Back in the day, specifically, days that were a couple of decades ago, I used the pioneering BD Alpine shovel (don’t bother searching for it, as the model name is too generic to find any relevant hits) with various CAMP alu ice axes. The BD shovel blade neck was designed to accept pretty much any straight-shaft ice axe, and was impressively reinforced such that it was quite solid for any sort of prying action.
Aside from the weight savings of skipping a shovel shaft/handle, that was about the best that could be said, and it worked especially poorly for scooping up any sort of loose snow.
That experiment jaded me on any similar setup, and the stats years later for the Shaxe did nothing to dissuade me from that. Grivel also had a rather odd attempt in this genre.
BD though has now atoned for its earlier attempt and then some. On its own, the axe has at most about a single-ounce weight penalty compared to the lightest competition, and it has both a real spike (that really does penetrate for self-belay, and really won’t jam up with snow/ice unlike the spikes that are merely cut-off shafts) and a real pick (if you need to self-arrest for real). The Transfer LT shovel was already my favorite, and now, whoah, the mating of the axe and shovel blade is both quick and secure, with excellent ergonomics once assembled.
Overall, the only drawback of this combo is probably the bad reputation from prior attempts (i.e., BD, K2/BCA, Grivel). Plus this just isn’t the kind of ultralight innovation expected from BD. But BD here has really outdone all the competition that specializes in such innovations.
Black Diamond Venom LT Classic Ice Axe
If you’ve ever thought to yourself “man, it’d be really cool if I could use my ice axe as a shovel handle,” you’re not alone. For years, weight and space-minded ski mountaineers have fantasized about the mythical ice axe that acted as a shovel handle. If you’re anything like us, you may have even tried all sorts of axe and shovel blade combinations, but haven't been satisfied. Alas, Black Diamond has come to the rescue again in the form of the Venom Classic LT. This UIAA and CE-certified axe is built for ultralight versatility in the mountains, with its athletic weight, replaceable pick and spike, and ability to “add on” a hammer. Perhaps most impressive is its ability to mate with the Black Diamond Transfer Shovel Blade, negating the need to bring both a heavy shovel handle and an ice axe. If your words of affirmation include “versatile,” “functional,” and “light,” the Venom Classic LT is for you.
- Hammer, Tech Pick, Adjustable Pommel, and Transfer Shovel Blade Compatible make this a Transformer of an axe.
- Replaceable steel Hot Forged Classic LT Pick and steel spike so go ahead, knock the snot out of it.
- Grooved Aluminum shaft for extra grip.
- CE and UIAA certified.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 45 |
|
Weight |
241g |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Hot forged pick, aluminum head and adze, aluminum shaft |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Mountaineering, ski mountaineering |
| Notes | Transfer shovel blade compatible |
| Bottom Line | Light and versatile mountaineering axe |
| Compare to other Ice Axes | |
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Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
I already had the Black Diamond Alpine Avy Safety Set with the Transfer LT shovel, so when I needed an ice axe this was a natural choice. I haven’t used it yet but the weight is very reasonable and the build quality is solid. I like that I don’t have to worry about damaging the replaceable pick.
Comment on this review:
12/28/2023
Do you all know if this works with the Transfer shovel? Not the Transfer LT but the basic Transfer model.
12/28/2023
Hi Brent,
I do not believe this would work with the standard Transfer shovel. Looking at the Transfer shovel blade and shaft, it locks with the button in a different position (on the side) compared to the Transfer LT which has it on the back (which is how the axe interfaces with it as well). So I don't think they would line up and function as intended.
I do not believe this would work with the standard Transfer shovel. Looking at the Transfer shovel blade and shaft, it locks with the button in a different position (on the side) compared to the Transfer LT which has it on the back (which is how the axe interfaces with it as well). So I don't think they would line up and function as intended.
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3/22/2023
Would a Petzl Trigrest fit one of these? Or have you guys tried the trigrest with any other BD axes?
3/22/2023
Hey Dominic! The shaft of the Venom is thicker and more angled than the Petzl axes so it may be better to stick with the manufacturer-specific accessory. To my knowledge, no one here uses the Trigrest with this or any other BD axe.
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12/12/2022
What is the weight of Transfer LT Shovel blade? As a weight weenie, am interested in knowing how much I will save going with the Venom + the Shovel blade.
12/12/2022
Bjorn,
I just weighed one of the Transfer LT shovel blades and it clocked in at 204g. Hope this helps!
I just weighed one of the Transfer LT shovel blades and it clocked in at 204g. Hope this helps!
Answer this question:
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