Southern Ontario Ice

Fed up with having to replace my picks frequently I was drawn to the Howey Tool claim: their picks would out-last all others. At the time I was climbing thin routes, early season routes, climbing lots, and more often than not, finding rock underneath thin patches of ice thanks to my heavy swing. When I’d find a thin crack, especially horizontal ones, I’d be torquing them with my full weight, milking them for a good rest. Although T-rated should be good for this, many aren’t.

Finding picks that could stand up to the abuse I routinely dished out was too good of an opportunity to pass up! Thou must believe in your gear!

I reached out to Jeremy Howey himself for more info. He explained that he’s sourced material that is 300M or 4340M. The 4340 is aerospace spec, and starts as forged block giving it increased strength vs commercially available 4340.  The picks undergo a specialized heat treatment and tempering that is now dialed in for different pick models.

Subtle design changes compliment the differing heat treatments for increased strength and performance.  For example the mixed picks have a temperament to retain the straight snappy configuration after torquing where as other brands will remain bent.  The ice specific is the other end of the spectrum to be easily re-sharpened and more likely to bend before breaking indicating need for replacement.

In the field, Howey picks have stood up very well. Even after a full-on swing into thin ice (resulting in a bounce-back from the hidden rock below) there’s barely a dent. (I’ve flattened many tips before, often on a fresh pick’s first day outside). No more!

Starting with picks that fit Petzl tools (most notably compatible with the Nomic and Ergo, but others too), the line-up has expanded to also include picks for Cassin Camp and BD tools.

Above, you see pick models side-by-side: the steeper nose can be seen on the on the mixte pick (above) for increased bite on rock. It’s less steep on the ice pick (below) for good ice penetration. Picks taper to 3.0mm on the mixte version and to 2.9mm on the ice versions for less displacement. My favourite is the mixte version: I like how the first 4 teeth not only grab at the ice, but how they also provide a level surface on rock. Notably, the teeth on the top of the head are not bevelled - a small, but important detail. This makes it much grippier when steinpulling, as surfaces aren’t always as uniform as you’d like. Yes, this also means it’s stickier and harder to remove, if you happen to swing into an ice cauliflower dish capped with a cremini mushroom. But if you’re aware and judicious when selecting your targets, you’ll have all the upside with none of the struggles.

Howey Tools has recently launched a third set of picks - for comps, (and drytooling too). It’s shorter making for even less pick-shift than usual, and its first tooth is sharply more aggressive, really biting into the holds. The material is extremely ridged and burly so the design can offer less flex and higher feed back (though difficult to resharpen in the field).  Learn more about Howey Tool picks here. The Dry Comp can extend your season into the well known non-existent ice season transitions and indoor dry tooling nights saving your mixed for the tough full season sends. (Of course, save ice specific picks for the technician’s situations where a delicate touch is preferred, or for fatter ice with easy cruising and quick pick removal.)

Importantly, and proudly, all processes for manufacturing are done at various specialty shops in the Waterloo region, and final tuning and filing of the tips done by hand.

Over the years, Howey Tool has been a big supporter of SOIceFest - thanks for supporting local, and helping the craft grow in Ontario and beyond!