As a young boy I read the original “Hardy Boys” book series. The key characters in the books were Frank and Joe Hardy, teenage brothers and junior detectives who seemingly were always prepared for anything. Both Frank and Joe always had a pocketknife with them, which of course proved immensely useful in their detective adventures. So, in preparation for what I then anticipated was a calling to some kind of career as a hard core cop busting bad guys and serving society, I began carrying a pocketknife.

It wasn’t long until I realized that my career would include work that required no badge but would be equally if not more dangerous: outdoor writer. Nonetheless, 30 years since reading the Hardy Boys, I still carry a pocketknife every day. I’ve tried many brands and styles, from Swiss Army to Buck to Spyderco to Kershaw. I’ve used folding knives with multiple tools and blades, locking blades, easy-opening blades, and assisted opening blades. People often ask, “Can I borrow your pocketknife?” because they know I have one on my person.

I’m a pocketknife nerd.

So what’s in my pocket today? The SOG Twitch II, a handy knife that’s sized right and weighs virtually nothing.

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.68″ x .1″
• Overall Length: 6.2″
• Weight: 2.6 oz.
• Edge: Straight Steel AUS 8 HRC 57-58
• Handle: Hard Anodized Aluminum
• Finish: Satin
• Sheath: N/A
• Country of Origin: Assembled in the USA
• Price: $72.50

Quality

Although perhaps better known for military or tactical knives such as the Seal Pup, SOG’s Twitch II only perpetuates the company’s reputation for producing high quality knives. One of the smallest folding knives in SOG’s lineup, the Twitch II’s dimensions make it well suited to every day pocket carry and basic cutting tasks.

The blade, handle, clip, and locking mechanism offer a robust fit and finish with smooth blade movement until locked in place, where it remains firmly open. The aluminum handle offers enough grip real estate for light duty work while the pocket clip feels sure and strong. In fact, the clip is so strong it takes a firm push or pull to put it on or pull it off of a pocket. Knives with pocket clips are outrageously handy--this is how I carry the Twitch II--but this knife could just drop into a front pocket for a more traditional carry.

The blade locks and unlocks via a lockbar on the back of the knife, as opposed to a liner lock. The lockbar also has a small switch which can lock the lockbar when the knife is open or closed, an additional safety feature. When closed and locked, the knife won’t accidentally open in your pocket. When open and locked, the knife will not closing during use. This switch, while handy for those who desire an extra measure of security, felt somewhat gritty and difficult to engage/disengage when the knife was closed. Its movement was more precise when locking the knife with the blade open.

Reliability

As an assisted-opening knife, the Twitch II’s opening mechanism functions perfectly every time, taking my push on the “kick” of the blade and snapping it open to the locked position. Never has the assisted-opening mechanism yielded a partially-opened blade. I can also use the thumb studs on either side of the blade to open it.

The blade on the Twitch II sports an extremely sharp edge from the factory and makes short work of basic cutting tasks. It also sharpens easily and quickly. SOG boasts of a “cryogenic heat treatment” of the blade. This involves slowly reducing the blade temperature to -300 degrees Fahrenheit and then bringing it back up to room temperature, improving overall strength and sharpness.

Closing the Twitch II requires pushing the lock bar and then folding the knife blade down, a two-handed operation at first. With practice, it is possible to close the knife with one hand.

Price/Value

The SOG Twitch II lists for $72.50 but is available for much less if you shop around a bit. I purchased mine on Amazon.com for around $37. At that price, it’s a great deal on a simple but high-tech tool that you’ll use every day.

Referability

As a high-quality, reliable pocketknife, the SOG Twitch II gets four stars for referability. It does just about everything well and should be considered a top choice for a basic pocketknife. The only shortfalls would be somewhat gritty feel of the locking switch near the lockbar--this may resolve itself over time--and the relatively small size of the knife, which may not suit everyone. Other than those factors, the Twitch II seems like a great choice for a first or last pocketknife. Even Frank and Joe Hardy would approve.

Images by Mark Kakkuri