Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
A traditional axe for legendary ascents, the trusty Black Diamond Raven delivers quality you can feel.
Shop newer version- 7075 aluminum shaft keeps weight down without sacrificing strength
- 17-4 investment cast stainless-steel head and spike are great for self-arresting, glissading and chopping steps
- Pick's curve and teeth securely bite into snow and ice
- Comfortable, ergonomic hand platform provides a secure grip
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Raven Product LineView all Black Diamond Ice Axes| Best Use | Mountaineering |
|---|---|
| Material(s) | Stainless-steel head/aluminum shaft |
| Pick Shape | Classic Curve |
| Shaft Shape | Straight |
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Plenty good for not much money
Brought this axe up with me on a trip to Mt Washington NH, took her up the Huntington Ravine. And have to say both my partner and I had to rely on it heavily on the last of the snow on the mountain. At one point this axe even stopped both of us after I had to dive after her from sliding back down the ravine into some jagged rocks after a 75ft slide. For my money, well worth it, and it will be a mainstay in my mountaineering set up from now on. Not as light as the pro, but I think that adds a bit more confidence to it. Attached is a pic of the bottom of the ravine, it got too steep after this picture for either of us to think about a camera.
Very good value
I got to use this Axe for the first time on the approach to Telescope Peak on 02-18-18. I hiked up the ridge for the last mile which had exposure on both sides. Having the Axe paired with crampons the snow/ice conditions were very manageable. The Axe is a good winter tool for general winter hiking/mountaineering as long as there is no ice climbing involved.
None better for alpine travel
I have both the Raven and Raven Pro. I actually prefer the Raven, it just feels more solid,and safer. The Raven has a longer pick, and a wider grip area, making more comfortable to carry and more secure in my hand. Even though it is a couple ounces heavier I just feel safer with this solid piece of gear in my hand. Works great on steep snow fields and glacier travel. I've used mine on Rainier, St Helens and many other peaks in the Cascade mountains. I'm somewhat of a gear hound so I am always looking at new stuff, but right now there is no other axe on the market that I would own over this one.
Nice axe for low angle climbs and traverses.
This one axe will get you up and down modestly inclined gullies. I recently climbed with it and when used with a leash, was very effective and confident. Ad the Black Diamond Slider Ice Axe Leash or something similar. Very good entry level axe. I've watched climbers struggle without proper equipment and back away from finishing some routes due to safety concerns. Given the newer option from Black Diamond, I recommend their new Raven with Grip and leash as the better product choice for the price, hence the 4 star rating. But this axe did perform very well!
performs wells
I bought this axe a few months ago to climb Mt. Hood. It was my first expedition of the sort and I was recommended this axe by an REI employee. It worked out very well for my climbing partner and I. Light weight and not too pricey, I am satisfied with the purchase and look forward to using it more!
Solid Tool
This is a great ax. I already had shorter axe for steep couloirs and the like, so I got this one a bit longer. Unlike my shorter ax, this one is very comfortable to use all day in either hand. It works great for lower angle terrain, traverses, and glissading. It has a pretty good swing for chopping steps and such, but I wouldn't recommend this tool if you plan on swinging it a lot. I like my shorter tool with a more aggressive and heavier head for that.
Happy with the purchase
I'm getting pretty serious about mountaineering and have made the plunge with purchasing equipment vs renting. I just climbed Shasta and this was part of my arsenal. Simple and effective, this was the second most used tool I used (crampons being the other). Purchase a leash for the axe and you're good to go.
Perfect budget friendly and entry level axe
When it comes to mountaineering or even a winter hike on snow/ice with high gradient, the ice axe is arguably the most important piece of equipment. It provides safety and assistance on the climbs. This straight shaft axe is a great entry level axe for mountaineering. But, I have and see many experts also using it. When weight is not so much of an issue I carry 3 axes. This one for glacier travel, anchor building and rescues. For my more technical ascents I use my black diamond viper tools (hammer and adze). Training for self arrest this axe had performed just about the same as any other axe I own. Therefore, I consider this axe to be the perfect budget friendly and entry level axe.
Hit the Spot
Great mountaineering axe. I added some plumbers friction tape to add grip around the shaft. Works perfectly, and it's great to have an axe long enough for us tall mountaineers.
Best buy for price
Good Used it in late spring on sierra hike, good for step cutting, self-arrest ease, glisading and ability to dig into the ice. Bad Not easy to attach a sling and the one they sell for it isn't worth the price. Definately would recommend this to anyone needing a general purpose ice axe