Edge Sharpening - Couple of Questions
 

Does a shop do anything differently (or better) than an edge sharpener tool can do (like Dakine)? That is, should I have a shop do it every so often and then use an edge sharpener tool for the remainder of the season, for any quick tune ups?

Is there anything different required for a Lib Tech board, with magna-traction?

TIA

Yes and no.

Edge sharpening will probably start a big discussion/argument.

No, your little Dakine tool (which many of us have) isn't completely useless, but using it to really maintain an edge that sees a lot of abuse would be like trying to paint your entire living room with an artist's paint brush.

It can be done with enough effort and elbow grease, but it isn't the most appropriate tool for the job if you're trying to keep the edge in the best shape it can be in.

As an addition to this question, does anyone have any links to what they'd consider good vids on edge maintenance? Not just a list of what a search brings back, but vids that you've watched and you think are worth watching.

Yes a shop does things a lot better than you can (unless you buy a lot of gear). Your edge tool is good for maintaining a good condition edge, it can't do much when the edge is dinged/nicked/case-harden. For that you need a diamond stone - an affordable and very useful tool to quickly remove any sharp burrs in the edge that would cause your board to "hook" or "catch" a little when carving your board in the snow... or doing a boardslide on a rail.

Shop also can set your edge angles... something that unless you have a real file guide (and not just a tool) I don't recommend you try at home because you will probably f'it up and get uneven edges. The default that 99% of shop do is 1/1 so make sure to request if you want something different or they will UNDO your bevel (don't expect every shop tech to be paying attention).

Magnetraction can be hand sharpened as a regular board.

Videos:

Cleaning up your edge before your sharpen your edge


Sharpening your edges