ICE AXE

Vintage Chouinard Model Zero Ice Axe 55cm w/leather head cover  $250

Chouinard-Frost Piolet with a Carbon fiberglass blue shaft, purchased at the original REI on capital hill in Seattle when it was the only REI around. when I worked at the climbing counter.

These were sold for $75 in 1978. and the minimum wage was $2.65 an hour so $75 was almost a weeks earnings.

It has a second set of serrations closer to the shaft. That was done in the very late 78 or 79 The idea was that if you broke through the ice with your swing you could still get the pick to grip near the shaft and reduce the angle.

Its a vintage mountaineering axe from Chouinard Equipment. Manufactured in Italy by Camp/Interalp for Chouinard. This axe is in great shape. I carried it with me to Mount Everest base camp. The shaft is in pristine condition. There are some areas with surface scratches on the shaft during my travels but no rust or cracks. I would place the year of manufacture in 78.  The leather cover looks new but worn in.

If you are looking for an excellent condition Chouinard axe for your collection you will hard pressed to find a better one.

I’ve seen ones like this go for over $400 up but will be ok with $250.

This is a collectors item but still very much usable if you climb. Thanks