This is a product of Chouinard Equipment, founded by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia. It is the predecessor to the current Black Diamond company. The Crack-n-Up is an early seam hook designed in the 80s for clean aid climbing, inserted by hand into fine cracks. The Crack-n-Up has angled arms, creating a slight camming effect when weight is applied to the hook. This angle is also helpful when placing it in corners. It can also be used for micro-nailing in extremely thin cracks. Sizes ranged from #1 to #6. In the early 1990s, one arm of the Crack-n-Up was cut off to create the "Bird Beak" piton. The Bird Beak was remarkably effective when repeatedly climbing thin seams. It could also be used effectively in places where bolt holes were present. #vintage #vintagestyle #bigwall #americanaid #patagonia #blackdiamond #alpineclimbing