First appearing in 1972, the Climaxe was part of the climbing revolution that was in progress at the time. For a century or so before, mountaineers had used their axes to cut steps up ice slopes, but the desire to climb ever steeper ice required different techniques and different gear. Crampons got more rigid and front points longer; ice axes got shorter and the picks began to droop so they would hold better on the steeper ice.

We have several ice axes in the collection that have been adapted from the original by shortening the shaft and heating the pick to increase curve.

In Scotland, Hamish MacInnes, had created the Terrordactyl in 1970; with its unique 45 degree pick, probably the biggest leap in ice climbing technology ever. Chouinard was a friend of MacInnes and they both worked on improving the equipment in use at the time.

Chouinard’s Climaxe was his response to the Terrordactyl, with the curved rather than the drooped pick being his choice. It was created with help from his friend and fellow climber, Tom Frost.

Whilst Terrordactyls were made from metal, the wooden shaft of the Climaxe was to be its downfall, since wooden axes of all types were less strong and therefore less safe than their metal counterparts, consigning them, not quite universally, to the collector’s cabinets.

We are very happy to have one here, in mint condition and kindly donated by Jack Simpson.