt water soak followed by cold water to cleanse their skin because it feels better than plain water and is easier on the joints. Just make sure that you don’t put salt or other acids on open wounds because they’ll eat away at the tissue and make you susceptible to infection. If you have pets or children at home, especially younger ones, it’s important to keep them away from any areas of your skin near the hands due to the high risk of infection. This is why it’s best to wear gloves when gardening or handling food prep while cooking.
The Downsides Of Using Scrapers
While there are several benefits to using a scrapers to clean off the wax, there are also some drawbacks. One of the biggest is the price. Most traditional scrapers are available anywhere from £20 to £25. Some companies have recently started producing cheaper versions that sacrifice some of the original features, so be sure to check out the prices before making a purchase. As previously stated, the process is quite slow and not for the impatient. There’s also the environmental factor to consider. While it’s not directly harmful, it’s still something to think about. Modern scrapers are efficient at removing wax, but it’s still considered wasteful to simply wipe it off with your hands or a towel. Instead, throw it in the trash where it belongs.