Messner Ice Axe

Does anyone know what kind of ice axe Messner used on K2 in 1979?

Most likely Stubai.

I think he was sponsored by Stubai at that time.

I'll have to check his K2 book to see if I can tell the make or not.

Might be a green shaft model? GPI model or some such... Dunno specifically.

Strange how memory works...

So, in the early 80's, I bought a pair of Kastinger boots. The box had Messner and Habeler on it and I dimly recall RM's tool had a green shaft.

I knew from a prior conversation...

Stubai hammer

...that Messner was sponsered by Stubai.

So, if you look at the 1979 photo of him on the summit of K2, you'll see a green shafted hammer (not an axe from what I can tell).

2nd tallest of the 14 8000m peaks

Has to be a Stubai GPI which became the Rupal model...

Stubai hammer GPI Rupal

Fun stuff!