Abstract: An ice axe for mountaineering with a head that is detachable from the axe's handle. The handle is I-beam shaped in cross-section and joined with the head in a machined, interlocking joint with at least one threaded fastening securing the joint. The axe's head and handle are interchangable to allow increased versatility and usefulness, and the handle's I-beam construction facilitates the handle being driven into snow or ice, while increasing the axe's resistance to applied torsional forces when driven into ice or snow.