Hi guys, the tools that Malcolm was using are not the Figfours. The Figfours have a handle designed to be used as a training aid rather than to recreate the feel of an actual axe handle. Figfour inventor Pete explains his thinking here:
http://www.alpkit.com/colab/notes/figfour-handle-design/
And some comments about the use of Figfour as a way of training for dry tooling by Ian Parnell here:
http://ianparnellphotography.blogspot.com/2010/01/few-more-winter-work-outs.html
Without a doubt the best training is always going to be with real picks, Figfour is an option for individuals or climbing gyms where safety or damage limitation is a priority.
