Bhend Ice axes come from the Berner-Werland region of Switzerland. Four generations of the Bhend family made ice axes. These were:

1. Karl Bhend (1836-1908)
2. Alfred Bhend (1881-1967)
3. Alfred Bhend (1911-1994)
4. Ruedi Bhend (1946-)

Karl Bhend opened his blacksmith in Grindelwald around the 1870s, initially making horseshoes and wheels. He soon began making ice axes at the request of climbers from England and local guides from the Alps.

The second generation was Karl's son, the first Alfred Bhend. Second-generation axes have beautiful curves that flow from pick to blade.

The third generation son was also named Alfred. Throughout the prewar and post-war years, the two Alfreds made axes together. Apparently they did not distinguish between themselves in the axe markings. Around 1955 the inscription changed from ALF.BHEND top BHEND, suggesting that Alfred Sr. retired about that time (around age 64).

Ice axe production accounted for the main part of Alfred Bhend's work. Alfred Jr. continued adhering to the established style and not making axes with carabiner holes until the end.

The advent of front-point crampons, safety regulations, and aluminum and fiberglass shafts ended the demand for wood-shafted axes for mountaineering, but Ruedi Bhend continues producing them as a side occupation. They accept orders online, but limit delivery to Switzerland.

Ice Axes

↑ 274: Alfred Bhend

• Made in Switzerland [1940s].
• 875x300 mm.
• Weight: 870 g.
• Wood Shaft.
• Shaft: 35x23 mm.
• Fixed head.
• Curved adze with a curved edge and a slight arch.
• Adze: 80(l)x62(w)x1(arch) mm.
• Curved alpine pick with a pointed tip.
• Pick: 165(l)x18(h)x9(t) mm.
• Square spike.
• Spike: 47(l)x9(w)x9(t) mm.
• Curved adze edge with well-rounded corners.
• Classical pointed tip for step-cutting.
• Head-on-head construction.
• Typical of 1940s Bhend axes, the name of the owner is embedded in the gold inlay work on the back of the pick.