Akila Adze Ice Axe

The Akila Adze is Blue Ice's most technical Type 1/B ice axe — and the one that deliberately blurs the line between a mountaineering axe and a technical tool. The curved shaft is the defining difference from a conventional walking axe: it positions the hand correctly for piolet traction on moderate ice, prevents knuckles from contacting the ice surface when swinging, and keeps the tool usable on steep terrain where a straight shaft becomes a liability. All of this in a 49cm, 330g package that fits inside a ski pack.

• Curved aircraft-grade aluminium shaft — the curved geometry is calibrated for piolet traction technique, improving swing mechanics on ice, preventing knuckle strike, and performing more cleanly in steep snow and moderate ice than the straight-shaft walking axes in this weight class.
• Chromoly steel ergonomic head — the pick geometry is specifically engineered for multi-surface anchoring — hard snow, névé, and moderate ice — with an aggressive profile that bites cleanly in a single swing.
• Wide-blade adze — the adze is sized to efficiently clear snow before placing ice screws, a practical function that a hammer-only version can't replicate on technical objectives.
• Tech pommel included — an adjustable tech pommel (pinky rest) ships with the axe. It slides along the shaft to dial in the grip position for ice climbing technique, and can be removed or repositioned. Note: adjusting the pommel position requires a screwdriver or multi-tool — it does not use a tool-free clip system.
• Dual-textured grip — two distinct textures across the grip zone give a secure hold in both plunge and swing positions.
• 49cm only — one length is offered by design. At 49cm, the Akila is optimised for the piolet traction position and pack carry — it is shorter than a standard mountaineering axe by design, not by limitation.
• Pick, adze, and spike protectors included — three protectors for transport and storage ship with the axe.
• Optional personalised engraving — Blue Ice offer custom shaft engraving just below the head as standard across the range.

For ice objectives that go beyond moderate terrain, see our ice climbing gear guide for advice on selecting the right tools for your level.

Downloads: EU Declaration of Conformity · Ice Axe Instructions