When choosing an ice axe it is important you pick the right one for the task at hand. If you are into climbing ice, then you will need a technical rated ice axe that is capable of holding your weight. You need this, especially if you are going to use the axe to belay from. One ice axe that springs to mind is the Grivel Air Tech Evo.
The Grivel evolution is a technical rated (T-rated) ice axe which has a shaft capable of withstanding up to 400kg in weight. The shaft is slightly curved which makes it perfect for anchoring and also gives the added benefit of protecting the hands when swinging at the snow or ice. Having a curve in the shaft, helps protect your hands because they are further away from the snow.
Another important requirement is for the ice axe to have a strong head. Some of the best and strongest heads are the ones made out of a single piece of hardened steel. The Evolution ice axe has been made with a single piece of hot forged Chromolly steel. The pick on the head has a positive curve which makes it possible to climb the steeper ice (less than 70 degrees). This is because the downward curve, makes hooking into the ice more secure. At the rear of the head is a shovel which can be used for cutting footsteps in the hard ice.
The Grivel Air Tech Evo Is good for climbing alpine ice and it can also be used for self-arrest. Another benefit of this ice axe is it is light weight (only 16.1oz). This is handy at keeping the weight down while climbing the mountain. Even though the ice axe is light it still swings well at ice due to the curved shaft.