We’re all fighting over...

A 200-year-old (replica!) Grivel axe

GRIVEL 200 £200

In the September issue we poured praise on the retro rucksack that Grivel has created to celebrate its 200th birthday. But our lust for beautiful vintage-styled gear has been piqued once again with this simply gorgeous ice axe, also crafted by the Italian mountain brand to commemorate its second century. Created as a general winter walking tool, it evokes the image of the original 19th century Alpenstock-style ice axes. The ash shaft feels as good as it looks, while the pick has been hot forged for greater strength. Little details such as the embossed logo on the spike and the etched wording on the shaft all add to the impression of quality exuding from the axe, and the leather head cover is the icing on the cake. It’s as much a work of art as a tool, which creates the axe’s only real problem... we’re not sure we’d actually want to soil it by using it outside!

WE SAY Outdoor kit is rarely this beautiful – truly a thing to be cherished. www.grivelgb.co.uk