In reply to DanielJ:
I notice that the Dark Machine does not have a ferrule or a hole in the base. It is truly leashless.
This puts it outside my capability and also outside my means. If it's still available (?) the Grivel Master alloy Small Piolet based on the Reparto Corse would be a far more economical proposition.
It would be awful to be overgripping the tool but even worse to lose grip and drop it.
CORRECTION : There is a Dark Machine X which is dedicated for extreme dry tooling and competition climbing. It is this model which doesn't have a ferrule. There's a mix up on some pictures.
Post edited at 08:37