Leek vs. Twitch XL

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melt

Joined
Nov 20, 2006
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I want either a Kershaw Leek or a SOG Twitch XL, but I can't decide which. I have handled both, and like them both. The SOG is AUS8 steel. The Leek is available in several steel choices, but I'll probably get the basic steel, whatever it's called. Sandvik 14 blah blah. It's good steel. I've got an od1 in Kershaw's current steel, and I like it. I've got a SOG Spec-Elite 2 in SOG's AUS8, and I like it. I'd probably like either one, but I don't want to buy both. I just want a nice assisted opening dress knife. I'm not going to use it for "hard use" tasks because I don't feel that either is a "hard use" folder.
Give me reasons why to buy which knife.
 
I have both. They're both nice.

As a 'dress' knife, the Leek is probably better suited for carry in dressy slacks. It's lighter than the Twitch XL (3.1 oz. vs. 4.2 oz.), and a bit less bulky in size. One thing I've noticed with the Twitch XL, the smooth metal handle can feel a bit slippery at times. I haven't noticed that so much with the Leek's handle.

You can find the Leek in many configurations too, with different handle colors & premium steel blades (like ZDP-189 or even some damascus versions).

The clip on the Leek can be moved for tip-up or tip-down carry. If I recall correctly, the Twitch XL's clip is for tip-up only.
 
The Twitches are all pretty cool but the Leek is in a different class. It IS a gentleman's knife in size and sleek design, but especially in the current steels, it is a very efficient slicer, and that wharnecliff tip will get into anything.

With my paws, I find the Shallot more comfortable to handle, although I can grip the Leek securely. And as a personal aesthetic opinion, I prefer the Shallot's blade.

So, Shallot > Leek > Twitch XL.
 
I don't own a Twitch, but I do have a Leek, and it is probably my favorite folder I own. I can't say enough good things about it. Sleek, comfortable to carry in pocket, wicked sharp, great blade shape for universal cutting needs, AO is fast as a switchblade. Plus, you get many options in blade steels and colors. I have the rainbow version, and people are always impressed and curious about it. Even girls are drawn to it.

And I think it looks more like a dress knife than the Twitch. I'm sure the Twitch is a good knife, but I'm also sure you won't regret getting the Leek!
 
Go with the Kershaw , less QC issues and better warranty and IMO much better knife choice.

The Leek is cool but I find the blade a tad thin for my tastes , Esav is right about the Gents folder aspect. I would not recommend the Leek model for any chore over the medium level since the tip is so thin , otherwise it is a great knife in all respects.

Tostig
 
Hi melt
Dont you just hate people who dont read and get the op? Me too and thatswhy I recommend you look at the twitch from SOG if you want a dress knife. slightly smaller, much thinner with a still usable blade (tip up R or L). I only have the shallot to compair with but that is my usual choice and I thought it might be worth a look for you as well.
Rodney
 
I prefer the Leek and usually carry one when I am dressed up. Of course I must admit I only handled the Twitch XL a few times.

I do however own the smoky blue and red leeks, the stainless steel leek, the G10 handled leek, and the rainbow leek

The smoky ones have liner locks, while the others have frame locks. The frame locks are a bit more substantial, but I never had a problem with either locking mechanism.

The stainless and in particular the rainbow leeks can be a bit slippery. My wife lost her stainless leek from her trouser pockets, though they were rather silky trousers to begin with. The smoky leeks are much more grippy and the G10 Leek of course is an awesome handle and not going to slip free. The clip on the leek is better in my opinion than the SOG Twitch XL. The Twitch XL handle has about as good a grip as say the Smoky Leeks, but I don't like its ergonomics as well. Almost as good but not quite. Of course the Rainbow is kind of slick, but that finish is so tough it really helps keep out the rust.

Talking about ergonomics, the Leek is smaller and sleeker than the Twitch XL. It fits my hands really nicely and comfortable. I normally carry it with dress slacks or my suits. It hides nicely in the pocket and substantially lighter and less bulky than the Twitch XL.

The blades are very similar shaped. I like the blade on both. Then again I open lots of plastic sealed baggies with them where a point is needed. It is perfect around the office for me and occasionally sees use when I am performing repairs and so on. Neither are the strongest blade in the world but we already knew that before buying. The 13c26 and aus 8 blades are so similar there isn't much difference between them. The S30V blade on the G10 Leek is a step up in edge retention and strength. Makes a great Leek. There also the composite leek with the D2 edge on it. This is probably the toughest of the blades.

The safety lock is probably better on the Twitch. It is easier to get too thats for sure. I normally really tighten down the Leek safety out of the way and ignore it.

Opening assisted opening mechanism leads to both opening fairly smoothly. I wish they had redesigned the thumb studs on both of these knives. The Kershaw Blur for instance has far superior studs. The flippers on both work great.

You can get them for $35-45 on Ebay which is also really nice. The Twitch XL is going to cost you a fair bit more.

So overall they both work great as light use EDC and dress knives. The Leek gets my choice though for being lighter and less bulky. It is my dressy gentleman's knife.
 
Another vote for the Leek. The Shallot's nice, but I'm not a fan of recurves. Kershaw is the way to go for AO.
 
If I recall correctly, there's a significant difference in the spring mechanisms between the Twitch knives and Kershaw's A/O. The Twitch uses opposing coil springs within/around the pivot (which says to me, "Don't try to take it apart!"), and the Leek uses the torsion bar. How this might translate into reliability over the long run, I'm not sure. But the SOG does seem more mechanically complex.
 
Sog makes really nice fixed blades, classic designs and very utilitarian. Kershaw Leek with the D2 composite blade, It's a really nice knife, razor sharp, and American made..
just had to throw that last part in there. :cool:
 
sharpguytoo said:
Hi melt
Dont you just hate people who dont read and get the op? Me too and thatswhy I recommend you look at the twitch from SOG if you want a dress knife. slightly smaller, much thinner with a still usable blade (tip up R or L). I only have the shallot to compair with but that is my usual choice and I thought it might be worth a look for you as well.
Rodney
Click to expand...

I must say I agree with part of this comment. Really, don't you just hate people who don't read and get the OP? Recommending either the Twitch or the Leek isn't what you asked now is it.

The Leek is more of a Gentleman's knife, as has been mentioned by some really smart people here. The Sandvik 14C28N is a steel that was made specifically for Kershaw (and is exclusive to them), and the Leek is a classic Ken Onion design. I really can't add more than what has already been said. American made, a lifetime warranty, and a very classy knife. I don't think you'd be disappointed with that choice. Its a great assisted opening dress knife. Just what you asked for.
 
I have never had either, after reading some of the comments in this thread I may have to try both. I always see the twitch at Lowes when I'm there. :D
 
melt said:
I want either a Kershaw Leek or a SOG Twitch XL, but I can't decide which. I have handled both, and like them both. The SOG is AUS8 steel. The Leek is available in several steel choices, but I'll probably get the basic steel, whatever it's called. Sandvik 14 blah blah. It's good steel. I've got an od1 in Kershaw's current steel, and I like it. I've got a SOG Spec-Elite 2 in SOG's AUS8, and I like it. I'd probably like either one, but I don't want to buy both. I just want a nice assisted opening dress knife. I'm not going to use it for "hard use" tasks because I don't feel that either is a "hard use" folder.
Give me reasons why to buy which knife.
Click to expand...
I own a Twitch II and 3 Leeks. I'd recommend the Leek over the Twitch XL if its any thing like its little brother. Frame lock vs. back lock: Leek>Twitch, fit and finish: Leek>Twitch, value: Leek>Twitch (you could almost get 2 Leeks for the price of a Twitch XL), blade steel 14C28N vs. AUS8: Leek>Twitch.

However, in true BF tradition, buy both. Sooner or later you know you will. :D
 
Dude.

leek1660.jpg

leek1660 2.jpg
 
Rob, very nice photos. :thumbup:

You convinced me to give it a try with my Random Leek and Twitch II.

4658247056_358964b786_b.jpg


4657624639_06f622a61a_b.jpg

Note the folded piece that is the back lock on Twitch II.
4657624751_c5d5c84c03_b.jpg

Note solid frame lock on Leek.
4657648073_748954c655_b.jpg
 
I went through a similar buying experience about three months ago and got the Leek in the standard steel with the steel handle. I believe after purchasing this knife it is the best EDC knife I own and am very pleased with its versatility, design, feel and look. It goes with anything; I have carried it in dress slacks, cargo shorts and blue jeans and nobody bats an eye. I love the design because the flat belly is great at slicing, the point goes through about anything and the Sandvik steel stays very sharp. You won't miss with this one. Get the Leek.

p.s. I tried the SOG and was just not impressed. The opening mechanism did not inspire confidence, the steel did not seem as impressive and the handles felt like plastic.
 
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