Seems that an American, Larry Penberthy, ‘re-invented’ the ice axe back in the 1970’s to create the Thunderbird which we have here in the collection. Larry was full of innovative ideas and created a company called M.S.R. ( Mountain Safety Research) to manufacture and market his innovations. Some of his axes were made entirely of aluminium but ours seems to have an aluminium shaft and a steel head. They were covered in orange vinyl and had the unique pick design which according to the patent had “ improved chopping action and an increased bite into hard snow and ice during self arrest” The fashion gurus didn’t like it very much though, suggesting that it was ‘ incredibly ugly and better suited for assassinations rather than ice climbing’ The axes sold well whatever and this one made its way across the pond where a lady called Paula Sharp bought it, used it and then kindly passed it on to us.