Whether you’re a military operator, hunter, hiker, or climber, you can benefit from including a tactical pen in your gear bag. Tactical pens offer you far more versatility and functionality than normal pens in combat and survival situations.
From punching through vehicle glass in an emergency to incapacitating an assailant in a self-defense scenario, a tactical pen could save your life. Adding a tactical pen to your EDC (everyday carry) setup is a great idea, and it’s a must-have accessory, and almost as important as your tourniquet.
Tactical pens are versatile. You can use them for writing in your logbooks or defending yourself from an attacker. The durable chassis and tactical design make these pens a viable weapon in hand-to-hand combat scenarios, and they work with ink refills from leading pen brands.
Our Top Picks
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 Tactical Pen Reviews
- 2.1 Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen – The Best Overall Tactical Pen
- 2.2 CRKT Williams Tactical Pen – Runner Up Tactical Pen
- 2.3 Kepeak Military Tactical Pen – The Best Budget Tactical Pen
- 2.4 Smith & Wesson 6.1
- 2.5 Smith & Wesson 5.4
- 2.6 Survival Multi-Tool Pen
- 2.7 Wuben Tactical Self-Defense Pen
- 2.8 The Schrade Tactical Pen
- 3 Other Best Selling Options
- 4 Tactical Pen Buyer’s Guide
- 5 What to Look for In a Tactical Pen
- 6 How Do I Use a Tactical Pen in a Self Defense Situation?
- 7 How Do I Use a Tactical Pen in an Emergency Situation?
- 8 Price Vs. Quality – Choosing the Right Tactical Pen to Match Your Budget
- 9 Tactical Pen FAQs
- 10 The Best Tactical Pen – The Verdict
In this review of the best tactical pens, we’ll go through the top models available. Out of the dozens of products available, we selected eight for this review. There’s a model to suit any budget and plenty of variety. Check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ sections for more information on choosing the right tactical pen.
- Best Pick: Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Gerber makes some of the best survival and outdoor equipment available. The Gerber Impromptu is the ideal accompanying tactical pen for any situation. Trusted by military personnel, this Gerber model is rugged and robust, making an ideal writing instrument and self-defense weapon. - Runner Up Pick: CRKT Williams Tactical Pen
CRKT make some of the best knives available, and they excelled with the addition of this tactical pen to the lineup. The CRKT model comes with a removable cap featuring a striker-tip for glass breaking. The body of the pen forms a figure-8 effect, with both ends going to a point. On one side, you have the writing end, and on the other, you have a bluntly pointed tip for self-defense. - Budget Pick: Kepeak Military Tactical Pen
If you’re looking for value for money with your tactical pen, you can’t go wrong with the Kepeak model. This pen features knurling on the chassis for better combat and writing grip and an emergency glass breaker on the cap. You get a belt clip and compatibility with Parker pen refills. At under $10, this pen is the best budget model in this review.
Tactical Pen Reviews
Now that you know our top picks in this review, let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll also look at a few other models we think are worthy of mention.
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen – The Best Overall Tactical Pen
The Gerber Impromptu is the ideal tactical pen for all conditions. If you’re an operator in Afghanistan, or just going to the range to run some drills, the Gerber is the ideal pen. This model features a machined aluminum chassis with an anodized jet-black coating. The coating erodes slowly on the contact edges of the pen, providing a rugged, worn look.
- Impromptu Tactical Pen is rugged with machined steel body with Cerakote
- Ready for tactical Pen use, the Impromptu featured "Rite In The Rain" Ink Cartridge Works In All Conditions, Inside And Outdoors
- Reliable tactical Push-Button Mechanism Deploys Ball Point Mechanism
- Integrated Glass-Breaker Tip Features Tempered Steel And Is Designed To Get You Out Of Trouble
- Impromptu Tactical Pen has a closed Length: 5"
The Gerber is the real deal, the chassis is ideal for self-defense and emergencies, harnessing the power of a strike through the glass-breaker tip, or the front for a lethal blow to soft tissues. You get a pocket clip, and a unique grip design with plenty of grooves for an ergonomic feel in your hand, even when wearing gloves.
Manufactured in the USA, this tactical pen comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. We think it’s a great overall choice and our top-performing model.
Gerber is a well-known brand in survival and outdoor tools and weapons. We think that this pen meets our expectations in quality and performance. The price tag is a little steep, but we feel its good value for your money.
- Military design and look
- Wearing machined steel chassis with a jet-black finish
- Striker tip for glass-breaking
- Made in the USA
- We would prefer a titanium chassis
CRKT Williams Tactical Pen – Runner Up Tactical Pen
This EDC model from CRKT features design by James Williams from the team in Encinitas, California. This CRKT model is unique, with a figure-8 design. Both ends come to a point, with a pen on one side, and a striker tip on the other side.
You get a chamfered chassis, allowing for improved grip on the tool while striking. The round groove grips add extra traction to your grip in a self-defense strike. The ergonomic design of this pen fits well in hand during writing, and the tip is easy to control.
- Discreet Convenience: Low profile writing pen
- Strong And Lightweight: Aluminum handle combines strength with minimal weight
- Minimizes Reflectivity: Bead blast finish reduces reflection
- Write Anywhere: Ink cartridge developed for extreme environmental conditions
- Designed by James Williams in Vass, North Carolina
The chassis features design and construction with aircraft-grade aluminum, providing a non-reflective finish, with a low-profile design. The pen comes with a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects, but we doubt you’ll have any quality complaints with this model.
We think CRKT has some of the best design quality in its folding pocket knives. That same quality comes shining through in this tactical pen, with a sleek design, premium materials, and an attractive package suitable for the range or the boardroom.
- Tactical design with lethal point
- Excellent grip for self-defense and writing
- Striker tip for glass-breaking
- Sleek and attractive ergonomic design
- The removable cap might get lost
Kepeak Military Tactical Pen – The Best Budget Tactical Pen
The Kepeak Military Tactical Pen wins our award for the most affordable budget model in this review. The Kepeak has many features we would like to see in a top model – and it’s a fraction of the price.
The chassis of this tactical pen features design and construction with aerospace-grade aircraft aluminum. The front of the pen tapers slowly to the point, with long grip grooves surrounding the diameter of the front of the pen.
The barrel has knurling etched into the raised section, providing a solid tactical grip in a self-defense situation. The long clip on the barrel fits your belt, or deep in your pocket, ensuring you don’t lose the pen and get a smooth draw when pulling it from your pocket.
- Emergency glass breaker: The tactical pen cap is made of tungsten steel, and the pen body is made of aerospace grade aluminum, which has excellent strength and portability. Break the window to escape in an emergency
- Security: Hidden, low-key, unique attackers can suddenly have amazing attack capabilities, protect themselves from attackers and identify with DNA collectors
- Writing: A comfortable tactical pen with a round nib. Suitable for everyday use or emergency situations
- Practical: Suitable for everyday use, travel or outdoor activities. Head design, handle thread design, excellent slip resistance
- The package includes: 1 tactical pen and 6 tactical refills stainless steel
The striker tip at the rear of this model is a formidable weapon and a rescue tool for shattering toughened glass windows.
As a bonus, this pen comes with six refillable black ink cartridges. If you want further cartridges, the pen is compatible with all parker and Schneider refills.
Considering this pen retails for under $10, it’s the best budget model in this review and a solid overall contender.
- Knurling on chassis for superior tactical grip
- Pointed glass-breaking tip
- Ergonomic design
- Works with Parker refills, 6-refills included
- Extra-long belt clip
- Affordable
- The box is a bit flimsy
Smith & Wesson 6.1
Smith & Wesson are a brand synonymous with quality in the world of firearms and knives. The tactical pen from the company delivers on our expectations of a practical and functional weapon and tool. This model features a chassis with design and construction with T6061 aircraft-grade aluminum for strength.
- DIMENSIONS: 6.1 inch (15.5 cm) overall length and a weight of 1.4 ounces
- DURABLE: Pen is made of reliable T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient pocket clip and pull-off top making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that this tool will perform when needed for self-defense and blend in when not in use
- BE PREPARED: Pen can be refilled with Schmidt P900M Parker Style Black Ball Point Cartridges
Like the CRKT, you get a striking side and a writing side to this pen, with a removable safety cap. The clip comes with Allan-key fasteners and a bevel in the clip’s lip for a quick draw. This model has knurling on the striking tip, allowing improved grip in self-defense conditions. The S&W tactical pen is compatible with Parker refills.
- Pointed striking edge
- Glass-breaking cap
- Ergonomic design
- Knurling in chassis for superior grip
- Three colors available
- The removable cap might get lost
Smith & Wesson 5.4
The 5.4 is the smaller version of the 6.1 from S&W. This tactical pen comes with a 5.4-inch length for less obvious detection of the pen. The one side of the pen features a pointed striker tip and the other side a blunt striker tip.
- DIMENSIONS: 5.4 inch (13.7 cm) overall length and a weight of 1.6 ounces
- DURABLE: Pen is made of reliable T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient pocket clip, screw-off top and stylus end making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that this tool will be comfortable in the hand and will perform when needed for stylus use or writing and blend in when not
- COMFORTABLE: Non slip grip ideal for all situations
The blunt side has a removable safety cap that reveals the pen, while the lid acts as a blunt striking weapon. On the rear of the pen, you get a pointed striker cap for breaking glass, with a lightweight chassis featuring grooves for enhanced grip in self-defense situations.
- Dual-purpose tactical pen
- Emergency glass-breaking tip
- Baton-tip for self-defense
- Knurling on the grip for self-defense situations
- The removable cap might get lost
Survival Multi-Tool Pen
The survival multi-tool is an excellent choice for campers and EDC. This model features a removable tooltip with a wrench, screwdriver, and scalpel. On the rear tip of the pen, you get an LED flashlight with 10-Lumens.
The chassis comes with a pocket clip, and an orange button on the rear rim of the pen to switch on the flashlight.
- 12-IN-1 Multifunctional Tool Pen: It has combining the most needed EDC tools, Glass Breaker + Flashlight(with strobe mode) + Ballpoint + Stylus Pen + Bottle Opener + Compass + Whistle + Multi-tool Head(can be used as bottle opener, nut wrench, etc). All hidden in a smooth, streamlined pen body that can be easily clamped in your POCKET. Our tactical multi-function tool also includes 4 ink refills, 2 battery and a complete user guide.
- High Quality: Our tactical Pen made of ultra-strong aircraft aluminum, Rugged and Lightweight. Anti-oxidation, corrosion-resistant. It can perform powerful and precise operations in emergency situations. This tactical pen multi-purpose tool is specially made to break the glass and save lives when the door is stuck or the window cannot be opened in a fire after an accident. In the dark outdoors or indoors, it can illuminate the way forward or help you find things.
- Safe And Reliable: Tactical pens that are too heavy and too long are not suitable for carrying around. Our EDC flashlight is made of AIRCRAFT grade, CNC machined aluminum, with the largest strength-to-weight ratio. Its streamlined, lightweight pen body can be easily clipped in a pocket for quick and easy access. There is a pen cap on the tip of the glass breaker to protect yourself and your clothes from injury and scratches.
- Help & Escape: 1. Break the window to escape in a critical moment; 2. Whistle for escape; 3. Switch the flashlight to "Strobe Mode" to represent help signals; 4. The compass head of survival pen will help you find your way when you are hiking; 5. The multi-function head can easily open the beer lid, tighten the screws, etc.
- Fathers Day Cool Gifts For Dad: Are you searching for a suitable fathers day cool gift for dad? This multi-tool tactical pen solves that problem. It is specially designed for men's outdoor activities. A cool gift for dad who have everything. It provides more convenience for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, etc.
The aircraft-grade aluminum frame is sturdy and lightweight, with a tungsten carbide tip for glass-breaking. The ink refills for this pen are compatible with Parker pens, and it’s a great birthday or father’s day present for someone you care about in your life.
- Multi-function tool with a scalpel, wrench tip, screwdriver, and can opener
- Powerful LED flashlight and striker tip included
- Good choice for EDC
- Clip-on the chassis for easy carry
- The box is a bit flimsy
Wuben Tactical Self-Defense Pen
This model features a dual-tip design. On one side, you have your traditional pen, compatible with Parker refills. On the other side, you get a pointed tungsten carbide glass-breaker for shattering toughened glass in emergencies.
- Receive 1 G1 free when you purchase 1 or more E61 offered by Newlight US. Enter code KT4BOO6T at checkout. 【Flashligt Multifunctional Pen】 A new color scheme, very cool, is the latest EDC pen in 2020, used for lighting, writing on paper and stones, breaking windows and using as a stylus.
- 【EDC and portable pencil light】 130 lumens IP66 waterproof LED pencil light, can be clipped to the pocket/shoulder strap/hat/book, or magnetically fixed to the car/bicycle/motorcycle.
- 【USB charging】 USB charging adopts convenient Micro-USB charging design. It has a built-in 120 mAh lithium polymer battery. Connect the Micro-USB charging cable and 5V/1A adapter for charging, it takes about 2 hours to fully charge.
- 【Flexible】 270 degree rotation, can adapt to various lighting angles. The multifunctional pen adopts a 180°rotating hidden design. Both ends are optional, replaceable stylus pens, ink-free pens, fountain pens, zirconia ball pen tips, can be replaced quickly and easily according to user needs.
- 【What you will get】 All WUBEN flashlights provide 30 days free return and 1 year free maintenance. The package includes: Gecko E61 x1, no ink pen x1, stylus x1, refill x4, micro USB charging cable x1, user manual x1
The lid of the pen comes with a CREE LED flashlight and a clip to keep your pen easily accessible to you in your pocket. The pen comes in a grey tactical color, and gold for the boardroom. This highly functional pen is available at an affordable price and comes with a box if you want to gift it.
- Comfortable grip
- LED flashlight included
- Widow-breaker tip
- Belt clip
- The removable cap might get lost
The Schrade Tactical Pen
We finish our review of the best tactical pens with the Schrade model. This tactical pen features design and construction with an aircraft-grade aluminum chassis.
- DIMENSIONS: 5.9 inch (15 cm) overall length and a weight of 1.7 ounces
- DURABLE: Pen is made of reliable CNC Machined 6061 T6 Aluminum
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient pocket clip and screw-off top making it ideal for everyday carry
- BE PREPARED: Have confidence that this tool will perform in an emergency situation with its defensive end point/glass break, whistle cap, and ferro rod with striker plate
- REFILLABLE: Pen can be refilled with Black Starminen Fine Point D1 Pen Cartridges
The Schrade offers you good grip and control over the pen in a self-defense situation. You get a free nylon holster for this model with your purchase.
- Ergonomic design for writing
- Easy to grip chassis design
- Glass-breaker tip
- Comes with a nylon tactical carry pouch
- Reports compartments come apart
Other Best Selling Options
- ✅MADE OF ULTRA-STRONG AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM for self defense. Patented thread design at the handle and thumb head allow a thumb grip: the optimal way to fully transfer your power to the target. Won't break. Won't rust.
- ✅LOW PROFILE, discreet yet effective self defense pen.
- ✅LIGHTWEIGHT ballpoint – Weighs half as much as a regular tactical pen when it is detached as the ballpoint only, making it practical for daily use.This solves the balance issue too.
- ✅WRITES SMOOTHLY EVEN WHEN WET, smear-proof ink, ink quickly dries with a consistent ink flow. Also compatible with low-price standard refills.
- ✅Ultra durable tip for self defense in ONE MOVE OUT FROM YOUR POCKET.
- 【Ultra Solid & Rugged Material】2 pack tactical pen body material was made of sturdy and solid Aviation aluminum alloy, can break the glass in an emergency situation. No slip from your hand benefit from skid-proof design (tactical pen body), and gives you a very comfortable grip.
- 【Security】Hidden, low-key. And can be checked through the station, high-speed rail and aircraft. No matter where you travel, you can always carry self-defense tactical pen to protect you and your family.
- 【Dual-Use】Self-defense pen, can be used for daily writing, in emergency can also be used for defense, to protect yourself, the glass breaker tip has the greatest potential to save a life.
- 【Easy to carry】Our multifunctional tactical pen has a durable pocket clip, so you can attach it to shirts, trouser pockets, backpacks, bags and notebooks. It won't be confiscated as a prohibited goods and weapon by security personnel, but go through the airport security check easily. No matter where you travel, you can always carry self-defense tactical pen to protect you and your family.
- 【Caring Design】Extra weight is ideal to be used in tremor arthritic hands, excellent writing aid for elderly, carpal tunnel, parkinson’s and other people who need a heavy duty pen.
- Emergency glass breaker: The tactical pen cap is made of tungsten steel, and the pen body is made of aerospace grade aluminum, which has excellent strength and portability. Break the window to escape in an emergency
- Security: Hidden, low-key, unique attackers can suddenly have amazing attack capabilities, protect themselves from attackers and identify with DNA collectors
- Writing: A comfortable tactical pen with a round nib. Suitable for everyday use or emergency situations
- Practical: Suitable for everyday use, travel or outdoor activities. Head design, handle thread design, excellent slip resistance
- The package includes: 1 tactical pen and 6 tactical refills stainless steel
Tactical Pen Buyer’s Guide
After looking through all the top tactical pens in this review, you should have an idea of a few pens you think might suit your lifestyle requirements. In this section, we’ll give you everything you need to know to finalize your purchase decision.
What are the Origins of Tactical Pens?
The tactical pen is a blend of a weapon and a writing instrument. The idea behind introducing a tactical edge into a pen comes from the original Japanese weapon, the “Kubotan.”
The small, hand-held fighting tool fits comfortably in the palm, with two prongs protruding from the shaft that sits on either side of your middle finger.
The short prongs act as punching assistance, and the hilt protruding through the bottom of your grip allows for a striking action. It’s an effective weapon for attacking the softer areas of the body, such as the eyes, throat, groin, and solar plexus.
The art of Ninjutsu relies heavily on the use of strikes to pressure points on the body. The Kubotan allows pin-point accuracy in pressure from strikes on these sensitive areas, disabling your attacker with only a few blows.
The Kubotan is still in use today in Ninjutsu martial arts classrooms all around the globe. It’s now a self-defense weapon that’s effective in the hands of individuals who know how to use it regularly and drill the skill.
A tactical pen is the next evolution of the Kubotan. These pens feature sturdy, robust chassis acting as a housing for a pen, and as a defensive or rescue tool. You get a striking edge on the top and bottom of the pen to disable an attacker. Depending on the model, the attacking end could feature a pointed or blunted finish.
A blunted effect is better for non-lethal self-defense. Landing a blow to the temple using the pointed end of a tactical pen could kill your attacker. However, it’s more effective when using the tool in a raking motion across the face or body.
The pen’s design comes with additional functionality over what you can get from a Kubotan in a self-defense or rescue situation. A tactical pen will have a striker tip that helps break the toughened glass on car windows, allowing you to pull drivers from vehicles in rescues.
Most tactical pens come with design and construction featuring steel and plastics for durability. With the right maintenance, your pen will last a lifetime.
What are the Advantages of Owning a Tactical Pen?
Owning a tactical pen is a no-brainer if you’re involved in any way with security, law enforcement, or the military. However, is it worth it for civilians to carry these pens with them on their everyday errands? Here are a few benefits of adding a tactical pen to your EDC setup.
- A tactical pen is compact and doesn’t draw attention the same way as a knife or firearm.
- Tactical pens are lightweight and compact. Store it on the edge of your pocket or your belt for easy access.
- It’s an unassuming weapon that can help distract your attacker while you look for an exit.
- There is no legislation preventing you from carrying a tactical pen in NYC or California.
- TSA bans tactical pens from all flights, so make sure you leave it at home or pack it in your luggage.
- Most models accept premium-brand ink refill cartridges.
- Tactical pens come with rescue functionality in the glass-breaker tip.
- You don’t need any training or background check when buying a tactical pen.
- Your average person won’t see the pen as a weapon or a threat.
What Do I Look for In a Tactical Pen?
By now, you should start to understand what you want out of a tactical pen. Are you looking for an all-purpose tool to add to your range bag? Do you want a protective weapon for self-defense? Or maybe you’re looking for a gift for someone else?
There could be a dozen reasons why you’re interested in a tactical pen. If you have no idea what to look for when making your purchase, you can rely on these top tips when choosing your pen.
- Think about what you want to do with the pen. If it’s a self-defense weapon, you’ll need a larger model with more power in striking. If it’s more for range use, a lightweight model will work.
- Look for models with hefty builds, durable materials, anodized finishes, and don’t forget about the writing function.
- Make sure you get a model that’s compatible with leading brand ink cartridges.
- Look for a model that offers grey or black models for tactical use. Some manufacturers provide brass and stainless steel finishes for a more aesthetic look.
- Look for models that feature belt or pocket clips for easy access in a crisis.
What to Look for In a Tactical Pen
So, what are the components of the best tactical pen? When we were picking our top eight models for this review, we went through dozens of tactical pens, assessing all of them with a critical eye. When making our top choices, we looked at the following criteria.
Chassis
The chassis of the pen refers to its body. This component of the pen is critical from the self-defense perspective. You need a lightweight, durable material for the chassis. We recommend looking at pends that offer steel, titanium, or brass builds.
The Chassis of the pen needs to feature a durable material to absorb the shock of using it to break windows in emergencies. If you do that with a normal pen, you risk the chassis snapping in your hand, causing a severe injury.
A tactical pen features an indestructible chassis that survives corrosion, impact, and the harshest operating conditions.
Grip
The grip on the chassis plays a role in both the tactical and writing functions of the pen. For writing, you need an ergonomic design that fits in the fingers comfortably.
Pens that are too thick in the head may feel awkward between your fingers, making it hard to write. Look for a model with an ergonomic design and narrow tip for a secure grip. On the tactical side of things, you want a pen that features a grip you can feel through a glove.
Look for models with knurling on the chassis, or large cutouts to facilitate a sturdy grip in a self-defense situation. The grip needs to provide total control over the tool when in use. Letting it slip through your hands when trying to shatter a windshield could result in a failure and an injury.
Bolt-Action
The bolt-action refers to the loading mechanism on a rifle. You get tactical pens that feature the same style of bolt-action loading mechanism for loading the ink cartridge into the head of the pen.
A bolt-action system allows for the successful locking of the ink cartridge, providing you with a spear tip on the end of your pen for use in a self-defense situation. The bolt action won’t release until you unlock the mechanism. It’s like the locking mechanism on a folding pocketknife.
Glass-Breaker / Striker Cap
Most tactical pens come with dual glass-breaker functionality, as well as a striking tip. These pens are useful in emergencies when you need to pull a passenger from inside the vehicle, and they can’t wind down the window.
The glass-breaker tip will shatter a car passenger window with a strong blow. The striker tip of the pen features a point that transfers the chassis’ energy through the tip of the pen.
It’s for this reason that having a solid material in the chassis is important. It helps with facilitating the transfer of energy through the pen into the glass, ensuring a successful break.
Striker tips are also effective weapons in self-defense situations. If the pen can damage a strengthened glass window, imagine its effects on the skeletal and muscular system.
Belt and Pocket Clips
There’s no point in carrying a tactical pen if you don’t have it on your person. A tactical pen requires a quick draw in a defensive situation. If you have to dig through your backpack to find it – it’s already too late.
Look for models that come with belt or pocket clips. We recommend attaching it to a shirt pocket or the inside of your pants pocket. Practice drawing the pen, and make sure you don’t catch material on the clip head when drawing the pen.
Size
Full-size tactical pens are large items. Some bolt-action models can have extended, thick chassis that feels awkward in the hands when writing. For this review, we ensured that all our top choices were comfortable and functional during writing tests.
Size is more about personal preference. However, all the models in this review will feel like they belong in your hand, giving you top levels of control and comfort during writing and self-defense situations.
Cartridge Compatibility
Look for tactical pens that contain refills compatible with leading brand pens. Models that come with proprietary cartridges may make it harder for you to find refills. Look for models that include free refills with your original purchase.
Accessories
Some tactical pens come with additional accessories. Emergency whistles at the top of the pen are a nice option, as are LED flashlights. For flashlights, look for CREE LEDs. Some models also feature removable lids.
If you’re one of those people that find yourself losing sunglasses, phone, and keys, avoid getting a tactical pen with a lid – you’re almost guaranteed to lose it. Choose a model with an automatic press operation instead.
How Do I Use a Tactical Pen in a Self Defense Situation?
If you find yourself facing a threat, then the best option you have is to flee. You must remember that being a hero is for the movies. In reality, if you have the option of running away, take that every time.
However, if you find yourself in a situation where you must defend yourself from an attacker, follow these steps.
- Get a strong base. Distribute your weight with a slight favor to the front foot. Use the “Weaver stance” where you have your dominant foot in the rear and the weaker foot in the lead.
- Narrow your shoulders away from your opponent with your draw hand on the back foot.
- Draw the pen as the threat presents.
- Follow the four-step system when defending yourself against the attacker.
- The Four-step method involves two slashes, and two eye pokes, executed one after another.
- Strat with slashes or gouging attack to the eye or throat, follow with an eye poke using the sharp end of the pen.
- Repeat the gouge and poke on the other side of the opponent switching your stance.
- Drill this technique as often as you can to avoid hesitating in a real-life combat situation.
Training is a vital component of learning to use your tactical pen in a combat scenario. If you don’t have any training, then how do you expect to win the encounter? If you want a successful engagement with an attacker, practice helps you control the outcome.
With the right training and drilling of techniques, you can learn to defend yourself automatically in a pressure situation. You won’t have to think about the draw or where to land the pen, your brain and body automatically know what to do thanks to the drills.
How Do I Use a Tactical Pen in an Emergency Situation?
Defending yourself is an emergency. However, we refer to an emergency like a vehicle coming off the highway and landing in a lake. In this situation, you’re going to need to pull the victim from the car. However, on your attempt to open the door, you find that the lock jams.
Now What? You can’t watch the person drown in front of you. This scenario is where the striker tip on your tactical pen comes in handy. The striker tip allows you to channel the energy from a strike to the glass through a point. The energy transfer shatters toughened glass easily, allowing you to get to the passenger inside the vehicle.
The striker point needs to have the strength to withstand the forces involves with the blow. If the tip does not have a sturdy design, the pen might break or fail to shatter the glass on impact. That’s the last thing you need in a pressure situation where every second will count to your survival.
All the tactical pens in this review feature striker tips that are suitable for emergency and tactical scenarios.
Price Vs. Quality – Choosing the Right Tactical Pen to Match Your Budget
If you browse our lineup of the best tactical pens, you’ll notice that we have models at very different price points. Some are under $10, while others cost over $60. So, does price matter when purchasing your pen.
That’s a subjective question. Our best budget model in this review has a sturdy frame and design, and we think it has all the features of a top-drawer tactical pen. However, we would also say that its worth it to spend the money on the Gerber Impromptu, the winner of the best overall model in this review.
The key is to find a pen that you can rely on and trust in pressure situations.
Tactical Pen FAQs
Are tactical pens worth the money?
Tactical pens might cost you a bit more than a standard BIC, but you get plenty of value for your money. Not only do you have a durable and reliable writing instrument, but you get a self-defense weapon as well.
Can a tactical pen replace your firearm or knife?
No, a tactical pen will never give you an edge over a pistol or knife – don’t bring a pen to a knife-fight. The tactical pen is meant to round-out your gear, helping you cover all bases of your equipment and self-defense.
What are the best applications for tactical pens?
Tactical pens are suitable for writing in your data on the range or in the field. They also make for make-shift weapons in hand-to-hand combat when you don’t have access to any others. One of the unique features of this pen is the glass-breaking striker cap. You can use this feature in emergencies to break vehicle glass and retrieve passengers.
Do I need to train with my tactical pen?
Yes, you need to train with your pen. Practice with your weapon, using 4-movements for poking and scraping. Drill those movements from the start position with your pen in your pocket. Remember how it took you a while to learn to write? It’s going to take time for you to become proficient with using the pen as a weapon.
Where is the best place to buy a tactical pen?
We recommend that you pick up your tactical pen from an online dealer like Amazon. Amazon has buyer protection included in your purchase. If you don’t like the pen you buy, simply return it for a full refund. Most manufacturers will offer a satisfaction guarantee with your purchase and a lifetime warranty on the pen’s chassis.
The Best Tactical Pen – The Verdict
By now, you should have a good idea of the best tactical pen to suit your needs. Whether you’re shipping off to a base in the Middle-East or loading up magazines at the range, you need a reliable and functional pen. If you’re having a hard time trying to decide on the best tactical pen, why not go with our top choices?
- The Gerber Impromptu is an excellent overall choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian use. This pen has a sturdy chassis, functional design, and emergency rescue features. It’s the ideal choice for a tactical pen for rigged and robust use under challenging operating conditions.
- The CRKT Williams tactical pen is our top choice for the best premium tactical pen available. This model features an ergonomic design in the chassis, allowing for self-defense use and glass breaking in one tip. There’s plenty of grip on the knurling, and a sleek design that doesn’t look tactical, while remaining highly functional.
- The Kepeak Military Tactical Pen is our top choice for the best budget model in this review. This pen features plenty of knurling on the durable aluminum chassis for additional grip during self-defense use. It comes with six spare refills, and a pointed striker tip for glass breaking., at under $10 for this pen, you’re getting the best deal online for a tactical pen that works.
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