Haertig,

No, you are too young!! ;-)

The short length and saw teeth are newer inventions designed to help in the climbing of very steep pitches. Many of the early ice axes I have seen or seen pictures (late 1800's) are five to six feet long. They were used like a hiking staff for normal walking, a probe (like a hiking staff) on low angle glacier surfaces and for cutting steps and handholds on steeper pitches. The almost mandatory pick guard minimizes the problems in approach hiking (or other uses).

Respectfully,

Jerry