Editing Ice axe (section)

==Size==
Ice-axe spike-to-head lengths used to generally range from {{convert|60|-|90|cm|in|abbr=on}}. This is just too short to be used as a walking stick on level ground (the way its forebear, the {{convert|150|cm|ft|adj=mid|-long|sigfig=1}} 19th century [[alpenstock]], was), but is ergonomic when ascending steep slopes. For flatter ground, where consequences of a slip are not large, walking poles are more appropriate.

The old method to approximate the correct length of an ice axe was for the climber to hold the axe (spike facing the ground) at his/her side while standing relaxed. The spike of the ice axe should barely touch the ground when the climber stands fully upright holding the axe in this manner.<ref>{{cite web
  | url = http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ice-axe.html
  | title = Ice Axes: How to Choose
  | publisher = REI
  | access-date = 11 February 2014}}</ref> This may still be appropriate when the ice axe is to be used on relatively flat ground, most likely in glacier travel.

Modern mountaineers often carry shorter ice axes {{convert|45|-|60|cm|in|abbr=on}}, for general use, with anything over {{convert|60|cm|in|abbr=on}} typically regarded as too large and unwieldy for chopping steps or climbing steep snow. A walking pole (providing a third point of contact), although stabilising and making a slip less likely, is unlikely to stop a fall.<ref>{{cite web
  |url=https://www.thebmc.co.uk/hill-skills-your-first-axe-and-crampons
  |title=Hill skills: your first axe and crampons
  |website=www.thebmc.co.uk|access-date=10 April 2018}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web
  |url=http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ice-axe.html
  |title=How to Choose Ice Axes
  |website=REI|access-date=10 April 2018}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web
  |url=http://www.expeditionguide.com/choosingaxe.php|title=Choosing an ixe axe, crampons and winter boots
  |website=www.expeditionguide.com
  |access-date=10 April 2018}}</ref>