I decided that Winter was over, here in the Allgäu Alps, after my last tour about two weeks ago and, yesterday, I got some time to repair some gouges in the bottom of my skis and wax them up, ready for rust-free storage over the Summer. Once again, it occurred to me that P-tex repair-strips are little flimsy black-plastic bastards, indeed!
I did seem to work out that getting them properly flaming and dripping the stuff from higher up so that it isn't bubbling but is still properly liquid when it hits the ski surface does seem to result in a smoother, more cohesive repair that can be cut to a flat surface without pulling out or revealing a pattern of little air-bubble holes, when it cools. I also realised that a well sharpened carpenter's chisel does a far better job of cutting it flat than any knife but requires quite some care both to sharpen and to employ.
My touring skis are about five seasons old, now, and they've been rock skis for at least two of those so I'm happy to practice on them. My last repair (which was my first, ever, ski repair) lasted half a dozen touring days before a tiny corner of it ripped out and I created new damage, elsewhere on the surface, besides.
I've never had anyone mentoring me on my P-tex repair technique, though. Any more tips or resources on how to work with the stuff, effectively and efficiently, would be seriously welcome.