The TICA ICE TOOL was developed for those, such as myself, who feel that in certain situations, a certified ice axe is overkill. This tool is to be used specifically in situations where ones life or safety will not be at risk. This is the first and only titanium and carbon fiber ice tool available. This tool was completely engineered, tested with both stress analysis software, and experimentally loaded to failure. If you would like to read about the engineering, testing, and manufacturing that went into the TICA R1, it has been documented in an article at backpackinglight.com. To view the published article, click here.
Design Changes: The only difference between R3 and R4 is that the head and spike are now painted black, the pictures shown are of R3 but I will update it as soon as I get them done. This black paint will rub off with use but gives a nice smooth surface to grip onto. This revision keeps the function and design the same as previous but with a slicker plug for the bottom of the spike. Instead of using a flat piece of titanium plate, a cooler looking and better fitting custom plug is used. This new plug incorporates the number "46" from the Suluk 46 logo. You will notice that while this design change is small, it is still a change, and therefore must be documented by giving it a new revision number.
Features: 1 -Head weldment is plugged to stop snow from entering the shaft from the top 2 -Custom designed carbon fiber shaft is significantly stronger than the previous design 3 -Shaft has silk screened Suluk 46 logo just below the head 4 -Spike is bonded to the outside of the shaft to prevent damage when plunging 5 -Spike is plugged to stop snow from entering up into the shaft
Description: The head consists of 4 pieces of titanium, tig welded together. The pick and adze are waterjet cut from titanium sheet, welded to a tubular ferrule which is an assembly of a barstock cap and machined tube. The ferrule has a precision machined inner diameter which is then bonded to the outer diameter of the carbon fiber shaft using a 2 part high strength epoxy. The spike is a tubular piece, also machined from titanium with a cylinrical cap placed in the bottom, then bonded to the outer diameter of the carbon fiber shaft using the same method as the ferrule. All titanium is media blasted prior to assembly for strength and finish.
Weight: The weight of the axe will vary depending on the length, but a typical 50cm axe will weigh 4.9 oz. Longer axe weights can be estimated by adding an additional 0.92 grams to 4.9 oz for every additional centimeter over 50cm.
Options: Available in any length up to 73cm. Price is the same regardless of length selected. Length is measure from the tip of the spike to the top of the head.
Price: $245.00 (USD)
Shipping: I will charge you the actual shipping cost. I have shipped these all over the world. I need to package them very well to avoid damage and also require the parcels to have full tracking. This service costs approximately $30.00 (USD) to ship to the U.S.A. and roughly $15.00 (USD) in Canada. To ship outside North America, the price jumps to about $50.00 (USD). That said, if you would like an axe, please contact me and I can quote you actual shipping charges.
