Skate bots

Probably my favorite outdoor activity is winter skating on any frozen water here in Alaska.  I 've been skating for 3 weeks so far this winter with crystal clear ice and temps in the high 20's during the day and 10 or so at night.  I have always used figure skates all my life.  Someone gave me a pair of backcountry skate blades with  bindings (that also will work with NNN-BC cross county skis and bindings.  So far I am having trouble because the boots also used for cross country do not lace up as tight as regular high top figure and hockey skates.  Does anyone know how I can get more ankle support with these boots?  

My next problem is the edges on the skate blades.  They are much thinner than other blades and have a flat blade at the botom instead of a curved blade on figure or hockey skates.  Does nayone know how I can get a better edge?  

Thanks
GB