I am trying to figure out how cool you have to be to use Black Diamond gear. I am open to suggestions so please feel free to offer your help. I think Nostradamus was much more pretentious, as he never took suggestions about anything, and I doubt he ever used a Black Diamond C4 Camolot. But, read the history of Black Diamond. It might just change your life, or occupy at least 4 minutes of your time.

What began with a backyard anvil and a hammer has grown into a global company with offices on two continents that's not just for rock climbers, but one that stands for the spirit of the sport, values and goals, past, present and future. Since 1957, Black Diamond innovative gear designs have set the standards in numerous areas. This is partly the result of dedication, desire and diligence on the part of an incredible team of people. It's also the result of each Black Diamond member being climbers and skiers themselves. Black Diamond is a company of users - it's who Black Diamond is. Black Diamond designers are the greatest dreamers about what could be, and the harshest of critics about what exists. Because of this - the creation of Black Diamond is a process, which will never end. Today, Black Diamond is more committed than ever, thanks to the many people both here in the U.S. and at Black Diamond Europe whose limitless energy and hands-on involvement have created a promising future for all climbers and skiers worldwide.

Black Diamond roots stem to 1957, the year an eighteen year old named Yvon Chouinard bought a hammer and anvil and started pounding out hand-forged pitons. To support his climbing habit, Yvon traveled to Yosemite and sold gear from the trunk of his car. His intelligent designs were quickly recognized by climbers as the best available.

Since Black Diamond moved in 1991, Black Diamond has developed into a family of sorts. That may sound like marketing hype, but it's the truth. Black Diamond staff climb together after work, Black Diamond employees meet in the parking lot for dawn patrol ski tours, and Black Diamond workers eat as many weekly specials at Mariposa as their stomachs can endure. So it made sense for Black Diamond to expand the BD family over the past few years to include Bibler Tents, Ascension Enterprises, Scarpa Mountain Boots, Franklin Climbing Equipment and Beal Ropes. Like Black Diamond, these brands are driven by the products they make. Their views on business, life and having fun mesh with the Black Diamond philosophy. By bringing them into the BD/ Black Diamond family, it allowed for greater flexibility to focus on a common goal-to make the best climbing and backcountry skiing equipment in the world. In keeping with the family tradition, all their gear, and Black Diamond gear, is made right at the Black Diamond headquarters in Salt Lake City.

Since 1957, Black Diamond designs and products have grown and progressed. This is partly the result of hard work and a great collection of individuals. The creation of Black Diamond is a process which will never end. Today, Black Diamond is better than ever, thanks to the many people whose limitless energy and commitment to sports have created an inspiring future for everyone.

ODE TO RODNEY, A REAL BLACK DIAMOND

My friend, Rodney, is certainly cool enough to use Black Diamond gear, be it Black Diamond boots or Black Diamond tents, climbing gear or any accessories. I think he started using Black Diamond gear only to compensate for his name, Rodney. Once, I rubbed chalk all over my chest to prove I could use Black Diamond too, but I made the mistake of using billiards chalk rather than climbing chalk. I even put all those little cubes in my Black Diamond chalk bag. I doubt anyone who uses Black Diamond would ever say chalk cube. Nostradamus certainly did not. What a jerk.