In reply to Sharp:
> Of course each to their own but I'm not sure that's a particularly logical conclusion, one time you slipped and lady luck shined on you because you had a leash on and the axe managed to stick in something, the other time your friend slipped and the dangling axe stabbed them. It's just a question of which you think the most likely scenario is in most conditions.
> I remember reading about an instuctor who took a very long fall down a steep slope (many years ago) and managed to regain a grasp of their axe because they had their leash on but I've also heard of other people being cut up because they've had a heavy piece of metal swinging around on their wrists. I think if you fall on an icy slope, a very steep slope or you have a technical tool then your chances of self arrest aren't great. Hindsights a wonderful thing but not falling is your first line of defence, the leash is pretty irrelevant.
Exactly.
The problem with using a leash, especially when swapping hands, is that this is when you should be concentrating on what your feet are doing - not on faffing about with a leash! Instead of worrying about a leash you should develop the skills & awareness not to fall in the first place, together with the correct use of an ice axe for an ice axe arrest.
Worried about letting go and your axe flying off when cutting steps? Learn how to do it properly so you don't have to rely on a leash.
Another classic that I've witnessed recently is the 2ft long leash hanging down from an ice axe, and trailing along the ground whilst the owner is walking along some pretty sketchy ground. What could possibly go wrong?
You'll never see a professional a professional mountain guide use an ice axe leash on their general walking axe - there are a number of reasons for that. Including on more technical ground you'll often want to stash your ice axe down the back of your pack - to free both hands. If you're tied to the axe by a leash...yet more faffing - so it's just not practical .
Post edited at 09:29