Michigan Technological University student, and Ice Festival guide, Luke Baker tests his prototype ice climbing axe at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, near Munising. (Photo courtesy of Luke Baker)

HOUGHTON — One of the demonstrations at this year’s Michigan Ice Fest in Munising will be by Michigan Technological University student Luke Baker. Baker will showcase and allow participants to test out his personally designed ice climbing axe for steep water ice.

The Michigan Ice Fest taking place from Feb. 12-16 will feature a plethora of activities relating to ice climbing and other outdoor winter activities. This includes ice climbing classes, presentations, social gatherings and product demos. Companies such as Black Diamond are present and are often interested in looking at designs participants bring to showcase through the festival’s Innovator Program.

Coordinator of Ice Fest and co-owner of Downwind Sports Bill Thompson said the festival is not only an opportunity to learn about ice climbing, but also to meet potential employers and receive feedback from industry professionals on outdoor equipment designs.

“If it has anything to do with the outdoors from clothing to luggage carriers for vehicles, there will be people there who are interested,” Thompson said. “The companies here have hired Michigan Tech engineering students.”

The festival will also provide participants an opportunity to learn from industry professionals about product design and marketing their product.

Baker is a guide with the festival and will teach people the basics of ice climbing. He will also be allowing those climbing the “demo wall” to test his axe and compare it with the ones they rent or bring. After they test it, Baker will have participants fill out a questionnaire and provide feedback.

Baker’s axe was designed to eliminate two failure points he noticed in most of the industry standard three piece axe designs.

He said he has come up with an axe which lacks the two joints used in three piece designs.

“When climbing with my own [regular] axes I noticed some situations that would just not work right,” Baker said. “Because of the way it was bent, I realized I could bend it a different way and still have a similar overall reach and angle.”

Baker’s axe will be made out of solid aluminum where most axes are made with tubes. Baker’s axe will be of a build in which he can determine the thickness of material. Baker tested the design on computer simulations multiple times before testing it himself on ice. After those tests he says he quickly adapted his personal axe which, he says, feels more natural to climb than most in the industry.

Thompson said he’s impressed with the axe Baker has come up with.

“I think it’s super interesting where you’re matching your passion with work and school and it’s a perfect marriage between all three,” Thompson said.

Baker feels mainstream ice climbing products are inferior due to the wear and tear they go through over time. He said in order to stay safe and have quality products you must purchase new equipment every few years. He said his design will last longer because it lacks the joints which are the first to wear down and loosen.

“So basically, I’ll be able to do a lifetime guarantee,” he said.

Baker has gathered all his resources to build his axe at his own expense due to his skepticism of Michigan Tech. He wants to ensure that the university cannot claim credit for a design that he came up with. He also believes that the university discourages creativity from their students.

“I think the culture at Tech overall is very corporate, and they’d rather see you jump in a little box and go work 60 hours a week for somebody you’ll never meet then actually see someone have an original idea and follow through on it,” Baker said. “[Michigan Tech] does have its place, but for a design like this? It’s like building a Ferrari; you’re not just making a box that meets [the standard]. Sure it can pass a test, but is it beautiful? That’s what’s gonna sell.”

Sometime in the future Baker’s plans are to start up his own ice climbing equipment company before or after he graduates. He said that other climbing companies began in their founders’ backyards, and Baker believes he has the drive to succeed with his plans.

He is excited to demonstrate his product to those at the Michigan Ice Fest, and hopes that others who hold even just interest in the activity will come to experience the festival.

“It’s super fun for families and everybody when you tell people you’re climbing on frozen waterfalls,” Baker said. “So come check it out.”