Editing Ice axe (section)

== History ==
The ice axe of today has its roots in the long-handled [[alpenstock]] that came before it. Not only is an ice axe used as a climbing aid, but also as a means of  [[self-arrest]] in the event of a slip downhill.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bloemsma |first=Katrina |title=How to Use an Ice Axe for Mountaineering |url=https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-use-an-ice-axe-for-mountaineering.html |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=REI |quote=After proper footwork, knowing how to self-arrest adds another layer of security when you’re mountaineering. You should consider this skill an insurance policy and not something you want to have to use in real time. It’s far better to rely on good, balanced footwork to prevent a fall or slip in the first place. Before you climb snow slopes or travel on glaciers, self-arrest is a skill you should practice, practice, practice until it becomes second nature. There are different ways to get into the self-arrest position depending on your body orientation when you fall (see below). But the end goal is the same: Stop your fall by planting the pick of your ice axe into the snow and using your body to stop your momentum.}}</ref>

Most ice axes meet design and manufacturing standards of organizations such as the [[Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme]] (UIAA) or [[European Committee for Standardization]] (CEN). There are two classifications of ice axe, Basic (B/Type 1) and Technical (T/Type 2). 

* Basic ice axes are designed for use in snow conditions for general mountaineering, and are adequate for basic support and self-arrest. Technical ice axes, which may have curved shafts, are strong enough to be used for steep or vertical ice climbing and belaying on such ground.
* Specialized scaled-down ice axes used for vertical [[ice climbing]] are known as [[ice tool]]s. Ice tools have shorter and more curved shafts; stronger, sharper, and more curved replaceable picks, and often ergonomic grips and finger rests. Used in a pair, one is usually equipped with an adze for chipping and clearing snow whilst the other has a hammer to aid gear placement.

For [[ski mountaineering]] and racing, where weight is of paramount concern, manufacturers have produced short (~{{convert|45|cm|in|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and light ({{convert|200|-|300|g|oz|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) ice axes. Some of these have [[aluminium|aluminum]] alloy heads/picks which are unlikely to be as effective or robust as steel heads/picks.