Black Diamond

Raven Ice Axe

Lighter than my older ice

Lighter than my older ice axes. Sharp spike for hard snow. Well balanced. Just the right length. Great for general mountaineering.

Great affordable beginner axe

I love the ergonomics and it functions well in steep snow (used up to 65°) i have two for added security and steep climbs, good weight to functionality

Great, cheap-ish, reliable

Used on one practice session of self-arresting and self-belaying. Seems to be very well made, super light, totally sufficient for a basic piece of safety gear in mountaineering.

Great all around ice axe

Great for basic glacier travel and self arresting. Limited on steeper terrain but can still get the job done on shorter steeper sections.

Classic Ice Axe

Great piece of equipment for all the bigger mountain ski adventures when snow conditions can be dicey and variable. I like the straight shaft Piolet design because you can use it in multiple ways.

BD Raven

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

80

Height:

5' 8"

Weight:

130

I have really enjoyed my time with the raven. I have tested this to about everything it is designed to do from general mountaineering to building steps up steep ice, and used as a shovel in a pinch summer camping. It's built like a tank. I would say this is the ice axe for someone in steep terrain with deep snow or flatter hard pack/ice. Personally wish I would have spent the little extra for the pro model.

Couldn't be happier

Its a basic ice axe. Strong, light, I've used it quite extensively for non ice axe things and it proved to be a useful peace of gear for a good price

Solid Raven

This is exactly how an ice axe should be. Great price too. Another quality piece of equipment by black diamond.

Perfect general purpose axe

Super comfortable to carry from the head. Easy to secure with carabiner, very sturdy when driving in. Couldn't ask for more!

@blackdiamond

if you're looking to make donations this is a great tool for many tasks that I've encountered while farming, foraging, and trapping... while it may not be intentional, this tool is great for general purpose living and could improve the lives of many people with heavier, less efficient versions.. while it is irreparable without advanced technology it sure does last. maybe consider giving some to people who need them, I know I'm happy to have one🙂