Black Diamond's First Shot is a complex tool that can inspire both love it and hate it opinions. It provides an Abalakov hooker, a small saw, and ice screw guides for drilling Abalakov V-slot anchors, all of which fold into a compact package. Mine does not open smoothly (especially when cold, which goes with ice climbing), and opening it while wearing winter gloves is difficult. The hooker is easily bent, and if bent, it must be straightened before it can be stowed. The saw is sharp and ideally placed to cut ones glove fingers. I'm not sure what I will be sawing while ice climbing – maybe some webbing(?), hopefully not the rope. The screw guides are nice if the ice surface is flat, but nearly useless on bulging ice. Since one needs to be able to drill V-slot holes by eye in case one drops the First Shot, the guides become luxury items. My preference is to carry a simple wire hooker instead.

↑ 101: Black Diamond First Shot

• Made in USA [2012].
• Weight: 83 g.
• Abalakov Hooker with mini-saw and ice screw v-anchor guides for 16, 19, and 22 cm. ice screws.