SOG Specialty Knives & Tools TWI-8 Twitch II
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Category: Tools
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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)
- DMT W250FCNB 10-Inch DuoSharp Bench Stone Fine / Coarse - No Base
- DMT WM8FC 8-Inch DuoSharpplus Bench Stone Fine/Coarse without Base
- DMT B8250 DuoSharp DuoBase - bench stone base
- DMT FWFC Double Sided Diafold Sharpener Fine / Coarse
Tools and Hardware Reviews of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools TWI-8 Twitch II
Customer Review: A great knife but kicker broke after 9 months
Summary: 3 Stars
Update: After ~9 months and many, many "kicks", the kicker spring broke. I'm told SOG is great about fixing them for free, but I like the knife so much that I hate to give it up while it's shipped and being fixed... So, that and the lack of repair instructions so I could a order a replacement spring and fix it myself results 2 stars knocked off the rating.
A minor quibble: The thumb knob which I now use to open the blade became loose. Based on a kindly review comment by Practical Desk re: adjusting the blade side-play issue, a bit of Locktite Blue solved that problem.
I've used a stone on it 3 or 4 times. Setting up the Lanskey so it misses the thumb knobs isn't to difficult. Tip: Use a diamond etcher to mark the correct position of the Lanskey blade clamp after you get it setup correctly to make it easier & quicker the next time.
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I've favored Buck and Gerber knives in the past but after carrying the Twitch II everyday for 5 months, it's the best knife I've ever owned and well worth the $39 price.
The best stuff:
The kicker. Like others have said, it's very convenient and addictive! I initially thought it might readily gum-up but it very seldom does. A fast/easy cleaning restores the kicker to like new functionality the few times the kicker lost some of its kick.
The steel- it takes a good edge and keeps it- I've not had to use a sharpening stone. A fast touch-up on a strop and occasionally a Case Moon Stick is all it takes to keep it really sharp. As a data points: It seems to keep an edge at least 3 times longer than the last two knives I've carried- the Gerber 22-41492 EVO Jr. Fine Edge Knife and Gerber 22-41122 STL 2.0, Fine Edge Knife. The steel also seems better in these regards than the old/better Buck knives pocket knives.
Keys and coins don't get entangled with the Twitch since it's back, unlike the Gerbers, is almost entirely closed. This is important since I carry the Twitch in my pocket. BTW, the clip is easily removed but you'll need a #6 torx driver.
Very shallow choil (i.e. the edge runs almost to the handle) yields more edge and lighter weight. Downside is that it makes sharpening with a guide type gizmo like the Lansky Deluxe 5-Hone Sharpening System a bit more difficult to setup so that it misses the thumb pivots.
The blade lock is well designed. It would be very difficult to accidentally release the blade while using the knife.
The handle finish has held up much better than I expected- just a few inconspicuous dings on the narrow part of the fore and aft ends of the handles.
Minor quibbles:
The sliding safety gizmo that one can engage to either keep the blade from opening or to lock the blade lock is a hassle to operate. I quickly ceased using it. Haven't had the blade unintentionally open or, more importantly, close but have had the safety get engaged while banging around in my pocket. I'll try to disable or remove this gizmo if I ever dissemble the knife.
The thumb opening studs are useless to me since the kicker much easier to use and is so reliable.
There's a bit of sideways play in the blade. I reckon it's a tradeoff which permits the kicker to be so reliable. If so it's a acceptable tradeoff. There's also some vertical play but not enough to be of consequence to me.
No instructions on disassembly. It (well, more precisely, reassembly) is said to be difficult
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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