Ice Axes - Parts and Features

• Adze
  The Adze is mainly used for chopping. It is also used in mixed climbing situations and on ice/snow slopes where a pick would slice through. Most good Axes have an adze almost perpendicular to the shaft. To fulfill the chopping function, the adze should have sharp edges.


• Pick
  The Pick of a more traditional Walking Ice Axes juts out 90 degrees from the shaft. Such a Pick is not suitable for ice climbing. A Pick that is classical curved and matched to the shaft length and arc of a natural swing is better suited for that purpose. The design of the Pick for ice climbing comes in a large number of variations.

• Leash
  Although a Leash can sometimes hinder a climber, it is really useful when you are climbing steep walls (e.g. frozen waterfalls). These will offer support to your wrists.


• Shaft
  Shaft length and configuration depend largely on personal climbing style, strength, size, and type of climbing. Strongest shafts are made of aluminum-alloy, fiberglass, or carbon-fiber wrapped thin-wall alloy.


• Spike and Ferrule
  The spike and the ferrule at the bottom of the shaft should be smooth and gradually tapered for good penetration in snow.