FREEZE

This project offers a reinterpretation of the mountaineering ice axe through the lens of maintenance, repairability, and eco-responsibility. Today, most existing ice axes are made up of multiple riveted components, making disassembly, repair, or part replacement complex, or even impossible, without specialized tools. The concept developed here aims to simplify and make ice axe maintenance more intuitive by entirely rethinking its assembly method. All components are held together by a cable-based tensioning system: the parts are assembled dry, then a screw located beneath the ice axe applies tension to an internal cable, ensuring clamping and overall structural cohesion. This principle enables quick disassembly, easier replacement of wear parts, and improved product durability. The system is designed to work with both straight and curved technical ice axes, without compromising rigidity or safety. The head of the ice axe has also been redesigned: it consists of two folded metal plates that interlock and mechanically lock when the cable is tensioned, eliminating the need for permanent rivets. The shaft is made from a standard anodized aluminum profile, promoting simpler manufacturing and increased component compatibility. The 3 mm cable used in the system has a breaking load of up to 520 kg, ensuring a level of safety compatible with the mechanical demands of mountaineering. This project proposes a simple yet radical construction system that rethinks ice axe maintenance as a whole, paving the way for a more durable, repairable, and adaptable tool suited to contemporary mountain practices.