A while back, I was birthday shopping for a friend who had a wish list saved on Amazon. One item on his list made me laugh out loud…
It was a “tactical pen.” Now I’ve heard of some really esoteric survival concepts, but the idea of a “tactical pen!?” I just could fathom it.
Less than a year later, I’ve fully changed my mind. I am a tactical pen convert, and there’s a very simple reason for this: Tactical pens are allowed in secured areas where knives, guns, and even credit card knives are prohibited.
Tactical Pen 101
If you’re like I was, you’re probably wondering: What the heck is a tactical pen?
At its most basic and stripped down level, a tactical pen is any pen that can be used as an effective stabbing weapon.
When you think about it, this definition includes most pens out there. However, most are a bit too short, lack any kind of grip surface, and will potentially break upon the first use (and of course you may need to use that sharp point several times to win a confrontation).
In essence, any pen can become a tactical pen if you carry if for this specific purpose. Personally, if I’m going to carry a self-defense weapon, I want to be 100% sure that I can depend on it…
Thus, I’ve become a fan of designated “tactical pens” from quality manufacturers like Schrade. They’re a bit more expensive than your average ballpoint, but cheaper than any of those fancy monogramed pens sets.
You know that you can trust these pens in a dangerous conflict because they’re designed for this specific purpose. Some of them (like the Schrade Survival Tactical Pen in the nearby photo) also serves as a fire tool, glass breaker, and a whistle.
Long story short: Tactical pens are covert, devastating, and most of them also can be used to, drumroll please… write.
What do you think? Are these pens cool or have I gone crazy?
Have been using the GERBER “improptue ” tacitcal pen with a window breaker function….good grip surfaces with nib extended ( the part you write with ) is set about an 1/8 of an inch ahead of the window breaker. Which makes a nice double penatration .Model # is 0870114d3,about 40$ on ebay . Have had some trouble with the pen action but a tap to drive the cartridge back into the pen body usually clears it up . Has a pressurized ink cartridge so it will write on most anything in any angle I’ve tried so far. and since I didn’t get it from a Gerber dealer I only got a 1 year replacement …Gerber will charge more but the lifetime replacement might be worth it. Liked my first one well enough to get 2 more 1 for the GO bag and one in the car kit.
These are some of the coolest EDC I own.
Everyone should be carrying these.
I ordered one online and the sharp part is more than adequate however the pen cap had an oring to keep it on and the first time I used it as a pen the lid no longer fits.
I have been carrying the Smith and Wesson tactical pen for about 4 years now. Thank the good Lord I have not had to use it. I have given these as gifts to my friends and family. I use this tactical pen while training with my wife and daughters. I believe every woman should carry one of these tactical pens. In the time of need, they can save your life.
how much are they? How do I get one?
Sounds like a great idea BUT, what is a grass breaker? If you proof read your ad, you will find it. grass breaker, and a whistle.
Thanks for catching that typo. It’s fixed now.