1775  (1955)  Then one of us took the Ice axe[,] this being upright with a long handle.
1905  The ice-axe . . . serves as a balancing pole when crossing streams on fallen logs, or as a balustrade for timid folks, chops wood for fires and boughs for beds, is a distinct success as a can-opener, and, on an emergency, comes in handy as a camera stand, two making a most effective substitute for the conventional tripod.