What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I use the North Machine for everything from steep alpine routes to hard ice lines. It's lightweight but super durable, and the Vario system makes it easy to swap blades depending on the objective. The shaft feels secure even when things get technical, and the handle gives great swing control."We reach for the Grivel North Machine Ice Tool when the line ahead demands precise movement and unwavering gear. Engineered for high-level alpinism and steep ice, this tool pairs a light yet rugged aluminum shaft with a fully modular head, giving us full control over how it performs in different mountain conditions. Whether we're moving fast on a north face or locking into steep frozen flows, the North Machine delivers dependable performance without the bulk. Its G-bone shaft design uses lateral grooves for added rigidity and strength while keeping the overall profile slim and packable. The ergonomic handle offers confident grip and finger protection, and the Widia tip provides extra bite on icy approaches. With full CE and UIAA certifications and compatibility with Grivel's Vario blade system-including options for ice, mixed, and dry tooling-the North Machine adapts seamlessly to any objective we throw at it.