10 Points to Consider When Selecting a Tactical Pen

 Originally posted on April 10th, 2016 by Dustin B. Denson

When selecting a tactical pen, consider the following:

1. Hold/grip as a self defense tool - thumb on top provides more support.  Some do not have a flat end or they have a push button to access the pen.
2. Is it a multi-tool with more functions (glass breaker, fire starter, whistle) or is it just a pen and self-defense tool?
3. Is the striking part more lethal (pointed and will stab/puncture) or less lethal (not pointed, but blunted causing more impact damage)?
4.  Does it unscrew to use the pen or have a "pop-off" cap?  Constantly unscrewing the cap to use the pen may become annoying (doesn't really bother me), while "pop-off" caps may fall off.
5. How much do you want to spend?  Is it titanium ($$$), steel ($$), or aluminum ($)?  You may not need to spend a lot given the likelihood that you will actually have to use it.  If you spend a lot of time in the field, then you may want to spend a little more money.
6. Does it have a replaceable cartridge?  Most do.  The Cold Steel Pocket Shark does not.
7. Does it write well?  Does it write in the rain?  If it has a replaceable cartridge, then this may not be a big concern.
8. Weight - If you carry it in your shirt pocket, you may want something lighter.
9. Does it look more like a regular pen or a tactical pen/multi-tool?  How much attention do you want to attract?  This may be a concern for some and not for others.  I personally don't care.
10. Finally, do you have training?  If you don't, get some.

Why do you need a tactical pen as a self-defense tool?

Well, hopefully you never do, but it is better to be safe than sorry.  A tactical pen is a useful alternative to other tools for personal defense such as mace or pepper spray.  It can be an equalizer in situations where you might be attacked by someone larger or by multiple attackers.  They are also highly advantageous when you go somewhere and are unable to carry a firearm, if you are a CHL holder.  A pen is a pen, even if it is a tactical pen.  That is, it has uses other than just for personal protection and this makes it extremely practical.  In addition, having your own pen with you at all times means that you won't have to borrow someone else's or use the same pen that everyone else has used such as at the bank, credit union, or doctor's office, which means not having to worry about germs.

Keep reading below for a more in-depth discussion of selecting a tactical pen...

Simple, right?  You want something that you can write with and use as a personal protection tool.  Of course, maybe you don't care too much about the writing part.  For the most part, I agree.  However, there are a lot of choices when it comes to tactical pens.  There are a few things that should be considered before simply purchasing whichever pen happens to look good or is the cheapest.  Each has a different look, feel, weight, striking surface, color, writing point, and even how you can hold it when using it as a self-defense tool.  Some of the considerations are the same as to what you might prefer when it comes to your favorite writing instrument.  On the other hand, as a tool for self-defense and personal protection, there are other things that should be taken into account before purchasing.

There are many videos and blogs offering suggestions on which tactical pen to buy and how to use it. Honestly, you could spend way too much time researching and deliberating on which pen to purchase.  This may depend, of course, on whether you are a civilian, law enforcement officer, or in the military.  Someone who is Military/LE may be willing to pay a little more for specific features, durability, and/or design since it may be more likely that they will have to use their tactical pen as personal protection tool rather than just as a pen.  You may also be looking for something that is a little more rugged and can hold up in the field.

What makes a pen a tactical pen?

"Tactical" refers to military actions or weapons used to achieve specific goals (dictionary.cambridge.org).  A tactical pen, then, is one that is designed to function as a self-defense tool, multi-tool, or "survival" tool in addition to being a pen.  Some are capable of doing more than others and can truly be called a multi-tool, whereas some are just strictly a self-defense tool for striking.  They are constructed in various ways with different designs, looks, and styles.  Some are made of aircraft grade aluminum and steel, while some of the higher priced ones ($150) are made of titanium.  This, of course, will affect weight.  As a pen, they all function slightly differently and accessing the pen function is not the same on all of them.  Some have a cap, some you twist, and a few have a push button on one end to activate the pen.  (I do not recommend any tactical pen that has a button that needs to be pushed for accessing the pen.  You want to be able to place your thumb on the top to provide additional support when using it to strike.)  Depending on the kind of ink cartridge installed, which is replaceable, some may be able to write in the rain.  This is an important consideration for those who spend a lot of time in the field.  What makes a tactical pen a self-defense tool is that it doesn't appear as a weapon, can be carried anywhere, and has an end that can be used for striking.  Many tactical pens have a glass breaker on one end or on the same end used for striking.  A very important consideration when selecting a tactical pen is to consider how the striking end is shaped.  If it is blunt or slightly blunt, then this will probably not penetrate the skin.  However, if the striking end comes to a point, then it very well may penetrate the skin, which could result in a lethal strike depending on the target area.

Check out this video on how to use a tactical pen for self-defense:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxPqDIj3xVM

How do you use a tactical pen?

First, I highly recommend finding a qualified martial arts instructor who can teach you how to use a tactical pen effectively as a tool for self-defense and personal protection.  With that said, using a tactical pen as a tool for self-defense is pretty straight forward.  It functions much like a palm stick or kubotan.  One end of the pen will be very effective for delivering blunt/impact type attacks to vital target areas to stun and incapacitate your opponent providing you time to escape or continue to execute strikes in order to deter your attacker.  Provided that the end you are striking with doesn't come to a sharp point that is going to penetrate and stab into your attacker, a tactical pen can be used as a non-lethal self-defense tool.  It may also be used to deliver a jabbing surprise attack that will give you time to make distance between you and your attacker while you transition to a concealed handgun, knife, or anything else that might be more advantageous to protect yourself.

Boker Plus

High quality tactical pen.  I like this one and highly recommend it.  The pen cartridge is replaceable, the cap unscrews to access the pen, the striking point is rounded and non-lethal.  It feels great in your hand.  I like the way it writes, but the grip for writing is a little on the thin side, but this is not a deal breaker for me.

Romand Defender

This is a high quality tactical pen as well and it feels great in the hand.  You access the pen by twisting.  The pen cartridge is replaceable.  I like the way it writes.  The grip when writing is a little big, but not a deal breaker.  The glass breaker / striking end is opposite the pen end.  A big drawback for me is that, given the design, you can't place your thumb on the end for extra support when striking.

Uzi Tacpen

This is just like the Romand Defender.  If you are looking for a great tactical pen to buy in bulk and give away, then either one of these pens would be excellent.

Schrade SCPENBK

I recommend this pen.  It writes well and it feels great in the hand whether writing or for striking.  The cap unscrews for accessing the pen and the cartridge is replaceable.  The striking end comes to a point, so it may puncture.  This is an excellent, basic tactical pen.

Schrade SCPEN4BK

Pen, self-defense tool, glass-breaker, whistle, and fire-starter.  This pen is a true multi-tool.  The cap unscrews to access the pen.  I like the way it writes, but not as much as the two pens below.  It feels good in the hand when writing and striking.  The cartridge is replaceable.  The striking end does not come to a point, so it is less lethal.  I really like this pen for its many features and would definitely carry this on an extended trip, especially if I were traveling in a remote area, where, if I got stranded, I might need to start a fire.

Smith & Wesson SWPENMP2BL Military and Police 2nd Generation

I highly recommend this pen, in fact, I have taken to carrying this pen in addition to the Smith and Wesson SWPENMPBK Military and Police below.  First, I am a big fan of the color blue.  It writes really well, feels well in the hand for both striking and writing, and it is blue.  Did I mention that!

Smith & Wesson SWPENMPBK Military and Police

I recommend this pen.  It writes well and it feels great in the hand whether writing or for striking.  The cap "pops-off' for accessing the pen and the cartridge is replaceable.  The striking end comes to a point, so it may puncture.  This is an excellent, basic tactical pen.

Pocket Shark

This is a large pen.  It is felt tipped and the cartridge is not replaceable.  I do not really like this pen, but if you are looking for a pen that is very light, felt tipped, and is very blunt with no risk of puncturing a possible attacker, then this is the pen for you.

Fisher 400B Space Bullet Space Pen

This is a tactical pen that doesn't look like a tactical pen.  If you travel a great deal for your job, then you might want to consider this pen to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

I hope you find this information useful.  If you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to send an email to [email protected]  I would love to hear from you!

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