The SMC Rainier Signature ice axe has been designed to be a general mountaineering axe that will make the transition into more technical climbing. Its light weight and good balance make it ideal for glacier travel, and the head shape has been designed to work well for both self-arrest and step cutting. The pick has a slight droop and teeth that stop short of where your mitten needs to be when gripping the head. The SMC Rainier Signature head is chrome-moly alloy steel and is heat-treated to optimize durability and hardness. The aluminum handle is finished with a very tough, highly chip resistant powder-coating.