As I bought an ice axe from Russia some 10-15 years ago and cannot remember their ratings, I just wondered if somebody knew (or knew where to find) descriptions of the Russian ice axe test requirements?

For example, UIAA B/"Basic" axes can take 250kg sideways shaft/head interface load; UIAA T/"Technical" axes can take 400kg etc.

  • By UK B/T, do you mean UIAA B/T or is there really a rating specific to/originating in the UK? – imsodin Jun 26 '17 at 10:08
  • No, you are right, thank you, I mean the UIAA ones as example. – nsandersen Jun 26 '17 at 11:53
  • @nsandersen Is there any kind of number on it anywhere? Many Russian and Soviet products are subject to GOST quality standards, and will have a number: ГОСТ NNNN-YYYY, where N equals serial or related number and Y equals year. you can google GOST for more specifics – Vekzhivi Jun 28 '17 at 12:38
  • I will have a look later, thanks - unfortunately the axe and I are not in the same country right now! – nsandersen Jan 23 '19 at 15:36

As far as I know, there are no specific ice axe test requirements in Russia. I didn't find any GOST standard for an ice axe as well. So, if your ice axe isn't UIAA certified you can just guess about whether it's reliable or not.

  • OK, thank you. The seller seemed to indicate something existed. In either case not a problem, I got what I wanted and it is undoubtedly good enough for my winter mountain walking, which does not involve climbing. – nsandersen Jan 23 '19 at 15:37
  • @nsandersen I can try to look for more info if you'll send a photo of the ice axe. – Usurer Jan 23 '19 at 15:51

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