The filed ice pick. This is a tip taken from Jeff Lowe's book about ice climbing. When I got my Piranha's I had a go first time out on the ice with the standard pick. It's really difficult to get out bordering to the rediculous - you seem to spend most time and energy on desperately trying to get that axe out of its placement. Anyway - I filed the first 4 teeth to a bevel shape and I filed the first tooth down in level with the actual tip. It's definately works - they feel easier to place and easier to remove (of course you don't want axes that are too easy to remove).

I used a standard metal file for the job - don't be tempted to use a machine. The heat generated on the metal can destroy the hotforging that the metal supposedly is treated with. And what better thing to do a weekday evening than to sit and sharpen your tools. Sure beats watching the television.