[pct-l] ice axe length

[Mike Chapman]

Oh Goodness,right or wrong,can we please lay off steel-eyes montra. I
thought common respect between hikers was a real thing. I guess you
never self-arrested with your fingernails Ken,anything is
possible,just not standard. I would suggest to use anything to save
your life(like what steel-eye said),dont fall down a chute and give up
because Ken said its not the right way. That being said, preparing
ahead of time with Kens advise or Neds is great(thanks for all you
do). Hike on,and get along my backwoods brothers,one of these fine
folks might be the one saving your #$@.

On 1/30/11, Ken Murray <kmurray at pol.net> wrote:
> Good Afternoon, Steel-Eye.
>
> Now, I know you've been hiking the PCT since before there was dirt, but you
> apparently
> don't realize that the standard term for using an axe to PREVENT a fall, by
> planting
> the shaft, is referred to as "self belay", often shortened to "belay".
> This technique does not involve a rope,
> but is the standard technique for travel across an inclined snowfield.  It
> is very
> well described in "Mountaineering:The Freedom of the Hills".
>
> Also, you may not be familiar with what are called technical ice tools,
> designed
> for climbing VERTICALLY.  These have VERY short handles, as they are
> designed to be used
> in one hand (generally in pairs).  You cannot do a standard self-arrest with
> these tools,
> as you cannot take the two handed grip across the trunk of the body, because
> the shaft is
> too short. (typically less than 1/2 the length of a regular axe).
>
> This is the extreme of the "short" handle axe, but some people, in a drive
> to be as light
> as possible, may think that this is a viable option.  It is not, as you can
> neither arrest
> nor belay with them.
>
> I'm sure you didn't mean to confuse anyone.
>
>
> "Good afternoon,
>
> Belaying, with or without an ice axe, is something done with climbing ropes;
> and climbing ropes are very rarely seen on the trail and even more rarely
> needed.  Saying self-arrest can’t be performed with a short ice axe is just
> plain silly.
>
>
>
> Steel-Eye"
>
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