Rather Naive Questions about Crampons

[nkane]

Are crampons generally sharp enough out of the box, or should I give them a sharpening before I go out? What kind of file do you all use to sharpen them?

 

Also, is there any reason one can't check an ice axe and 'pons on an airplane?

[catbirdseat]

The answer is that it depends. Some makes come quite sharp from the factory and others, not so sharp. If you are using the crampons for ice climbing they need to be quite sharp. If you are using them for just hard snow, they don't need to be razor sharp, and in fact, it would be safer for you if they were not.

[Bug]

The photo you posted looks like the crampons are quite sharp. Tape cardboard over the points of your tools and pons, put them inside a bag of some kind and send them through checked baggage.

[nkane]

Sweet. Thanks so much for the responses!