A ice axe is a general-purpose tool of Alpinisme that practically each mountaineer transports with also of the Crampon S.

Characteristics

An ice axe comprises 6 elements:

• a blade (1) - an end of the head stretching itself in a curved way or in hook, with teeth. The shape in hook makes it possible the ice axe more quickly to be planted in the event of slip.

• a head (2) - usually made steel and including/understanding the breakdown and the blade. The mountaineer holds the ice axe by the head to stop in sliding or car-to ensure themselves. There is a hole in the center of the head there to pass a Mousqueton or to attach a dragonne.
• a breakdown (3) - the punt part and broad of the head is used to cut steps in hard snow and the ice. The ice axes of Cascade of ice can have a hammer in the place (ice axe-hammer).
• a dragonne (4) - a strap with an adjustable loop to maintain the ice axe in hand. Certain modern ice axes of cascade of ice are without dragonne and use ergonomic handles with curves and catches (handles) marked.
• a handle (6) - usually made metal (for example of the Aluminum or Titanium) or of a composite Material like the Glass fiber, the Kevlar or of the Filament S of Carbon. In the beginning, the ice axes had a handle out of wooden, but the lightness and the durability of the modern ice axes relegated these ice axes of wood to the museum.
• a point (7) - a point sharpened at the end is used to plant the ice axe in snow for stability, balance and safety. It is sometimes used on rock ways for balance, but attention should be paid not to blunt it.

Use

The ice axes make from 40 to 90 centimetres length. The ice axes from 40 to 60 cm length are adapted for the Cascade of ice or the Goulotte, whereas the longer ice axes are for general-purpose tasks of alpinism. However, their size tends to decrease because of the generalization of the sticks of walk.

The ice axe is used not only as helps for the climbing but also as tool of escapes to stop an uncontrolled fall.

Many bags to backs designed for the Alpinisme comprises loops to attach the ice axe to the bag when it is not used.

Ice axes in the history

The ice axes appeared late in the history of the alpinism. In general, current tools were used whose utility was adapted to the mountain. Thus in 1860, W. Mathews, Mr. Croz, E. Favre did not have any to climb the Grande Breakage. They had then to cut 800 steps in the ice using a Hache.

An ice axe (of Simond mark) was used for the assassination of Leon Trotsky.

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