You can pick up ice axes this time of year for $60 on sale. REI had the BD Raven on sale this last weekend. And if you're a member, and you don't use the axe (or really even if you do and just don't like it) you can take it right back for a refund.
Heck, I'd go as far as to say that if I could only have one on me, I'd take my axe over my crampons...
