Neve

This simple and inexpensive tool is severely under-rated as an ice axe. It provides better penetration and security in ice than Black Diamond Raven's, Raven Ultra's and Raven Pro's. The lease that comes with the tool is good for basic to moderate mountaineering, upgrading the lease to a BD lockdown makes this a very versatile ice axe. The only down side is the paint will chip off the pick and spike on the first couple climbs. The pick remains very sharp after several icy routes. The positive clearance pick self arrests at the perfect rate, it bites, but not so hard the tool is ripped from your hands, and it doesn't skate on ice.

I am VERY satisfy with the value in this simple and very effective ice axe.