realskiers

Let me rejoin the fray, and, once again, show off my YEARS of acquired wisdom (or foolery).

Back to the OP's questions. Eons ago, when we used skinny skis with a lot of camber, they were just flat filed. Then, sometime in the early-mid 70's, a major ski magazine did an article by a leading American skier who showed how he filed skis to produce a base bevel. I believe the pictures did show that bevel extended into the base by about 1/4 inch. It was all done by hand, after a full flat base grind. The benefit of the bevel was it permitted faster, cleaner edge changes and with really long skis that was an advantage because it took a lot to the old style on edges.

The downside is that you take off base material and will shorten the life if skis are ground flat again.

That was then and I can't see much value in continuing that type of bevel with today's skis. For sure, if it's not being done by World Cup skiers, there is no longer a benefit. I would never remove base material and possibly screw up a world class ski. Maybe someone could try it on today's rock skis. Put it on one edge only and then do a report out on what is the difference.

BTW, I got quoted by the OP in an Epic thread (anonymously - thank god) for my remembrances. I really do prefer today's technology over the 70's era. But still put wax on with on old clothes iron!