Seattle Manufacturing Corporation Recalls Ice Axes Due to Serious Injury and Fall Hazards
Source: CPSC Recall #19180
Recall Date
2019-08-07
Manufacturer
Seattle Manufacturing Corporation (SMC), of Ferndale, Washington
Units Affected
About 165
Products Involved
Kobah Ice Axes
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.
Reported Injuries
The firm has received one report of the axe's spike detaching from the handle. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At
Specialty climbing shops along the West coast and online at www.smcgear.com from March 2019 through June 2019 for about $100.
Manufactured In
United States
Full Recall 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.
Data source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via SaferProducts.gov.
For the most current recall information, check directly with CPSC or the manufacturer.
Last verified: 2026-03-28