April 5, 2024
VINTAGE MSR THUNDERBIRD ICE AXE......
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In the early seventies engineer Larry Penberthy invented an improved ice axe. Penberthy had founded the MSR Corp. (Mountain Safety Research) to sell his inventions, which have been quite innovative. The ice axe was called the Thunderbird, and was metal covered with an orange vinyl covering that transferred less heat than painted metal. The head and shaft were aluminum. It also had a tip on the pick that was supposed to be a better edge for chopping ice, and to enter the snow better during a self arrest. However innovative it was, it was so incredibly ugly that it was accused of being a device best suited for assinations. However, sales were good, and MSR has continued to make innovative and practical products for the hiker and mountaineer. The abstract of the patent states "Disclosed is an ice axe for use by mountaineers having improved ice chopping action and an increased bite into hard snow and ice during self-arrest. The pick portion of the axe head is provided with a hatchet-like blade having an increased maximum swinging radius. The upper and lower edges of the pick diverge so that the lower edge forms an acute angle with the axis of the shaft for improved hooking capability. The cutting edge of the blade has positive clearance." Your biding on a like new vintage ice axe.This was given to my dad by Mr. Penberthy. This is one
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