Climbing axes generally have an adze and may be used for a variety of tasks such as step chopping, excavating snow anchoring, cutting a tent foundation, or excavating a snow tunnel. In self-arrest, the broad crossbow protrusion also serves as a superb grip surface.
Nevertheless, while climbing slippery ice or blended routes, the use of an adze is far less necessary. Alternatively, some ice tools include a hammer for pounding on ledges.
Several climbers prefer a piece of adze equipment and one hammering gear, although you can have whatever combination you wish. Because most ice axes feature detachable heads, you may swap out the adze and hammer when needed, cleaning oven dismantle them entirely to save weight.