Ice axes are made up of two main components: the head and the shaft. The shaft, which is typically constructed of lightweight metal, is the longer part of the ax that often has a triangular spike at the bottom. The head (usually steel) has two main parts: the pick and the adze.
What are the parts of an ice axe?
Head: Composed of the pick and adze, the head is almost always a strong steel alloy. An ultralight aluminum head only makes sense on an axe that spends most of its time in your pack, and is only there “just in case” you encounter unexpected snow or ice. Pick: This is the pointed end on the head of the ice axe.
What should I look for when buying an ice axe?
When you shop for an ice axe, you’ll need to know its basic components: Head: Composed of the pick and adze, the head is almost always a strong steel alloy. An ultralight aluminum head only makes sense on an axe that spends most of its time in your pack, and is only there “just in case” you encounter unexpected snow or ice.
How do you make an axe Sharp in the snow?
Some shafts are covered either partially or wholly in rubber to provide extra grip. Athletic tape can be used to create a grip on an axe or you can wear gloves with rubber palms to create extra friction. Spike: The metal tip of an axe is the sharp point that penetrates snow and ice.
What is the history of the ice axe?
In 1966, Yvon Chouinard led a significant redesign of ice axes, working with initially reluctant manufacturer Charlet to develop a 55-centimetre-long (22 in) ice axe with a dramatically curved pick. Chouinard believed that "a curve compatible with the arc of the axe's swing would allow the pick to stay put better in the ice.
How are ice axe manufactured?
The axes are made from a furniture-grade baltic birch ply inlaid with cocobolo. The pick, adze, and spike are made from hardened tool steel. They are fully designed for manufacture with Solidworks using CNC milling, waterjet cutting, and welding. I produced a set of them to demonstrate their manufacturability and use.
What are ice axes made out of?
What are ice axes made of? Ice axe and ice tool picks are almost always made of a steel alloy to provide you with the most durability. The shafts, on the other hand, come in a variety of materials: Steel shafts are the most durable, but they are also the heaviest.
Why are ice axes curved?
Curved shafts have a slight bend that provides clearance that keeps your hand off the snow when placing the pick into the snow. Curved staffs are best for steep terrain.
How does an ice axe work?
1:002:32Alpine & Mountaineering: 1. Ice Axe Positions | Climbing Tech TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe classic self-arrest position is relatively the same as the cane position. But the axe is alwaysMoreThe classic self-arrest position is relatively the same as the cane position. But the axe is always held in the uphill hand with the adds facing. Towards the direction of travel.
Is an ice axe sharp?
– A sharp point at the end of the shaft. – This is used for balance when the ice axe is used as a walking stick. – Typically made of steel. – A sharp point at the end of the shaft.
Can you use an ice axe as a weapon?
Season 2's Ice Axe is a throwable melee weapon added to Call of Duty: Vanguard and Warzone. This is described as a weapon that can be used in combat as both a melee weapon and a throwable weapon.
How heavy is an ice axe?
71 cm (28 in) long with a weight of 430 g (15 oz).
How sharp should ice axe be?
How sharp is sharp? There is no definitive answer to this; personal preference and what you intend climbing influence the final sharpness. One crampon manufacturer suggests that you should be able to press the point with a thumb and it not hurt, suppose it depends on your pain threshold.
What is a hybrid ice axe?
Hybrid ice axes split the difference between general-mountaineering and technical-ice-climbing models. They tend to have a slightly curved shaft for better clearance and ergonomics, though not so extreme as that of a technical ice-climbing axe, and usually have a recurve pick.
Do you need 1 or 2 ice axes?
When getting into very steep or vertical terrain, the route may require the use of two axes – generally one hybrid axe, and one ice tool; or potentially two ice tools for truly vertical terrain and beyond.
Do climbers leave their ice screws?
Screws come in different sizes, but at the end of the day they're still just screws: As a climber ascends an ice formation, hacking ad hoc holds with axes and crampons as they go, they stop at regular intervals to twist a screw in and and attach a rope to it.
How do ice alpinists get down?
Most of the time climbers get down from a wall by simply lowering or rappelling off of the top using a fixed anchor. A fixed anchor is normally a couple of bolts drilled into the wall with lowering rings or chains connecting them.
How heavy is an ice axe?
71 cm (28 in) long with a weight of 430 g (15 oz).
How sharp should ice axe be?
How sharp is sharp? There is no definitive answer to this; personal preference and what you intend climbing influence the final sharpness. One crampon manufacturer suggests that you should be able to press the point with a thumb and it not hurt, suppose it depends on your pain threshold.
Who invented the ice axe?
Hamish MacInnesHamish MacInnes OBE BEM FRSGSBorn7 July 1930 Gatehouse of Fleet, Galloway, ScotlandDied22 November 2020 (aged 90) Glen Coe, ScotlandOccupationMountaineerKnown forInvention of all metal ice-axe and MacInnes stretcher, a light-weight foldable alloy stretcher1 more row
How long should a walking ice axe be?
55-65cmDepending on their height, most people opt for a walking axe 55-65cm in length. The ideal pick shape is gently curved for a smooth self arrest. Make sure that the axe fits comfortably in the hand when held with the pick facing backwards.
What is an ice axe?
An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve frozen conditions with snow or ice . An ice axe can be held and employed in a number of different ways, depending on the terrain encountered. In its simplest role, the ice axe is used like a walking stick in ...
When was the ice axe invented?
According to the earliest manufacturer of ice axes, Grivel, these two tools were merged to create the first true ice axe around 1840. Early ice axes had a vertical adze, with the cutting edge aligned with the direction of the shaft, as in a conventional axe. This design lasted until at least 1860, but eventually the adze was rotated to the current position, perpendicular to the direction of the shaft. The Italian Alpine Club published a book in 1889 entitled Fiorio e Ratti – The dangers of mountaineering and rules to avoid them, which recommended ice axes as among "the inseparable companions of the mountaineer".
What is an adze used for?
The adze is used to cut footsteps (sometimes known as pigeon holes if used straight on), as well as scoop/bucket seats in the hillside and trenches to bury an ice axe belay. The long-handled alpenstock was a predecessor to the modern ice axe.
How to determine the length of an ice axe?
The old method to approximate the correct length of an ice axe was for the climber to hold the axe (spike facing the ground) at his/her side while standing relaxed . The spike of the ice axe should barely touch the ground when the climber stands fully upright holding the axe in this manner. This may still be appropriate where the ice axe is to be used for travelling over relatively flat ground, perhaps, in the main, for glacier travel.
What is the difference between a technical ice axe and a basic ice axe?
There are two classifications of ice axe, Basic (B/Type 1) and Technical (T/Type 2) . Basic ice axes are designed for use in snow conditions for general mountaineering, and are adequate for basic support and self-arrest. Technical ice axes, which may have curved shafts, are strong enough to be used for steep or vertical ice climbing ...
What is the flat end of the head used for chopping steps in hard snow and ice?
Adze — the flat, wide end of the head used for chopping steps in hard snow and ice.
How many components are in an ice axe?
An ice axe consists of at least five components:
Design
Now that he’s all grown up, Peter takes his craft seriously. “As far as I’m concerned, the design of climbing gear is art,” he says earnestly. “But the function drives the form. The form is beautiful, but the function is driving that shape. It’s not made that way because it looks nice.”
Weight
In recent years, outdoor kit has generally got lighter and lighter. The Spire weighs in at just 352g in the 55cm length. That’s significantly lighter than the Cirque, which is a comparatively hefty 583g. Is lighter always better when it comes to ice axes then? “Not necessarily – it’s about balance,” says Peter.
Construction
In the assembly room Peter has laid out all the constituent parts of a Spire axe. There aren’t many – just 9 components in total. But the processes required to manufacture each part are far more complex. “The pick is laser-cut, stress-relieved, machined and welded to the adze, which has also been laser-cut, stress-relieved, machined and bent.
What are the parts of an ice axe?
Ice axes are made up of two main components: the head and the shaft. The shaft, which is typically constructed of lightweight metal, is the longer part of the ax that often has a triangular spike at the bottom. The head (usually steel) has two main parts: the pick and the adze. The adze is broad and flat, while the sharp pick on ...
How to hold an axe?
The ax is held with palm directly across the head and thumb under the adze. A leash can be used to secure the ax to either your wrist or harness, and will prevent you from losing your ax if it’s dropped. With the ax held properly, climbers must follow two main rules:
How to carry an axe on a climb?
With the ax held properly, climbers must follow two main rules: Always carry the ax in the uphill hand, and switch hands whenever the terrain changes. During a climb, the uphill side of a route can often reverse simply due to topographical changes.
What is the best tool for climbing a mountain?
The ice ax is an essential mountaineering tool— arguably the essential tool—when climbing large, glaciated peaks or when ascending steep routes on any mountain in the winter. When exploring peaks like Maine’s Katahdin or New Hampshire’s Mount Washington in winter, using an ice ax —along with crampons—is not only recommended, it’s a necessity.
Can you use an ice axe as a climbing pole?
You can also use an ice ax as a stability tool akin to a single trekking pole. And axes can serve as temporary anchors on steep sections of a route; you can employ simple ice climbing techniques for short stretches by punching the pick into the ice and using the ax as a hold. The latter use can be especially helpful during the descent of a steep, ...
What is an ice axe used for?
An ice axe is an important protection device that helps you maintain balance, test terrain, climb snow and ice-covered slopes and even stop yourself from sliding downhill if you fall (known as “self-arrest”). Since it might make the difference between life or death, you want to make sure you choose the right ice axe for your purposes.
How do I choose an ice axe?
If you’re setting off on some wintery alpine adventures this season and picking out an ice axe, you’ll first want to know exactly what type of ice axe you need. In our article on how to use an ice axe, we go into the three types of ice axes, but basically you need to know if you’re using yours for walking, mountaineering or ice climbing.
How do I know what size ice axe to buy?
Once you’ve narrowed down which type of ice axe you want, you’ll need to make sure you get the right length. How long your ice axe should be is partially determined by its usage, and also your height and body proportions.
Do I need one or two ice axes?
On vertical terrain, you may need two ice axes. (Image credit: Alex Ratson)
What are ice axes used for?
Below are the main activities ice axes support, along with key axe features for each: Classic mountaineering: Most ice axes are used for summiting snow-covered peaks that have glaciers and crevasses. Features include: Classic length (sized from the base of the thumb to the ankle)
What is an ice climbing axe?
Ice axes for ice climbing: These are designed for climbing frozen waterfalls, icefalls or ice-covered slabs of rock. In this article, we’re focused on mountaineering axes, but it’s helpful to know the differences while you shop: Compared to classic ice axes, ice-climbing axes are shorter, have bent shafts and a head that has a different design from a classic ice axe. Axes for vertical ice (> 60° slopes) are referred to as "ice tools" and are used in pairs, with climbers on belay.
Why do you need a leash for an ice axe?
A leash is invaluable because losing your axe would put you at serious risk on glacier crossings and steep, snowy sections of a climb. It is considered mandatory by many guide services and climbing instructors.
How long should an axe be for snow?
Avoid getting an axe longer than 70cm unless you’re tall enough to measure out as needing an axe that size.
What is the head of an axe made of?
Head: Composed of the pick and adze, the head is almost always a strong steel alloy. An ultralight aluminum head only makes sense on an axe that spends most of its time in your pack, and is only there “just in case” you encounter unexpected snow or ice.
How to use an axe with adze?
Grasp the head of the axe, with the adze forward and your thumb resting on it.
What do you need to know when getting an ice axe?
If you’re getting your first ice axe for a high-altitude adventure, you do need to think about the type of outdoor activity your axe will support. You also need to measure properly to get the correct length and to familiarize yourself with the parts of an ice axe.
Overview
History
The ice axe of today has its roots in the long-handled alpenstock that came before it. Not only is an ice axe used as a climbing aid, but also as a means of self-arrest in the event of a slip downhill.
Most ice axes meet design and manufacturing standards of organizations such as the Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme (UIAA) or European Committee for Standardization (CEN). There are two classifications of ice axe, Basic (B/Type 1) and Technical (T/Type 2).
Components
An ice axe consists of at least five components:
• Head – usually made of steel and featuring a pick and adze. A hole in the center is provided for attaching a wrist leash or carabiner.
• Pick — the toothed pointed end of the head, typically slightly curved (aiding both in ergonomics and self-arrest).
Accessories
Ice axe accessories include:
• Leash – nylon webbing with an adjustable loop for securing the axe to hand. Often secured by a ring constrained to slide a limited distance on the shaft.
• Leash stop – a rubber keeper or metal stud preventing the leash from slipping off of the ice axe.
Size
Ice-axe spike-to-head lengths used to generally range from 60–90 cm (24–35 in). This is just too short to be used as a walking stick on level ground (the way its forebearer, the 150-centimetre-long (5 ft) 19th century alpenstock, was), but is ergonomic when ascending steep slopes. For flatter ground, where consequences of a slip are not large, walking poles are more appropriate.
The old method to approximate the correct length of an ice axe was for the climber to hold the a…
History
The antecedent of the ice axe was the alpenstock, a long wooden pole with an iron spike tip, used by shepherds for travel on snowfields and glaciers in the Alps since the Middle Ages. On 8 August 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard made the first ascent of Mont Blanc. Balmat, a chamois hunter and crystal collector, had experience with high mountain travel, and Paccard had m…
Attachment to a pack
When not in use an ice axe is stored on the outside of a pack (rucksack). Many models come with a nylon webbing loop sewn on its rear base (off to one side to allow the pick to stay behind the hiker), together with a means to restrain its shaft. Rucksacks with attachment points for two ice axes are also available, popular in ice climbing where two tools are used.
See also
• Ice tool, a specialized scaled-down ice axe