Wrapping an old ice-axe shaft

[Moondog55]

My old standard winter companion has started to split. While I have had a good run with this axe ( 40 years+) I don't want to loose it and I want to extend its life until I get too old and decrepid to walk and ski anymore.
I'm thinking of wrapping the shaft in carbon fiber and wondering how many layers of CF will be enough and what size of sleeving I would need. I think the 40mm sleeve I have is a little big

[Strider]

With respect, and keeping in mind I know absolutely NOTHING about ice axes, is this not an item that you might depend upon to save your life (e.g. self arrest) or at least hang your full weight from at times? It might be safer to simply replace the shaft, or buy another axe for use and keep this one for sentimental reasons only.

[Moondog55]

True enough Strider but if I can get a few more years out of it I'm going to try. I just sent an inquiry off to Black Diamond and I hope to hear from them soon although I do suspect they will tell me to retire the tool. A new ice-axe is a bit out of my budget at the moment; not to mention I have another set of vertical tools in the shed with the same type of shaft

[icefest]

Do you use the axe for ice climbing? Do you use it for self arrests where failure would result in certain death?

If yes, then I'd either buy a new one, or stop doing those activities.
If no, then go ahead, fix it like that.

Is the split near the head on the end of the shaft

[Moondog55]

Splits are in the first layer of the lamination on the outside layer of bamboo, 9 layers in the shaft.
That does leave 7 layers still to go

[icefest]

So the splits are longitudinal and run the length of the shaft?

[Moondog55]

Yes. Sentimental attachment to an antiquated bit of kit I know, They have just started making them again too.

[Moondog55]

http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/cli ... y#start=5'
Does not have the same secure feel in the hand as the original bamboo shaft tho, and a lot more expensive here of course

[Giddy_up]

Hi Moondog,

I have been looking at ice axes for next winters walk. What is the methodology for selecting the right length in relation to body height.

[Moondog55]

That's a very good question, I like my walking axe to be about 40mm longer than the distance between my hand and the ground when arms are hanging loosely at my sides and this is measured at the web between thumb and forefinger. I can use an axe between 750 and 900 mm like this with 900 being a little long
Others like them much longer
The axe I am talking about is a climbing axe and is 680mm long; so sits above the ice if the surface is firm enough to take my weight, on snow it usually just touches the surface of the snow or penetrates to the end of the spike
Hold the axe in your hand, if it just touches the ground and feels comfortable it is probably OK

[Giddy_up]

Thanks for that.

[Moondog55]

Giddy-up If you haven't already got your gloves and overmittens bear in mind that trigger finger mittens work better with an ice axe than normal full mittens

[Giddy_up]

I had to google those mittens MD, I had never heard of them before or seen them. Are they stocked here in OZ or am I a better chance over seas.

[Moondog55]

Ebay US Look for OR Mutant mitts

[Giddy_up]

Thanks MD, will check them out, Backcountry have some that are 60% off. I also see Macpac make them as well. I will have a look when I'm next in Brisbane.

[Moondog55]

Have you got a link for the Backcountry reduced? I couldn't find them when I looked.
Bear in mind that the OR Mutant is available in two kinds, older LW stuff and the very heavy duty military version, the LW is better for walking etc, the military if you will be using an =axe or saw in very cold weather. I like mine but after using them for 3 seasons I'd happily swap for a lighter weight.

[Giddy_up]

Sure do.

http://www.backcountrygear.com/mens-glo ... bster.html

[Moondog55]

Small only of course

I am of course an XL or large depending on make

[Giddy_up]

I'm on the hunt for snow gear now in preparation for next winter, and with the weather warming here, there should be a few bargains about I reckon.

[icefest]

Eventually I'll have a suluk ice tool for winter walks, until then, I'm keeping my eye out for a second hand ice axe.

[Moondog55]

For that price you can get a real ice axe, stronger and not much heavier

[Moondog55]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Petzl-Charle ... 27d8037397

[Moondog55]

And of course BDs email just arrived advising me to retire the axe and use it as a wall ornament

[Giddy_up]

PM sent

[Moondog55]

Kudos and many thanks to Jason from "Play With Carbon" who sent a very small purchase ( 1/3 of a meter ) by ordinary letter mail and only charged me $2- ( large letter rate) for postage. I'll leave my classic axe alone but I will wrap my Chouinard Zero as those are not collectors items.
Anybody wanting to play his large 50mm lightweight sleeve is on special at $27.35 a meter

[Moondog55]

Looks like the 50mm is now sold out