The Nepal S.A. mates a standard Nepal head to a shaft that is slightly curved over its entire length. S.A. is shorthand for self-arrest and this axe was specifically designed to improve security while descending a snow slope -- when most falls occur -- and to arrest a slide more aggressively if the climber does fall. When a climber is descending, facing out, and holding the axe in the arrest position the shallow curve throughout the length of the shaft allows the axe to be driven in to a more secure position. Once placed, the curved shaft offers more holding power than a straight shaft; resistance is perpendicular to applied force so, as the drawing (follow the "More Images" link to image #3) shows, the geometry of a curved shaft is better than straight since the shaft’s final position has more snow between it and failure. That same curve gives the pick a more aggressive bite when the climber pulls outward on the lower part of the shaft during an actual self-arrest. The axe is B-rated and features a forged and welded, carbon steel head mated to light alloy shaft. It is delivered with the Long Leash.
- construction: carbon steel
- blade: hot forged, classic, negative, welded adze
- CE shaft resistance: 270 kg
- Weight: 480 g (58 cm), 500 g (66 cm), 530 g (74 cm)
- sizes: 58, 66, 74 cm
- insulated head: no
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