Seattle Manufacturing Corporation Recalls Ice Axes Due to Serious Injury and Fall Hazards

Hazard

The spike and/or head of the ice axe can detach from the handle during use, posing serious injury and fall hazards to the climber.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ice axes and return them to Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (SMC) for a full refund. SMC is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Refund

Incidents & injuries

The firm has received one report of the axe's spike detaching from the handle. No injuries have been reported.

Product description

This recall involves Kobah Ice Axes of lengths 60, 65, 70 and 75 centimeters. The axes each have a steel pick and adze joined at the top of an orange aluminum handle shaft by a black polyamide resin head. There is a steel spike in the bottom of the handle shaft. "Kobah," "SMC" and Manufacturer's Lot Number (MLN) 10864 are printed on the handle shaft.

Sold on

Specialty climbing shops along the West coast and online at www.smcgear.com from March 2019 through June 2019 for about $100.

Contact the company

SMC at 800-426-6251 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email [email protected] or online at www.smcgear.com and click on “recall notifications” for more information.