In reply to TobyA:
Funnily enough I’m using Grivel light wings from that period. Its definitely a case of swings and round -a-bouts and no right or wrong, just awareness.
IIRC the Glencoe MRT had a brief spell of saying in the 90’s only use the leash when swinging, as they had picked up casualties whom had slipped, failed to arrest, the fall hadn’t inflicted too much damage but the axe had in the tumble. I had a mate whom was in an alpine pile up. Three on a rope including the guide, roped party above them came off and they all went the distance. He can’t remember much, but can remember coming round to see the guide with his ice axe through the under side of his jaw and out of his cheek.
So the argument against a leash could be made quiet strongly, but like you I thought the lack of a pinkie rest was an omission and know that it could become more apparent in some icing conditions, and in those conditions the lack of a leash will make it nearly impossible to hold the axe on swinging terrain. Hence need a leash, which could of course be one in your pocket you can clip on, or wrapped round the head to allow leashes movement, but be available when required.
Despite this knowledge out of habit I still often use the leash on zig zagging slopes….you can lead a horse to water…and all that!
Post edited at 23:21