CAMP USA Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe

Unbelievably lightweight and reliable axe...used this recently on a ski expedition to Denali and the weight saved was really appreciated, and the axe performed solidly on mixed snow and short ice sections. Also used it skiing 14es this past spring, and it performed well again in the occasional & short (non-vertical) ice bulges. Because it's so minimal in its construction, it's easy to just add it to your gear for trips, and you'll be glad you have it. Great grip, and a s strong pick which makes it very useful for ski mountaineering and other snow climbing objectives.
Per CAMP-USA, the axe incorporates "SANDVIK NANOFLEX®" which is an innovative patented steel alloy that is 60% stronger than normal steel that allows for a significant reduction in the amount of metal used, thereby decreasing weight while maintaining strength.

For what it is it is brilliant. However, super light axes have their limit. If you really need to swing this tool in to get some climbing done, it is just too light weight to make steeper climbing efficient and safe. For snowy ski mountaineering and alpine rock emergencies this is my go to tool. The spike at the bottom tends to plug and ball up with snow. Otherwise awesome tool.

Super light and more durable then I dared to wish for. You hardly notice it on your pack, so it's great when weight really matters and as a just-in-case ice axe for self arrest situations and extra support. The steel pick is a great idea if you have to cut some ice.

Great idea for a lightweight axe. A full aluminum head construction of the Corsa make me a little wary about it's performance and durability, but the added steel pick and spike on the nanotech put my fears of this lightweight axe to rest. It's been very durable and the pick and spike have penetrated ice very well and without hesitation. Most people won't believe how light this guy is until they hold it. Well worth the extra money.
For sizing, I'm 5'8" and use a 50cm (I like my axes a little shorter). A 60cm would also work for my stature if you're looking for more of a glacier travel style axe.

So impressively light, I like the shaft bend too. Grippy paper down low, but doubtful you'd ever be swinging it from there. Bolted on steel points keep it more versatile; although this is not a real mountaineering tool, but perfect for what it's meant, a spring ski touring axe. I compared it to my 16 year old BD Mountaineering axe, and had to run and get my roomates to check out the unbelievable difference. Again, if your looking for a do it all mountain axe, get something else. For skiing and boot pack approaches in pre-cron spring mornings this is your guy.

Very durable over three years of heavy use in Alaska. Light and utilitarian, it has never given me a worry. Shaft won't bend with t-trenches or crevasse haul, and ferrule penetrates well for boot/axe. No trouble with rivets that join the steel to alloy. Only fair at AI3 or above, but you'd be using paired tools in that setting anyway. Recommend this axe, it is light light light.

This tool is absolutely great. It is really sharp, the material is very durable. This is not a workhorse axe, but an axe for mountains with non technical lines like rainier, shasta, mt andromeda etc that, yeah you need an axe but you will not be bashing gear, not a huge fear of falling etc. In other words, this is a great axe for 'slog' routes. You can easily save 8 ounces with this axe over many others. Save the weight, get this. Youll be surprised how sharp the pick is too.