UKC

Hi folks,

I'm just wondering if anyone has a pair of ancient axes, or an ancient axe with a bit of history they'd like to be relieved of?

Maybe somethin like mcinnes pterodactyls or older. Its just for ornamental purposes in the house-ive got a few ideas which might be quite nice without being too brash.

...think this weekend also looks like an opportunity to do some of the jobs I've been promising to do around the house since november!weather's keeech!

In reply to Foghorn Leghorn:
I have a stubai nanga parbat ice axe from the 70s
http://www.smhc.co.uk/objects_item.asp?item_id=31728
it needs a bit of a rub down with some wire wool but would look nice on a wall once cleaned up. I could send you a pic if i can find my camera (just moved house so things are a bit hectic).
Where are you based?

In reply to gethin_allen: I'm intersted in your axe if Gethin says no. Let me know how much you're after. I'm based near Fort William, so you might have to post it. Jamie

In reply to Jamie Hageman:
Hi Jamie,
I'll have a dig about and get some photos and also find out what postage to Fort William would be.

Hi gethin,

Hope your moves goin smoothly.I'm interested in your axe-have you used it yourself or any idea of it's history-im just interested.

I live near glasgow but drive up north near enough every week this time of the season

To the other geezer "paws off me axe ya cheeky get!!"-just kiddin I'm not interested in a bidding war so gethin if the other chap wants it fair enough.

If anyone else has an antique axe they wanna give away or sell cheap please let me know

Jon

In reply to Foghorn Leghorn: That's ok, you get first dibs! I too am interested in vintage ice tools. It's actually the more modern axes I'm most keen on though - from the Chouinard hammers and first MacInnes Pecks through to other all-metal designs, and even some of the more recent classics like the Simond Piranha and Grivel Tech Wing. Unfortunately, I don't own very many as they're often out of my price range, but am always on the look out.

In reply to Jamie Hageman:
Nae bother jamie, ill just see what gethin says and take it from there. I'm quite interested myself in having maybe 3 or 4 on the wall from different eras.

The whole step cutting era is fascinating as is the transition with pteradactyls etc. I'm always amazed when going up fairly steep routes in winter to think the first ascents were cutting steps-these guys achievements were astonishing. It reminds me that im just playing at it compared to these guys really!

Jon

In reply to Foghorn Leghorn: So true. For an insight into the step-cutting era, make sure you watch 'The Pinnacle', a new film about Smith and Marshall's epic week on the Ben and Dave MacLeod and Andy Turner's exploits following in their footsteps. The film made me realise for the first time that climbing ice back then was all about chipping and shaping holds for hands and feet - quite an art if you want to climb quickly and safely. An interview with Robin Campbell tells the reality that us modern winter climbers are all pulling on aid, and he has a real point there. Made me feel a bit ashamed in a way!

In reply to Jamie Hageman:

Thanks for that jamie. Is it out on dvd? Think I might buy it-sounds really good.

Its wierd but what robin campbell's saying there makes total sense. Climbing something like point 5 or zero gully now is a completely different bag from these first ascents (some of them multi-day)
The great thing is I guess, all the modern equipment makes these historical climbs accessible to mediocre punters like myself.

I saw Ueli Steck being interviewed about his speed solo on the eiger. He reckons he's no better a climber than the first ascentionists-just a different era kindof thing.

I wonder if we'll see petzl nomics hangin up on the walls of climbers bars in 30 years time, as antiques of a bygone era

Jon

In reply to Foghorn Leghorn:
Just so happens I've got a Pterodactyls hammer in the loft! like bran new
Seemed a shame to throgh it out years ago so kept it.

let me know if your interested and we can come to some arrangment maybe

Regards Derek

In reply to Derek Kenyon:

Hi derek,

Yep sounds great definately interested. Can u send me an email with details/how much your lookn for etc. Obviously I can pay postage or pick up if your nearby

In reply to Foghorn Leghorn: I've been after a Whillans Whammer to use as an ornament, for years now. Are there any still out there?