Bottom Line
The SOG Twitch II is a fantastic everyday carry (EDC) knife for anyone wanting a low-profile knife design. It is slim, lightweight, and discretely fits into any pockets, including front shirt pockets. It has an assisted one-hand opening and an additional safety lock to keep it closed. The size and features of the knife work well for trade workers and others who might need quick access to an easy-open knife.
However, the Twitch II isn’t without its quirks. The small size may feel limiting for those with larger hands, and its lock mechanism requires two hands to close, disrupting workflow. Still, in the right hands, this knife has some stellar value and a quality design.
For more options, check out our guide to the best pocket knives.
Quick Specs
SOG Twitch II
Small & Quick-Opening Pocket Knife
CleverHiker Rating:
77
Price:
$45
Measured Weight:
2.6 oz.
Blade Length:
2.65 in.
Overall Length:
6.2 in.
Blade Material:
AUS-8 Stainless
Pros
- Very sharp
- Slim and compact
- Assisted one-hand open
- Safety lock
- Reversible pocket clip
- Inconspicuous
Cons
- Small
- Takes two hands to close
The SOG Twitch II has a lightweight, pocket-friendly design that is perfect for an inconspicuous EDC without sacrificing a performance blade. Measuring just 2.65 inches, the AUS-8 stainless steel blade balances portability and utility. This is a versatile blade, capable of slicing through packaging and durable enough for light-duty outdoor applications.
The one feature you can’t ignore on Twitch II is the assisted ambidextrous opening mechanism. The blade quickly deploys with a slight push on one of the thumb studs. While it opens easily, it does require two hands to close, which can be annoying in some work situations. The lockback mechanism keeps the blade securely in place, and for added security, the Twitch II includes a sliding safety lock to prevent accidental deployment.
Its aluminum handle is contoured for a natural grip. The built-in handguard adds a layer of safety by keeping fingers away from the blade. Users with larger hands may find the knife feels cramped, but the overall design remains practical for most users.
Ultimately, the SOG Twitch II delivers excellent value in a small, reliable package. It balances portability, performance, and affordability, making it a solid choice for everyday carry. Its refined design and practical features appeal to professionals or hobbyists who appreciate a knife that gets the job done without drawing too much attention.
Build Quality
The SOG Twitch II is compact and packed with a thoughtful and durable design. The blade is AUS-8 stainless steel, a highly affordable, corrosion-resistant material that is easy to sharpen. To make the knife lighter, the handle is aluminum and eliminates uncomfortable edges with a smooth contoured shape. Even after testing this knife on multiple materials, from cardboard, plastic, rope, wood, and fabric, the knife showed minimal wear.
The pocket clip is positioned high on the handle, which could be a pro or a con, but we like it for carrying in front shirt pockets or for a more discrete carry. The clip is stiff right out of the gate but is a secure anchor point for your grip while using the knife. The ambidextrous thumb studs and assisted opening mechanism make it easy to open, but it does require two hands to close. While this knife worked well for us, if you have larger hands, this knife may feel limiting. It may not be the perfect knife for everyone, but it should be a top choice for those seeking a lightweight EDC option.
Blade Retention & Stability
If you want a stable, solid knife that is highly compact, the SOG Twitch II is hard to beat. The AUS-8 stainless steel maintains sharpness through varied and frequent use.
Our testing proved this blade has no trouble slicing through materials like cardboard, rope, produce, and even carving wood. We find the blade cuts cleanly and doesn’t need too much pressure for a consistent performance.
With extended daily use, the edge does show some signs of dulling, but it is an easy blade to sharpen and maintain. This is a low-maintenance tool, that requires little upkeep. Sharpening was very straightforward, even for beginners.
The blade felt stable most of the time, but there was some slight lateral play under higher levels of pressure. We found this to be a minor drawback as it didn’t impact the functionality for our uses.
Ergonomics & Grip
The SOG Twitch II is a small knife, and while we find the ergonomics perform well, the small size (6.2 inches) can impact your grip and agility, especially if you have large hands.
A subtle inward slope on the handle guides fingers into a natural grip, and your fingers are protected from slipping into the blade with a hand guard. The lightweight design and shape of the handle keep the knife balanced and give an even weight distribution.
Despite its small profile, the Twitch II feels secure in hand and natural in common grip positions. However, the knife’s size might feel restrictive for anyone who is used to using larger tools.
Corrosion Resistance
Made from AUS-8 stainless steel and an aluminum handle, the SOG Twitch II has high corrosion resistance. During our use and exposure to moisture, the blade showed no signs of rusting or pitting, and the finish holds up well, even in moisture-rich environments.
If you work outdoors often or are near the coast, this knife will perform nicely and resist common deterioration issues. That said, like any knife, the Twitch II will perform best with regular maintenance. Wiping it down after exposure to moisture or cutting food can help prolong the life of the knife, and unlike high-carbon steel materials, it doesn’t require consistent care.
Locking Mechanism
The lockback mechanism on the Twitch II is a double-edged sword. It keeps the blade securely open or closed during use, but the knife requires two hands to close it.
A lockback locking mechanism features a bar along the spine of the knife handle that locks the blade in place when fully opened. To release the blade, pressure is applied to the exposed portion of the bar, disengaging the lock and allowing the blade to fold safely into the handle. Another sliding lock is next to the pressure lock that keeps the blade open or closed.
The added layer of security against blade deployment can be a nice feature, depending on your environment and intended use. If you want something that can easily be opened or closed with one hand, the lockback system may not be ideal, but it is a unique safety feature worth noting.
Weight
The SOG Twitch II weighs 2.6 ounces, making it an impressively lightweight yet durable tool. The aluminum handle and slim design provide a highly functional EDC about the length of a standard Swiss army knife but with a lower profile overall. The knife’s weight struck a perfect balance between ease of carry and practical usability.
While the Twitch II is light and compact, it doesn’t feel flimsy. It has a strong, durable build and is excellent for light to moderate cutting tasks. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a small, lightweight knife that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
Should You Buy the SOG TWITCH II?
The SOG Twitch II is an excellent choice for tradespeople like welders and mechanics who benefit from its slim profile and high-riding pocket clip that pairs well with workwear like welding shirts. It is also an excellent option for standard outdoor use, backpacking, or daily tasks around the house. It is compact and reliable, ideal for light to medium-duty tasks, whether opening a package, slicing through rope, or performing precise cuts.
What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?
Gerber Paralite Review: For budget-conscious buyers, the Gerber Paralite is a more affordable alternative to the Twitch II. While it doesn’t have the Twitch II’s assisted-opening flipper mechanism, the Paralite also offers dual thumb studs for ambidextrous use. However, its stainless steel blade lacks the fine slicing ability of the Twitch II’s AUS-8 steel with a full flat grind. The Paralite is slightly larger and heavier and is better for users who prefer a more substantial tool. But it sacrifices some portability compared to the lightweight Twitch II.
CRKT Squid Review: The CRKT Squid is a compact and sturdy option that rivals the Twitch II in portability and ease of carry. Its assisted-opening mechanism is smoother and more beginner-friendly than the Twitch II’s, though its smaller blade (2.16 inches) and stockier design might feel limiting for those seeking the slicing capability of the Twitch II’s longer, thinner drop-point blade. The Squid excels for everyday carry users focused on light to moderate cutting tasks, but larger-handed users may prefer the Twitch II’s ergonomics.
Spyderco Para Military 2 Review: For performance-driven users, the Spyderco Para Military 2 outclasses the Twitch II in heavy-duty tasks with its larger CPM S45VN blade and robust Compression Lock. However, it’s significantly bigger and more expensive than the Twitch II, which offers a more compact design. The Para Military 2 is ideal for tactical or demanding applications, while the Twitch II remains the better choice for a discreet, lightweight EDC knife.
