[pct-l] A REAL iceaxe

[Edward Anderson]

I recall that there was recent posts on the subject of Iceaxes. I  still have the iceaxe that I originally bought in 1955.  It is an Aschenbrenner and was made in Austria.  It weighs 2 1/2 pounds and its length comes up to about 6'' below my elbow when I am standing. It's axe head was heavy enough to effectively cut steps when traversing an icy slope. And it was long enough to add stability downslope. I only recall having to use it for self-arrest once.  (Of course I never had the benefit of having taken Ned's course - everyone who would go through the Sierra when there is snow and ice should take that course.)  I did a lot of climbing and backpacking, including the JMT, in the Sierra during the 50's and 60's.  I often carried my iceaxe - used it not only on snow and ice but also as a walking stick for added stability pretty much as today's hikers use thier hiking poles. I can't remember when I first saw a hiker with hiking poles -
 perhaps it was Reinhold or maybe Steeleye. To me, some of today's iceaxes that I see tied behind some hikers packs look rather short and probably too light to be effective for cutting steps in ice or icy snow. Just a few thoughts - - - .
MendoRider