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User-Configurable Ice Tool Handles
Modern ice tools come equipped with a plethora of horns, triggers, rests, twiddly bits etc etc. However, one common question seems to be “Can I fit twiddly-bit-from-manufacturer-X onto tool-from-manufacturer-Y?”. There are tools in existence with some very limited adjustability in the grip, but in practice this doesn’t adjust far enough for those of use with small hands. Furthermore, different grip shapes are appropriate for different uses – a very exaggerated horn/rest/trigger arrangement is good for steep leashless, but a pain when using the shaft of the tool on low-angle snow.
There are thermoplastics in existence which become soft enough to mould easily in the hand at temperatures low enough not to burn the skin. If these are used to make grips for ice tools, the result is a tool with a grip which can be repeatedly re-moulded to suit the user’s wishes. Instructions for doing this (essentially, stand in hot water until soft, then squeeze) could be included with the tools, or climbing shops could offer a moulding service.
“And how would Sir like Sir’s tools? One trigger? Two triggers? Big curvy handle?”
(NB: Ideally this option should be offered on a reasonably up-to-date axe, but as I don’t own such a beast an elderly Vertige will have to do for experimental purposes!)
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I used to break things to find out how they worked. Now that I’m a grown-up and have a bigger gaffer-tape budget, I make things to find out how they work. Sometimes, to my eternal surprise, they actually do.
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Wingnut, I like this, especially because i can already see how it will come together in retail,... i mean i can see the packaging, i can see the high quality glossy photos on the back of the packaging where a sculpter has been given this stuff, and told to really “sculpt” a handle. It of course would come in 4-5 different color options, and maybe there is a way to add something abrasive to the therm-plastic like sand to give a nice feel,...in fact thats another option, different “grip” qualities of finish.