All about ice axes

Winter is bad not only with frost and snow. Ice is a significant problem. Ice axes with a metal handle can help to fight it, but you need to properly study this device in order to make the right choice.

Any ax has a heavy metal blade that fits onto a replaceable handle. The total length of this handle is always greater than the length of the blade. No wonder: according to the laws of mechanics, the longer the handle, the stronger the blow. Metal and plastic axes are quite rare, even their individual positive aspects do not justify the appearance of vibration upon impact. Products with a wooden handle extinguish it very well.

The blade is specially hardened, and technologists make sure that its cutting characteristics are increased to the maximum. Importantly, the rest of the metal part must remain soft. Otherwise, when strong blows are applied, there is a high risk of chipping off part of the product. There are many types of axes, but the ice ax stands out among them for its relatively low weight, compactness. There are, strictly speaking, two types of ice axes - mountaineering and intended for economic use.

When it snows in winter, and then there is a brief warming, everything that cannot be removed turns into a crust of ice. It is extremely difficult to remove it with the help of shovels and brooms. Special reagents cannot solve the problem in a short time. In addition, they are only valid until the next snowfall. And as a result, the ice will only increase.

This is why it is recommended to use axes. Their mass is in kilograms:

• 1,3;

• 1,7;

• 2,0.

In recent years, welded ice axes have become much more popular than their forged and cast counterparts. They are made from sheet steel, previously cut into fragments. The change in the technological process made the product much cheaper. But relief isn't always beneficial. In many cases, the heavier product is more effective at handling ice.

The SPETS B3 KPB-LTBZ ice ax is made entirely of steel. This material is used in the manufacture of both the handle and the blade. The length of the structure is 1.2 m, and the total weight is 1.3 kg. The size in the package is 1.45x0.15x0.04 m. This is one of the best domestic models that are on sale now.

Another option from the Russian manufacturer is the B2 ice ax. The tool is equipped with a steel handle. The total weight is 1.15 kg. With this device, you can easily remove ice and relatively small ice crusts from the following outdoor places and structures:

• from the steps;

• from the porch;

• off the sidewalks;

• from garden and park paths;

• in other necessary places.

The advantages of the tool are:

• use of extremely strong steel with a high carbon content;

• thoughtful execution of the ax;

• flawless edge sharpening;

• special anti-corrosion protection.

The A0 ice ax is notable for its convenience and reliability. It is constructed on the basis of a steel pipe. The tool is suitable for cleaning a variety of flat surfaces. Its weight reaches 2.5 kg. In some cases, reinforced ice axes are used. Some models use a plastic handle, which reduces the weight of the product to 1.8 kg and protects hands from cold metal in severe frosts.

Such devices are made by various companies, in particular - "Alliance-Trend". The weight of the heavy-duty axes and their geometry are selected in such a way as to guarantee easy and convenient use. According to reviews, these tools are durable. There are also designs with dimensions of 125x1370 mm. Such ice axes are supplied by a variety of manufacturers, including anonymous ones (without specific brands).

The wide availability of high-quality steel allows us to confidently say that a good ax can be made anywhere in our country. The brands Zubr, Fiskars, Matrix have gained wide popularity in Russia. Izhstal axes give good results. They are deservedly considered one of the best in the budget segment. The manufacturer uses a non-slip wooden handle, and the tangible weight of the ax only benefits.

For information on how to choose the right ax, see the next video.