Ayoob model

A

allenC

Joined
Jun 18, 2000
Messages
10,761
I handled the Ayoob today for the first time and I'm not sure what I think about it. It's certainly larger than I thought It would be (especially the handle) but it felt very comfortable in my hand and in my pocket.

What are your opinions and thoughts on the Ayoob?

Thanks,
Allen.
 
Personally, I could never get that darned thing to open all the way! (kidding) Actually the design seems strangely like the shape of a pistol in the hand (more like a tapered flintlock), which makes some sense in providing a straight-line of attack for piercing stuff.

Not my cup o' tea, though.
 
well i am a confirmed "ayoobaholic" and buy all his mags, get combat handguns/GWLE, which he writes for, dont agree w/everything he says, but enjoy his writing...

have seen literally hundreds of pics of him shooting, etc - but NEVER have i seen him carrying a MOD razorback/spydie ayoob, 2 he helped(did?) design-look in his pocket,. i bet 80% of his pics he is carrying a police model - seen him carry aluminum handle police spydies (most) and spydie starmates, joht singh khalsa too, but never the ayoob/razorback - in one issue of handguns (?) ya could see his hand (i guess it was his lol...) holding a MOD razorback, but thats all i've seen........

makes ya wonder....i am sure the ayoob is ok,hey, its a spydie! but like i say makes ya wonder

sifu
 
When speaking of the Ayoob in the MBC/tactical sense, the chief criticism is the smooth Almite scales. For a MBC design, gripping is somewhat compromised in sweat and wet conditions.

However, I think the design other advantages for SD use, that I found ways to overcome the scale friction issue.

Once the grip is modified to offer a secure grip, the knife is an advantage in thrust accuracy and power. The user's wrist is held in a more natural punch-type position. When draw cutting, a wrist snap can provide a hawk-bill effect. Trapping is also enhanced.

I will say without modified scales, slippage can be a negative that can diminish these other advantages.

-Seth
 
Thanks one and all.
How does the Ayoob do for everyday utility cutting?

Thanks,
Allen
 
A fully serrated model just came in the mail this week. I had never handled one before I ordered it. I took a chance. I wasn't sure if I would like the way it handled but I knew it would be a quality piece. My initial impression was that the handle was a little too thin but it was tight and solid. After carrying it and using it for a few days it has grown on me. It disappears when clipped to your pocket. I've had to pat my pocket a few times to see if it was still there. I now can appreciate the handle design and the numerous grips it offers. It has become much more comfortable and natural. The blade has started to open very smoothly after just a couple days. So far I like it. Yet another interesting design from Spyderco.

Oh yeah, it came wicked sharp even by Spyderco standards!
 
Seth,
I was just wondering how you modified the gripping surface of the scales on your Ayoob? I have bought a rubbery type of stair step tape to use on mine. But have not got around to applying it yet, procrasting is a hard habit too break.

Troy
 
allenC-

The ayoob is does well in utility mode -- depending upon your defintion of utility. The handle provides leverage againest cardboard and other light material. Blade may a bit thin for heavier cutting chores.

Troy-
The rubber 'stair step' tape can work well. The key is to trim out desired shapes and 'test fit' to the knife's scales. Uses double-sided adhevesive tape for this fitting. Use shapes and designs that provide enough traction but not so much as to overly hurt cosmetics.

A far more invovled and costly method is to file and jimp the scales with a line pattern. The problem with this method is the pinned scales and refinshing of the almite. Not for the meek, lots of chances to ugly-up the whole knife.

I have three Ayoobs, all with various scales modifications(It's a great project subject) -- by the time I prefect a method, Spyderco will produce the knife in a different material than almite :D :D

-Seth
 
Wouldn't traction be improved on almite, as well as, stainless steel handles if Spyderco would drill various-sized, counter-sunk holes in the grip (e.g., like on Tom Mayo's TNTs)? It would also help reduce the weight of the ss handled knives and, imo, make them more attractive. As an alternative, a dimpled treatment of the left side scale surface might also work.
 
The Ayoob design actually has a blade that looks a lot like that of the Police (to me).

Regarding drilling holes in the handle, in such a slim package that might lead to unacceptable loss of strength/rigidity. It's aluminum, not titanium after all.
 
If the handle wasn't pinned I would disassemble it and shot blast it at work. I imagine that would improve the grip. All in all, I have really grown to like this design. It has proven to be a great utility blade.
 
Mas had a Ayoob model on when I attended LFI1 last year, also demo'd it. This is what got me interested in it since I noticed it can be carried left or right. Beings that I liked the design and being a lefty it made sense to get one. It compliments a Police model on my right side.
 
Thanks to you all for the replies and opinions.
Today I went back and checked it out again and for some reason I just had to pass on the Ayoob. I guess it just takes awhile to get used to that unconventional design.

However, I did buy the Vesuvius!
I had been considering this one for awhile so I finally took the plunge. I still have my reservations about it opening in my pocket but since I carry it tip-down, I guess I'm safe.

Thanks again,
Allen.
 
imho the ayoob blade looks like a catcherman blade, though nothing wrong w/that............


sifu
 
Kevin,

I, also, took LFI-1 last year and Mas carried the Ayoob model everyday as I remember. He was able to flick the blade out with seeming ease. Mine's a bit stiffer.

Not speakin' for him or anything but Spyderco's production model is probably not exactly what Mas wanted, but his basic idea was put into production.
 
We worked pretty closely with Mas on this design for more than a year. With protos going back and forth and his testing them all. The earlier handles were smoother than we liked. We've since changed the almite to a bead blasted finish before the alimite coating is applied. We're waiting on reactions now.

sal
 
I've been carrying the C60 for about 9 months and love it- IMHO for a larger knife it carries really well in a front pocket (girls have much more shallow pockets than guys). The curvature of the handle keeps it tucked deep in the pocket (even while sitting) and the radical handle curve adds precision while cutting...it kinda grows on you.

FYI....the C60 was recently nominated as one of the top three contenders for the "Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Awards" for knife of the year. The winner will be announced at this year's NRA Show in Reno next month.

Joyce @ Spyderco
 
Joyce, with Mas' name on the design collaboration and a "pistol-grip" handle, this Spyderco should be one of the favorites for the award. Btw, I would never have thunk that you'd be an Ayoob carrier (much to my pleasant surprise).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top