Maintenance for the Blue Ice of a Mount Everest expedition
A dull crampon is a hazard on the Mount Everest summit ridge. For any Mount Everest expedition, maintaining a razor-sharp edge on your points is a daily technical requirement during the climbing phase.
The ice at Camp 3 and 4 is often 'blue ice'—extremely dense and hard. Only a sharp, hand-filed crampon can penetrate this surface reliably during the final hours toward the Mount Everest summit.
Never use a power grinder; the heat can ruin the steel's temper. Mount Everest expedition members use a flat metal file to restore the points at Everest Base Camp, a meditative and vital task.
The front points do 90% of the work on steep sections. Ensuring they are symmetric and sharp allows for efficient Everest trekking peak movement and reduces leg fatigue on the Mount Everest summit push.
Your safety depends on the smallest details. Keep your crampons sharp to ensure your Mount Everest expedition is both safe and successful.
