SOG Specialty Knives & Tools TWI-8 Twitch II
by SOG Specialty Knives & Tools
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List Price: Our Price: $33.25 You Save: $36.75 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Tools See more product details |
Product Details
Manufacturer: SOG Specialty Knives & ToolsModel: TWI-8
Product features:
- Fast one-hand opening SOG Assisted Technology (SAT) with built in blade safety lock
- 2.7-inch satin finished straight edge AUS8 stainless steel blade
- Graphite colored Hard anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle
- Pocket/money clip
- Overall length: 6.2-inches, Weight: 2.6-ounces
- Field & Stream (1-year)
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- DMT WM8FC 8-Inch DuoSharpplus Bench Stone Fine/Coarse without Base
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- DMT FWFC Double Sided Diafold Sharpener Fine / Coarse
Tools and Hardware Reviews of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools TWI-8 Twitch II
Customer Review: Flipper Opening with Back Lock
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought the SOG Twitch II because it had a flipper blade-opening design with a back lock that I wanted to try out and because it was less than $40 with Amazon's free Super Saver Shipping at the time I ordered it. My early lock blade knives had back locks, such as the Buck Folding Hunter and other models and the subsequent various Kershaw, Gerber, Puma, Coleman, Schrade, Spyderco, and SOG knives that I purchased, with the exception of a Buck Solitaire with a liner lock, a Gerber Bolt Action drop point, a Timberline Timberlite with a Neeley Lock, and a Boker-Matic with assisted closing or retraction. In recent years, I have favored the flipper design for easy one-hand opening (I have found the flippers to be easier to use than most of the thumbstuds I have encountered, although there are some OK thumbstud designs). The flipper opening designs usually have liner locks instead of back locks, especially since the flipper part of the blade sticks out of the back of the knife handle where the back lock usually is. So I was intrigued by the pass-through back lockbar design of the SOG Twitch and I decided to buy the knife to try it out. With my flipper opening knives that have the liner lock, I can release the liner lock with my thumb and, without shifting my grip, start closing the blade with my index finger and, after moving my thumb out of the way, close the blade all the way with my index finger or with my thumb. With the Twitch II, I had to change my grip to release the back lock and I had to initially use my other hand to close the blade. However, after watching some YouTube videos demonstrating the use of the SOG Twitch, I practiced closing the blade with one hand and, after several weeks, I have managed to consistently release the back lock and close the blade with one hand, without dropping the knife or cutting myself. But, my grip has to be changed to move my thumb back to the back lock release and after releasing the back lock and starting to close the blade with my index finger, the knife has to be rotated to clear the three fingers out of the path of the blade and before the blade can be closed. Personally, I find it easier and faster to release the liner lock and close the blade on my Kershaw and CRKT knives with the flipper opening design, either with or without the assisted opening mechanism.
Generally, the Twitch II seems to be solidly constructed, is thin enough for easy pocket carry, and has a nicely shaped thin blade that came well-sharpened. The back lock and the sliding "safety" lock on the back of the handle appear to be durable (although one reviewer had problems with pocket lint). There is some question in my mind as to the need for the sliding "safety" lock. The Twitch II's flipper (called the "kick" by SOG) requires more pressure than my Kershaw "Speedsafe" assisted opening knives to activate, so, it is not that easy to accidentally activate the assisted opening mechanism. I could not figure out how to quickly release the sliding "safety" lock after pulling the Twitch II out of my pocket, having to switch my grip and move the knife into a different position to slide the "safety" lock off and then move that knife again to place it into a different position for opening the blade with the flipper or the thumbstuds. I quit using the "safety" lock and have not had any accidental openings. The sliding "safety" lock can also be used to block the back lock release bar to prevent any accidental closing, but that feature may be more useful for a bigger knife model that will be used for rougher tasks. The anodized aluminum handle is smooth and a bit slippery and is a bit too small to allow gripping the knife hard for really rough tasks. The non-reversible blade-tip-up pocket clip with the smooth handle material under it allows for easy removal of the clipped knife from a pocket. I considered getting the Twitch XL, which is bigger, but the greater weight and the higher price (over $50) ruled it out as the knife to get merely to try out the back lock-flipper design. Anyway, for light-duty cutting chores around the house and around the office, I believe that the smaller Twitch II is preferable to carry.
In the end, I guess the question is whether you prefer the back lock design instead of the liner lock and whether you are able to conveniently use whichever design you choose. I like the SOG Twitch II for its different design and its sharp, thin blade and I have been practicing with it and carrying and using it, but I think that my Kershaw and CRKT flipper-opening-liner-lock knives (with and without assisted opening -- currently for everyday carry, the Kershaw Skyline and Leek and the CRKT M16-10Z for the office and the Kershaw Scallion for around the house) are easier to open and close with one hand and these knives also have my preferred blade-tip-down pocket carry.
Description of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools TWI-8 Twitch II
Sleek, attractive, and easy to operate, the TWI-8 Twitch II straight bladed knife with aluminum handle showcases SOG's sophisticated style and quality construction. The TWI-8 features a pass-through lock-bar and a blade kick, which you can press to easily open the blade. Also featuring a well-balanced body and a strong, dependable cutting edge, this versatile folding knife makes quick work of any task.
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 A reversible clip lets the knife sit securely and discreetly in your pocket. View larger. |
 S.A.T. propels the blade open for quick, safe, one-handed access. View larger. |
 The 2.68-inch, heat-treated blade provides you with a versatile, dependable cutting edge. View larger. |
SOG Assisted Technology Increases Speed, Safety, and Usability
When you go to unfold the TWI-8's blade, SOG's patented S.A.T. (SOG Assisted Technology) takes over. High-tension coil springs propel the blade open, so you can easily access the TWI-8's blade with just one hand. Additionally, the unique design of S.A.T. knives offers security and peace of mind by incorporating locking mechanisms that are stronger, more reliable, and easier to access than conventional liner locks.
Cryogenic Heat Treatment for a Sharp, Dependable Blade
The TWI-8 offers a full, 2.68-inch, AUS8 stainless steel blade with an attractive satin finish. Because the workhorse of any knife is its cutting surface, SOG's proprietary Cryogenic Heat Treatment process ensures that its blade will stay sharp over the long haul. This intensive process takes more than 48 hours and requires reducing the blade's temperature to less than -300 degrees Fahrenheit, then slowly heating the blade to room temperature. The stress created by this process strengthens the stainless steel at the atomic level and increases the blade's overall durability and edge retention.
Ergonomic, Lightweight Design Ensures Comfortable Use
Even if your blade is sharp, it's hard to make precise cuts if your knife doesn't fit comfortably in your hand. That's why this knife's handle is ergonomically contoured. Crafted from hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the textured handle is also slip-free and well-balanced.
And at just 2.6 ounces, this folding knife is lightweight and easy to carry. A reversible clip extends from the back of the handle, allowing the knife to sit low in your pocket for the most discreet carry possible. An added bonus, the pocket clip can double as a money clip.
This knife is backed by a lifetime warranty that protects against defects in manufacturing and materials.
About SOG: Strong, Innovative Specialty Tools
SOG originally stood for Studies and Observation Group, an elite joint services military group designed to handle covert operations during the Vietnam War. SOG Specialty Knives & Tools was founded in the spirit of this elite group and became the first knife manufacturer to offer an expanded line that included fixed blades, folding knives, and multipurpose tools.
Each SOG product is created by company Founder and Chief Engineer, Spencer Frazer. Known for their uncompromising style and performance, these knives and tools showcase innovation, dependability, and a unique, futuristic style that has garnered awards and recognition worldwide. SOG products have also won favor among law enforcement, military, and industrial customers that rely on their tools to perform flawlessly in the toughest, most adverse conditions.
What's in the Box
TWI-8 pocket knife with straight edge blade and aluminum handle with money/pocket clip.
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