Now that I established the legality of it, I really like the look of the Twitch II. Compared to the other knives SOG sells its relatively cheap and I'm wondering why. Anything in particular wrong with it. Those who have it how do you like it, is it "strong" enough for light work. Just wondering and every opinion is welcomed. Any knives like in a similar price range that are "better." Thanks in advance for any help.
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Twitch II
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Cryogenic treated AUS8 - makes me wonder where the blades are made, anyway.
Seems a lot on the 'Bay at rather low prices at the moment.
Besides those potential issues, why do you think they are "relatively cheap"? The SOG website suggests $70, which is in line with similar knives out there.
Seems a lot on the 'Bay at rather low prices at the moment.
Besides those potential issues, why do you think they are "relatively cheap"? The SOG website suggests $70, which is in line with similar knives out there.
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- Mar 7, 2007
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- 3,951
I have a twitch II, and it's a solid little knife. I haven't carried it in a while, but when I did, it never let me down. It doesn't scare people, either.
Well quite a few of their knives that are not SAT go in the $250 plus category and the knife retails for about $40-$45. I don't know it just made me wonder.
Unfortunately thats always an issue to me so its good to know.
Thanks for the responses and keep them coming.
I bought a SOG 'rainbow' (pink ti-ni coated) Twitch II a couple years ago when they first came out. I thought that it would be very 'sheeple' friendly with the pretty color. My impression is that it is well designed and well made. I'm pretty sure it is US-made although there is no country of origin on the knife.
The AUS 8 steel came razor sharp & I have no complaints about how it cuts & holds an edge. Unlike other assisted knives I've had, it never came open accidentally in the pocket. Opening is quick & sure via either thumb-studs or flipper. Closing is more awkward for me than a liner lock and is pretty much a two hand operation. It is somewhat heavy for its size with the aluminum handles (2.5 oz, 2.5" blade). My William Henry with 3.25" blade weighs only 1.5 oz.
I still like it a lot even though I stopped carrying it. If you want a small tip-up flipper folder that is sheeple-friendly to the max, it's hard to beat. I lok-tighted the pocket clip screws after I lost one (SOG sent me a replacement screw).
The AUS 8 steel came razor sharp & I have no complaints about how it cuts & holds an edge. Unlike other assisted knives I've had, it never came open accidentally in the pocket. Opening is quick & sure via either thumb-studs or flipper. Closing is more awkward for me than a liner lock and is pretty much a two hand operation. It is somewhat heavy for its size with the aluminum handles (2.5 oz, 2.5" blade). My William Henry with 3.25" blade weighs only 1.5 oz.
I still like it a lot even though I stopped carrying it. If you want a small tip-up flipper folder that is sheeple-friendly to the max, it's hard to beat. I lok-tighted the pocket clip screws after I lost one (SOG sent me a replacement screw).
I mostly carry traditional slippies but picked one of these up and love it. Out of the box it was ready to go. It isn't too big or bulky for pocket carry. I haven't used the safety yet.
I like the blade design and the knife was/is razor sharp. To me it is stylish and dressy enough to avoid the tactical look and I have no qualms about using in front of the sheeple at the office, I just don't make a show of opening it.
Lastly, this is an EDC light duty knife in my book. For garden chores or the woods I go stouter and often fixed. I'm not saying this knife can't handle it, just I have other toys to play with that are better suited.
I like the blade design and the knife was/is razor sharp. To me it is stylish and dressy enough to avoid the tactical look and I have no qualms about using in front of the sheeple at the office, I just don't make a show of opening it.
Lastly, this is an EDC light duty knife in my book. For garden chores or the woods I go stouter and often fixed. I'm not saying this knife can't handle it, just I have other toys to play with that are better suited.
I meant to mention about that--I never used the safety because to me it defeats the purpose of having an AO knife. I use my knife a fair amount at work and like to be able to get it out & put back in a hurry. The Twitch II safety would sometimes slip to the on position, so I ended up putting a small piece of scotch tape on it to hold it in the off position. Not the most elegant, but it did the job for me. Even with the safety off, it never came open by accident. I carried it clipped to the back pants pocket.
I purchased one on impulse while at Lowe's the other day. It had so much blade play in both planes that it went back. Due to all the mostly positive remarks, I went ahead and got a replacement. This second one is definitely more solid, but it still has a little bit of lateral play.
This is my first SOG, assisted or otherwise, and I have to admit that I'm underwhelmed. I don't want this to turn into a vs. thread, but I must say that Kershaw offerings at this price range are much better in all regards except for blade steel. The AO doesn't give the same solid feel and sound compared to an Onion. I also don't like how you can expose a good portion of the tip before the AO kicks in such that it may cause some nasty cuts if in the LF or RR pocket. Of course you could lock it closed, but as someone already mentioned, what's the point on having one on an AO? It defeats the purpose of a knife that's supposed to open quickly.
The skeletonized lock bar is interesting, to say the least. It allows a lockback to have a flipper. While it works okay as a finger guard, I must say the contour of the flipper/guard of comparable Onions provides a more secure grip. It seems SOG used this unique lockback design to appeal to lefties, as the clamshell packaging exclaims that its ambidextrous...but they why have a non-reversible clip? A frame lock would've been better and probably would've reduced the vertical play that I experienced on both examples. Its also easier to close one-handed.
I also don't like SOGs warranty where dissassembly voids the warranty and they want you to send in all repairs. Those that are familiar with Kershaw are aware that you can actually order specific replacement parts for free...its built into their website.
Despite all these gripes, I'm definitely keeping it. Its my first an only SOG and I find the lock bar unique...both qualify worthy of keeping as I like to collect things. I also like the clip, it rides lower that tip-up Onions and it has a different shape. The size is also quite nice, not as big as a Leek, not as small as the Scallion/Chive. It's perfect for most light chores, and like many of you, I usually carry multiple knives. The big reason for me keeping it is its appearance. There's something about it I find attractive. I can't explain it, there's something awkward about it that I like.
This is my first SOG, assisted or otherwise, and I have to admit that I'm underwhelmed. I don't want this to turn into a vs. thread, but I must say that Kershaw offerings at this price range are much better in all regards except for blade steel. The AO doesn't give the same solid feel and sound compared to an Onion. I also don't like how you can expose a good portion of the tip before the AO kicks in such that it may cause some nasty cuts if in the LF or RR pocket. Of course you could lock it closed, but as someone already mentioned, what's the point on having one on an AO? It defeats the purpose of a knife that's supposed to open quickly.
The skeletonized lock bar is interesting, to say the least. It allows a lockback to have a flipper. While it works okay as a finger guard, I must say the contour of the flipper/guard of comparable Onions provides a more secure grip. It seems SOG used this unique lockback design to appeal to lefties, as the clamshell packaging exclaims that its ambidextrous...but they why have a non-reversible clip? A frame lock would've been better and probably would've reduced the vertical play that I experienced on both examples. Its also easier to close one-handed.
I also don't like SOGs warranty where dissassembly voids the warranty and they want you to send in all repairs. Those that are familiar with Kershaw are aware that you can actually order specific replacement parts for free...its built into their website.
Despite all these gripes, I'm definitely keeping it. Its my first an only SOG and I find the lock bar unique...both qualify worthy of keeping as I like to collect things. I also like the clip, it rides lower that tip-up Onions and it has a different shape. The size is also quite nice, not as big as a Leek, not as small as the Scallion/Chive. It's perfect for most light chores, and like many of you, I usually carry multiple knives. The big reason for me keeping it is its appearance. There's something about it I find attractive. I can't explain it, there's something awkward about it that I like.
You're right, there is small blade play in mine too that I should have mentioned. However it is very slight, negligible to me, and it doesn't bother me in the least. Others might feel differently.
As for your issue about lag in AO function, to me this is the best thing about the design. I had a Kershaw Chive for a while, and it often came open in my pocket. It cut my pocket to shreds in fact. The SOG never once did that, due to the different AO design.
As far as the awkwardness of closing it one-handed, I agree 100%, and that was one reason I stopped using it. For most people this shouldn't be an issue. It only is for me because sometimes I have to get my knife out and put it back quite a few times when at work, so I like to be able to do both fast.
As for your issue about lag in AO function, to me this is the best thing about the design. I had a Kershaw Chive for a while, and it often came open in my pocket. It cut my pocket to shreds in fact. The SOG never once did that, due to the different AO design.
As far as the awkwardness of closing it one-handed, I agree 100%, and that was one reason I stopped using it. For most people this shouldn't be an issue. It only is for me because sometimes I have to get my knife out and put it back quite a few times when at work, so I like to be able to do both fast.