You know, I've always thougth the same thing about the waltz 8. It wasn't on the prebronze test when I took it (I had the dratted alternating 3 turns instead). But I did the waltz 8 in group lessons and then much later in a compulsory moves event at a competition and I felt so calm and organized after doing the waltz 8.


Thanks for the explanation of Clarino! I've always assumed that it was some kind of lambswooly thingy--thanks for clearing up that confusion for me!

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There is at least some leather according to this: http://www.grafskates.com/kunstlauf.html, and don't forget that not all the Edmonton Specials have the suede finish.

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"Beige / white: Boot with special Fitting-System, made of first class leather, triple leather sole, excellent side-stability."

I have Grafs, and certainly the exterior is leather, and the sole (I have seen the screw through the leather sole when I have taken my blades off for waterproofing).

Where did you find the information that Grafs were "100% synthetic"? I don't care either way, I love mine, but I am just curious as to where you are getting the information. I do know that Clarino lining is synthetic, as is the foam tongue (as it is on all skates with foam tongues).

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I believe that the sole is aside from the block in the middle of the heel, however the exterior (at least on the suede finish ones which are the most popular) is not real suede. I don't know anything about the leather finish ones - I've only seen them in a picture on Graf's site...they may be real. However whatever the outer layer, the inner layers are not all leather either - mine are splitting apart at one of the scallop cuts, and there's a clear layer of plastic (which I've been told is what facilitates the heat molding).

The ones in Europe are also supposedly different than the ones here in the US, because the ones shipped here are actually finished in Canada. But I'm really not trying to turn this into a Graf versus Klingbeil thread - I hope they work out for you - they certainly seem to work well for ice dancers who have them here that put less strain on the boots, and would have been less distressing for somebody with a more conformant foot than me. I've just had nothing but bad experiences with mine and wanted new skates for ages when I couldn't afford them and so now I'm so relieved to finally be rid of them and in boots that actually seem to work better for me. I hope that your Grafs are those boots for you.

Well 100% synthetic was a bit of a stretch for the statement of "100% synthetic to 100% natural"...just illustrating the point. I'm pretty confident in a number around 90%, though...

I don't think that synthetic materials are necessarily bad, but I personally am a huge fan of natural materials in all areas of life - I always seek things made of leather, wood, metal, rubber, or glass, in place of plastic, and cotton or wool in place of polyester or other synthetic cloths. They just "feel" better to me. So don't mind me if I'm a bit sensitive to it...I don't mean any harm nor do I intend to impose my choices on others.

Cheers,

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I love the way Jazzpants called these "Bling Bling Skates" in another thread! It's a perfect description!

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Nice skates... but what makes them nicer (in appearance) than any other new skates, except ofcourse for the gold blades if that's your thing?

Nice though that they fit so well and that you're thrilled to have them!