Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe

Great for general mountaineering. I brought the 70 cm with me up Mt. Rainier. Was exactly what I needed (I'm 5'11') and I felt confidant that I could use it to arrest should the need arise. Prior to this one I used a much shorter technical axe on Mt. Adams, it was no good for general mountaineering. This one is the right tool.

I just used this thing for the first time today and it was great. It adds so much confidence when traversing snow ridges as well as boot packing up the steeps. It pretty much saved my bacon today. I am 5' 10" and I bought a 70.

This ice axe has everything you need for a steep hike or some basic ice climbing. The quality of it is great with no loose past and the bottom tip has a sharp edge on it.

I couldn't have summited Mt. Yale(Colorado 14er) without it. The only reason that
I am not giving it five stars was that it was at times (in hard snow) a bit hard to remove. My beginners poor technique was likely to blame.

I purchased this axe to use on the Grand Teton and it worked tremendously, while traversing glaciers I felt a lot safer having this in my hand. The reason I chose this particular axe however was the price. I feel that I got all the features I was looking for for way less than other axes.

I recently used this ice axe while climbing in Colorado, and it was a fantastic purchase. I would not have been able to traverse without it -- it also worked really well for glissading!

Made this purchase for bagging some spring summits here in the Wasatch. I got the 75cm ( I'm 5'11")size and found it to be perfect for hiking up and glissading down steep snow fields. Although this axe is heavier than a lot of other comparable axes, I dont think it negatively affected its use. Solid value buy.

This is the staple axe in the industry, probably one of the most popular out there. It is the do it all, whether you're just backpacking the PCT after a huge winter like this year, ski mountaineering, general mountaineering and using it like a cane, or even more technical mountaineering routes. The steel pick and head make for durability you'll have for years to come....They even make for great "lawn darts" when you're sitting at base camp after getting off the head wall!



I am happy to help out with getting the perfect size for your next adventure, or any mountaineering questions at all that you may have so feel free to reach directly out to me!

Not sure I could ask for more in a mountaineering axe. It has done everything I've asked of it, including the ultimate use: self-arrest.



The weight is perfect. I almost went with the lighter weight one, but I think I'd prefer this in every way except the extra ounces when you're not using it.



I am a long and lanky 6'2" and went with the 75cm tool. Surprisingly perfect length.



Can't recommend it more!

I bought the 75cm axe for my mountaineering uncle on his latest summit up Mt Washington, he loved it!

Glacier travel anchor device / self-arresting tool - everyone needs this in their quiver to properly mountaineer! Black Diamond is the pioneer is this niche and they do it best.

Bought this as my first ice axe and it's never failed me. It's lightweight and easy to handle.

Bought this initially for the start of the CDT in Glacier, have used it since for mountaineering around the PNW. Its a very solid axe, and feels great in hand.

Bought this for my inaugural trip up a mountain. Used it for snow school and for a trip with my sons up Mount Shasta. Luckily other than caning with it, the only use it got was in us throwing ourselves down the hill and practicing our self-arrest, which, as I would expect, it did quite well. As for durability, I noticed the local outfitter in Mt. Shasta rents the Raven, and those look like they've been put through the wringer and are still going strong.

We gave this as a gift to my brother in law "This thing is a life saver and I would recommend it to anyone who is even remotely interested in climbing any mountains, especially in the spring time in the alpine.
My buddies and I climbed a 14,000 foot mountain in CO in late May and it really helped at the top with the snowcapped peaks. The ice axe is especially helpful on the descend. I would recommend it to anyone doing any intense “above-the tree line” hikes."

Kudos to my fellow reviewers. I am 6’ tall. I went with the 65cm after reading other reviews. I am very pleased with that size. Its great for steep back country skiing. I've used it to climb some steep chutes. I sometimes think the ice axe is the greatest mountain climbing tool of all time. If you are looking for a general mountaineering axe it's a great choice. Don't leave home without it. Black diamond does it right.

Wow, what a great axe for the money. I have looked at many axes comparing weight to performance. This axe comes out on top. What sold it for me is how comfortable it is to hold the axe in your hand in the self arrest position.

Wasup, I am 5'11 165lbs and I bought the 65cm Ice Axe. It is too legit to quit.. But really it fits very well on my pack while splitboarding or spring glacier travel. Long enough to put my poles away on steep ascents. I use it for self arresting and that's it, but I have had to use it twice and it didn't fail me, thankfully.