My Beef With Tactical Pens:The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Tactical Pens
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- Tactical pens - I really do like them. I think it's great to have such a basic tool on your person everyday and that you can use it in a variety of ways. That said, there are a few main things I look for in a tactical pen and I have been pretty, well...disappointed in the way that many of them are built. Check out the video for more.
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- Schrade SCAXE2:
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- Various Kinds of Paracord:
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- Emergency Mylar Blankets:
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- CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk:
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![The Truth About Tactical Pens As A Self-Defense Weapon [WL 425]](/img/n.gif)
i'm an old man and got attacked in the subway in Boston. guy grabbed me, hit me in the face and then started going through my pockets. after i shoved my sharpened pencil into his cheek, he let go. I was a grunt in Vietnam Nam with 196th light inf. reg.
Charles, good for you! So glad you won and not the scum attacking you. That was a good move on your part. Da Nam taught you well.
Thank you for your service and glad you are ok
I hope he got the point ?
Charles Cottrell thank you for your service.
Did you get you pen back out of his cheek?
Having a pen with "POCKET SHARK COLDSTEEL" printed on it seems to defeat the entire purpose of carrying a tactical pen as a discreet weapon. If you're gonna announce it like that, you may as well carry a sword.
Wrap it with electrical tape, problem solved
Just powdercoat it in breast cancer pink. Non-threatening and who ever you stab in the ribs with the pen will know that you support ta-tas.
exactly
Good news, Cold Steel has you covered there too lol
Exactly! Good luck getting that through airport security if they are vigilant.
Having had to use one of these in a real world encounter, I noticed one point you inadvertently missed. Please don't misunderstand, I don't mean this as a slam in any way, because until I had to use one, I had never thought about it either.
A couple of the pens you display had pocket-clips that point away from the pen body sharply. Experience has informed me that in a real-world situation, even those of us with training don't always react in the way that we might hope, and so I ended up tearing the palm of my hand fairly badly because I didn't place the pen "just so" in my hand before defending myself from an attacker. When deciding on a pen, I strongly suggest taking this point into account, and noticed that the plane old Sharpe had a small pocket clip that was pointed in, towards the body of the pen, and so was much less likely to grab your flesh when you are trying to put it into tender bits of your assailant's flesh.
This one easily miss-able point aside, I thought this was a well thought out and presented video and look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future.
+VerumAdPotentia Great comment - really appreciate that. That note you shared about the clip is one of those 'little things' that ends up being a real pain. Just like the moving button/click.
...and until I had that problem, I had never even thought about it. It's one of those things that you usually only discover in the heat of the moment. Thanks for taking my post in the spirit it was intended.
+VerumAdPotentia Thanks for the comment and for sharing your thoughts and critiques respectfully. I appreciate that.
Gladly, and as I enjoyed your video, I expect to watch many more, so you'll likely be hearing from me again going forward.
please share what you have now.
When Edward Bulwer-Lytton said, "The pen is mightier than the sword", I don't think this what he had in mind!
I have Rh-120 "tactical pen", it sure is much stronger than a sword.
😂😁🤣
It only accepts some very specific refills
😂🤣😅😁
I prefer dale gribbles tactical pocket sand
Where can you find that? I searched the internets and couldn't find it.
Roy Spaulding It's from King of the Hill
maxsleight sha shaaaaaaa
I've been wrestling with this question myself for a while. Like you, I love the idea of a multi functional item with many practical features that just happens to serve as an effective self defense tool if needed.
At the same time, I'd prefer that it doesn't scream "WEAPON!" when you look at it. I need to be able to say "look, it's just this fancy pen I carry" even if it has stuff like a flashlight or fire starter in it. What I don't need is "why were you hiding this knife" or "so you took the time to UNSCREW this thing WHILE you were being attacked?" Because when you say "no, I had it in the ready position before they hit me" well, you just confessed to pre meditated assault.
Frankly, an actual Sharpie, or a no.2 pencil is probably your safest bet.
I still want a good "tactical pen" but I want one like I described above; with PRACTICAL features! Just build something solid that I can hit with if I need to, but a glass breaker and a seat belt/ box cutter are better than mean looking spikes and stuff. Give me a super bright flashlight with strobe to disorient and temporarily blind the assailant with. That way I can at least use it in regular mode to find my keys if I drop them under the car or something.
I feel like people get too caught up in the combat fantasy to realize that EDC is about EVERY DAY situations. If you are hitting people with your pen every day you need to make some new life choices. A mini saw blade and ferro rod are reasonable things to have when you are an outdoorsy type in a rural area like me. For urban folks, maybe look at backup power bank that happens to have a stun gun on it or something like that. Or, getting back to pens, maybe one with a little pepper spray in the other end? I don't know. I just think the whole industry is trying harder to sell "Cool looking $#!+" than they are interested in making practical tools for people.
I've always subscribed to weapons are whenever & where ever they are needed but having a 6 inch piece of semi- sharp steel or hardened plastic in ur pocket means u save "looking for" time & its familiar & practiced with.. a few clock ticks can be the difference between ur or some other ones life..
I like the Atomic Bear Rebel pen because it is sleek enough to not look out of place. It actually is a lot like the more stylized pen you have in this video, but it screws together so it doesn't have that slop.
Yeah I just acquired that Schrade tactical pen. I like it and - as you know - I'm not a huge Schrade fan... I agree with your comment that if the CS pen was smaller I would be motivated to purchase it.
As a business owner I always carry my own pen where ever I go... For the price and way it feels I like the Schrade, plus it'll accept the pressurized refills for the Fisher space pens. Great video and keep em coming!
My EDC "tactical" pen is a Smith And Wesson pen. Nice sharp end and a flat end cap for your thumb. I think I paid about $25 bucks for it at an Academy sports store in Baton Rouge
You're the first video out of a few i've watched today that actually show you possess the TacPen.
That gives you more credibility than most outther that only swap Amazon's images. 👍
the sharpie is probably the most "tactical" because when is comes to police, it IS a pen. liked vid thanks😁
Good vid. I like my UZI tac pen. Writes good too and very comfortable with little weight.
ive been carring an uzi brand pen for over a year and have been very pleased with it. came with glass breaker, hand cuff key and a space pen refill.
My favourite is just a cheap generic Chinese one, easily available on eBay or Amazon. It's made of aluminium, with different segments that screw together. No moving parts aside from the screw threads. One end has a flashlight, and my thumb fits comfortably there while holding it. The other end has a glass breaker which can be used to hit somebody. Inside is the pen part, and a multitool head with screwdriver, hex wrench, bottle opener, and scraper. Works great for me.
Personally I have the Schrade fountain pen. Very similar to the Schrade pen you showed here. Perhaps a less severe point at the end, the cap screws on and off. It comes with parts to use it as a ballpoint or as a fountain pen. It's the only tactical fountain pen I've found and I like that about it. Fountain pens write very well. The cap is flat like you mentioned you liked as well.
With the lethal/non lethal option for the pen end I get the arguement particularly when your self defense situation goes to court, the defence will likely use a "pre-meditated assault" angle with you carrying a tactical pen.
I have the Maxpedition Acantha tactical pen, and I love it. They are great writing pens, threaded cap so it's very secure, and it has 2 interchangeable tips, one sharp and one blunt. You can also get them for around $35 so the price isn't too bad! Great video btw!
+sherman614 Thanks Sherman. You're video for sharpening serrations helped me years ago - thanks for that, and for the info on the pen.
I've been liking the Boker .50 cal pens. They are short (about 4.5 inches) and they don't look "stabby".
I like this because the fit into small pockets easier and don't look dangerous (some security get a bit antsy with longer pokey metal pens).
There is no cap but rather a cool bolt action which i like better than a twist deploy or button which can get in the way.
If the short length is a con, then they do sell a .45 cal normal length pen with similar bolt action.
My exposure to tactical pens is limited, of the ones I have used, I would go with the CS pocket Shark.
I think 'tacticool' pens are a bit naff. Are police officers going to look at one and say "he used his enginuity and used the pen he was innocently carrying to defend himself with", or "he used a weapon with some ink in it to stick into someone"? I think a sturdy pen with no tactical aspersions would be easier to explain, the police are no fools. Just my opinion.
I carry a..lets call it an armored pen. Flat tip, tungsten end, sturdy construction. 11 bucks. It gets me through airports (20+) times so far) without mention. Don't care if it writes, I will get a PEN if I need to do that. This is just an additional tool. My opinion but if you are dumping more than 20 bucks on these you are trying way too hard for reasons unknown, likely to yourself as well.
I don't need no stinking pen!!! I have a Ka-Bar tactical Spork!!!!!
Randy Robertson I just got myself - pretty cool
EverydayTacticalVids yes they are. !!!
yet em son! fuck yea!
ooooeerrrrrr..... thanks for suggesting this, an offender would probably more wary of something that looks like a knife than a pen!!! plus, you can use it to eat your food on the trail :)
I have tactical sunglasses, it can blast laser like Superman's eyes
😁😂🤣😱😅😁😂😂😂
Good points. However, I have the CRKT and, while I agree that it's arguably aggressive, I don't have any of the problems you show with the cap not fitting snugly. Mine is rock solid and is a great writing implement.
Clint Emerson cited a Zebra. Cheap at $4. I have a Boker, a S&W, use a Parker Jotter and a Fisher. The Boker is more of a Kubaton than a pen, it screams tactical. I like the Schrade even though its a click pen, that and the Fisher I use daily. I dont mind the click end, figure if Im gonna use a pen in a fight,its a weapon of opportunity or its a last resort before I bite a nose off.
you do realise that any ballpoint pen could be used tactically and used to defend yourself........a cheap disposable ball point pen can easily be used to stab and kill you that's why they are not allowed in prisons.
+Kenneth Donnelly exactly correct .......but these are essentially kubatons that write..an old martial art tool used for hand reinforcement. Somewhat like using a roll of nickles in your fist for a street fight. A common ball point can do damage for sure but a tactical pen like these can stop an attack with one blow or stab...used on pressure points they can disable or knock out an attacker which a pen can't do
Have you ever pressure tested both, a stander ball point pen and a tactical pen? If not you should, you will find out quickly that a plastic pen will not stand up to high impact, even on soft targets and the reality of a fighting is that no matter how much you train you can and often times will strike hard targets on the human body and I don't just mean bone. If you were to go into battle or just carry for self defense do you want a tool or a weapon? Yes a bic pen will do damage but they can brake after the first strike and humans are tough so you may need more then one hit. Check out the book "Spy Secrets that can save your life" (Jason Hanson) this dude is a former CIA Field Officer who talks about how useful the tactical pen is. Its a great perspective from a real deal American spy, think some one like James Bond but in reality.
+Gabriel Laskey But the actual reality of the situation is that you have a 99.999% chance of never having to hit someone with a pen, so spending 100 dollars on a pen specifically in case you have to hit someone with it is some of the worst money you could ever spend.
mrkiky Same can be said for carrying a firearm. Would you not carry a gun since the chances of using one are low
Can your ballpoint pen break a window?
I believe I have the best tactical pen. It's not your average tacpen, because it has an 80 lumen LED with a NIMH AAA, AND it has an ink cartridge to write, and a glass breaker cap, and a clip, and a lifetime warranty. It's a multitool. I spent weeks comparing every penlight out there, and I am happy to carry mine everywhere.
Streetwise policeforce pen, without a doubt, is the best. The MIREN, the UZI, the smith and wesson, nothing compares. It's so comfortable to write with that I use it for work.
I realize this is an old video, but the Atomic Bear SWAT checks all the boxes you mentioned! Just got mine and I think it is great. Now my wife wants one
All very good points and exactly why i bought the S&WPENMP2BK.
great non slip grip, screw ends on both ends, flat thumb area for added thrust. Willing bet that the non pen tip can go thru windows with enough force. Only down side is the white logo on the clip..... but fixed that with black appliance paint $27 with shipping.
After watching reviews on UA-cam I went with Schrade. It is in my opinion extremely well made, so many GOOD functions, very attractive and just solid and very reasonably priced.
With that said, I'm always looking to try other brands (of course not the ones mentioned in this review)
Thanks for a good review
I love my Smith & Wesson M&P 2nd generation
Item number: SWPENMP2BL Pen
And for me, I can say it's one of the best tactical pens on the market 😎🤟
Ps:
I come from Germany, more precisely from Berlin, there it is no a problem with the Smith & Wesson tactical pen
I bought these on ebay "Tactical Pen Military Police Window Breaker for Self Defense Emergency Gear". I am happy with it, I bought 4 for $4.25/ea. The pen retracts by twisting the barrel. The pen has a metal ink cartridge and the opposite end is a tungsten glass breaker. Aerospace aluminum body. When holding the pen, one can use either end as the business end with your thumb resting on top of the clip, out of the way.
I just did a video on a UZI pen, its cheap but would certainly work. The bottom line is its extremely unlikely it will ever be needed but if you are going to carry a pen than why not carry a tactical pen?
Check out the Hinderer line, I use the investigator pen and I love it. They also make an extreme duty version, its a little bigger but i'm sure the same quality.
+Duane Root Good to hear - thanks.
Investigator pen is my favorite
+Duane Root They look like awesome pens!!!
Nice video. You bring up some good points.
I don't have one yet because I haven't yet found one I like, in my price range. My 2 primary (most used) functions would be writing in fishing and camping situations, and, probably a stylist. Then probably the glass breaker. I don't have a tactical job, so that would be a last ditch thing. I do have medical training so breaking auto glass might be handy.
I have to use a pen everyday generally handing it to customers to sign for delivery, so i need a pen that i can easily deploy and doesn't look tactical. So i use a zebra F-701 that i upgraded the click end with a F-401, as well as modifying it to take a fisher space pen refill. I know that it has a click end that you don't like but i hate having to constantly remove a cap and replace it. Biggest advantage it really LOOKS like a pen even though its a steel barrel and can go where tactical pens cannot.
gerber looks like a good option, the problem with the top clicker might not be a problem if you got it press down firmly when in defense mode
i like the Smith & Wesson survival tactical pen or SWPEN2G. I've been carrying it for a couple years now. what i like about it is that it looks like a pen, has a fire starter that can be removed and replaced, its strong and sturdy and has a nice steel glass breaker in the end of it. its also waterproof. i have one in black and another in grey.
been carrying a Hoffman Richter stinger for about a month. writes well and has liitle to no wiggle. flat end for cap with a glass breaker on the opposite side of the pen body. very comfortable tac pen in my opinion.
Smith & Wesson Military and Police 2nd gen, Cheap and very well made.
+MrOrthogonalization That's when you take the nail polish remover to it
why doesnt the 2nd gen have a lanyerd hole?
I've carried the Pocket Shark Coldsteel for over 15 years and it's honestly fantastic. It's not 'stabby' like the others but is pretty indestructible and very potent. I like how fat it is too. The problem with a lot of pens is they far too thin, so much so that they actually just sit in the little nook where your fingers join your palm and in that position no amount of squeezing with the muscles of your hand actually make the grip tighter because it's so thin. Something a bit fatter though you can have an incredibly firm grip on with or without a thumb assist.
It's also probably one of the most innocuous ones you can get too, it just looks like a chunky marker. A person could even lightly sand off the Pocket Shark Cold Steel bit if they so wished, mines half rubbed off anyway just from years of carrying and holding. The writing portion also screws pretty much as tight as you can make it. Put it this way female colleagues couldn't undo it when I turned it tightly, it's like a husband with a jam jar, so it's also pretty child safe if it's ever found/picked up. Perhaps the biggest upside is the lack of metal. So many of these are literally 'aesthetic gimmick sticks' where oh you can take them anywhere. Well you can't because they're deliberately designed to look like a pen cosplaying as a fucking assault rifle. A lot also won't go through metal detectors.
Just got a Colt Defender tactical pen and I'm impressed. Glass breaker, led light, "DNA catcher" and very sturdy.
Another good vid. Thanks. I've had them but don't use them. The problem with 90% of tactical pens is that they look like tactical pens. Law enforcement; security; TSA etc all know what these things are; they use them. Somebody should make a lethal/semi-lethal pen that looks just like a normal pen. A good flat top for purchase then a detachable body that reveals a hard, sharp shaft because if you're in a scenario where you have to defend yourself with a pen you're in real trouble. You have to get the first or second blow in and make it do the business.
Look up Tombow, a Japanese brand. Zoom 2000 is model name. i.pinimg.com/originals/c5/b3/bf/c5b3bf775f293f9ff78b1959564dde82.jpg
They have aluminum pens made from a solid piece and it has a aluminum point. Cost about $70-90. Plus side is that it's a really beautiful pen.
Flat top, yes! I don't understand double points. Also great point about making one that looks like a pen!
There are pens out there like the Tactile Turn Glider or Slider that don't look like tactical weapons or kubotans. The Glider is, by far, the best example of a high quality pen that is well designed, fills out the palm pretty well without being too fat, has a rounded cap so it doesn't hurt your thumb when you hold it in an icepick grip, the clip holds it in your pocket securely and doesn't rip or tear your palm or fingers. The bolt action works very smoothly and securely, and the whole body of the pen has a subtle texture to it for better grip without it looking like a tactical pen at all. It writes perfectly as a pen should, looks elegant and classy too.
Try out atomic bear swat pen. You might prefer it compared to those. It's only about 15 bucks
My only tactical pen is a "uzi" purchased from one of the knife magazines. One end has a tactical sharpened star that no longer has a rubber cover. A handcuff keys is inside and the end screws out. Not good for placing ones thumb over the tactical star. The pen part unscrews leaving a gap. I had not thought about these drawbacks until viewing your video.
I have a Boker plus tactical pen that I got on amazon. I did a lot of research before purchasing one, because they all had things I didn't like about them. this is solid, and I like how the ink cartridge deploys. it is reasonably priced at around $35. it is aircraft aluminum, with a titanium version offered for around $100. The built in clip actually really functions well, and keeps it very secure on my front Jean pocket. the only draw backs I've found with it is that I wish it was slightly longer, and the tip can come off if it's not securely tightened.
www.amazon.com/Boker-Plus-Tactical-Pen-Gray/dp/B007BN9RIU
+Chris Campbell Thanks - I've heard good things about this one.
When somebody is attacking me, I WANT them to be uncomfortable, dude.
A fair point, but there are actually legal considerations, especially in some jurisdictions. You'd be surprised how perilous the "round two" can be for a person legitimately defending themselves. That being the ensuing legal battle. Like, you can still be taken into custody, or required to go in and make a report, or even do time waiting for a chance to prove in court you were only doing what you had to, and they STILL could sue you after!
So, having something that seems less aggressive cuts down on the chances that, say, the cop is going to look at your pen and say you carried a "dirk" with the "intent to go armed" and slap you with a charge for carrying an illegal weapon, or just looking for trouble. Likewise, if they try to sue you for personal injury, you can show them a harmless looking pen and be like "how much damage could I really do with this?" Meanwhile, if the family sues you for killing their dear, sweet, church going little angel, and "exhibit A" is some nasty looking piece of equipment, it doesn't do you any favors.
@@familiaheskett9829 You convinced me.
Great video!
Just ordered the Nitecore ntp20 tactical pen. It seems to be well thought out.
Thank you
I like my smith and Wesson tactical pen. Only drawback is that the cap screws off and has a tough time attaching to the other end when writing.
How usable is a tactical pen if it is in a kit? If it is not in your pocket, it is not available for tactical deployment.
Courtiously request a pause in the attack to retrieve your ink pen of course
If it's your only option, you have it on hand ready to go.
If you are somewhere where you can use other stuff.. then use other stuff obviously. If you are in a buolding where you can't have a weapon on you.. then have your tactical pen in your pocket ready to go. It's essentially a metal spike to stab people with.
I think I will go with the old tried and true fist over my ink pen, regardless what it is made out of. My hands are capable of way more than a ink pen. Learn to use your hands, they are awesome.
You can also learn how to use a tactical pen which is essentially a metal spike for stabbing people and causing serious pain with bone contact, it's no joke. You seem to be trying to downplay it by calling it an "ink pen"? though yes obviously it doubles as such, the bottom line is that it's a piece of metal with a point designed to cause damage.
If you smash it into someone's skull, it's going to do a LOT! more than a punch. Especially where you risk your fingers. Unless you have training and use palms or whatever. The tactical pen is the better choice. I'd only recommend hands over a pen if that's what you have actual decent training in and can use them more effectively and safely than a metal impact device for hammer blows (that also doubles as an ink pen for your convenience lol).
Chris Clark was
ZeroHour Apex Titanium Tactical pen. Meets every criteria you have for holding and striking. No loose caps, very well machined. Has a blunt end cap for striking that can be removed in a single twist to reveal a tungsten point. And it functions really well as a writing instrument. It has a fisher space pen cartridge. It looks incredible while not looking particularly tactical. Plus it's not huge. You can fit it in a shirt or pants pocket easily and it conceals well in the hand. And well under $100.
Peter V yeah - I've got 2 - great pens.
I watched your video with interest. Your point regarding the need to use your thumb as a stopper is valid. However I thought I would share another perspective as I use my Uzi tactical pen on a daily basis at work (medium to high risk environment). I initially used my thumb as a stopper when using the glass breaker until I dislocated my thumb in my dominant hand (not as a result of using the pen). Thereafter I had to hold the pen in my fist when using the glass breaker. However there was no loss of grip as I wear my protective gloves as part of my ppe. If I'm using my Uzi pen then it means I'm wearing my gloves already. It appears that these pens are specifically designed for those wearing hand protection hence the knurled barrel or narrowing of the middle of the pen. All these design features enhance the grip of the pen when held in your fist.
I bought the Schrade because of your review. I like it. I got the orange for better visibility. The only shortcoming is it is a little thin when I grip it to write. But who writes that much anymore? Not me.
I just got a Boker+ aircraft aluminum bolt action pen. The one that has the actual screw-on clip instead of the weird cutout.
I totally love it. it's nice to write with as well as carry, since it has a space pen insert, plus it's great as a fiddle toy or for defense if you need it for that. pretty sure you could use the tip as a glass breaker too if you needed to, although I haven't tried.
it looks a little short but if you use it you don't have any issue. and I've got larger hands as well.
Oh also, it's around 40 bucks
I currently carry the CRKT Williams pen and I love it. Yeah, there's that little bit of movement but if it moves a little when the cap is on the writing end, it doesn't matter 'cause the cap is pretty well locked on, especially if you have your thumb on the back like that, and if it moves when it's on the business end, then so what - you're just signing a form or whatever. Previously I owned the CRKT Tao but I got sick of threading the cap off and then threading it back on the other end. I don't think people realize how many minutes of your life you're gonna lose to threading that shit on and off. Also I was terrified of cross threading it by accident 'cause the threads were miniscule.
you did i review on the Schrade SCPENBK. i bought that pen becuz of your review. i like the sleekness of the pen. very modern. love it. its sturdy when its locked both ways too as you would like it, and i modded it adding a pressurized rite-in-the-rain ink cartridge too.
The Hoffman Richter pen has a good flat end and the cap stays on tight. You should try it out.
I'll have to check that out - thanks!
I bought a free with shipping tactical pen for about $7. While it seems rugged, the first thing I noticed was your point. The end where I would want to put my thumb was sharp. Also the use as a pens was clunky as it was just too thick.
Mike Kennedy it was also 7$ lol. My wuben tactical pen is nice and doesnt have that issue... it also has a very good rechargeable light that can definitely have somebody seeing stars. It does have its issues though but for 35$ im happy beats paying 150 for a pen that doesn’t even have a light lol.
check out the Rick hinderer pens in aluminum instead of the pricey $240 titanium versions. Stainless and copper are decent prices and serves the same purpose.
+NORMAN BROWN Wow - pricey!
Might try the Hoffman Richter. Maybe a bit bigger than I like but sturdy made with no movement. Point could be a bit dangerous
Hoffman richter tactical pen. One of my favorites to use as an EMT when I'm taking vitals in shady places.
Hoffman Richter Stinger Tactical Pen...how would you rate this one...the new one looks awesome Jim
I have the Stinger, and it seems to address all the objections in the video. The writing tip is covered with the cap when not in use, and the cap clicks in solid, with no longitudinal slack and minimal side-to-side movement. The end of the cap is flat and wide, providing a surface for your thumb better than any in the video.
The impact tip is narrow enough to inflict plenty of pain/damage, but wide enough to break glass without glancing off. The diameter is just a little larger than I would like for writing, but it's the perfect compromise between writing comfort and firm grip for self-defense.
The only significant drawback for self-defense use is the pocket clip--unless you grab the pen in just the right way, the clip feels uncomfortable in your fist and compromises your grip. BUT, the clip can be removed easily, by unscrewing the very top of the cap, which then screws back in tightly.
I haven't looked at all the tactical pens out there, but the Hoffman Richter Stinger is better than any of the pens shown in this video. Just MHO.
Good video! I have the Gerber impromptu. I wanted a tool to carry when I can't have my CCW or a knife on me. The Gerber, in my opinion, fit that need. With the push button, it functions as a normal pen, and I don't mind the button when holding it in a self defense situation. I didn't like having to unscrew a cap or twist and end. I wanted a functional PEN that could be used for self defense if needed.
Did you check out the Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen?
It is quite solid, and pointy on only one side.
Considering people wearing coats etc - I think a pointy end is important.
It would also give you the choice of how harmful you go (depending on where you strike into the aggressor's body).
If the aggressor is armed and full of adrenaline, merely causing him pain might not be enough to stop him.
And - it costs only about 20 bucks.
+MisterBlueSky1000 I'll check it out - thanks.
Prior to tactical pens I carried Colibri ball pens strong body good writing pens that stand up to use as a weapon. Of all the tactical pens I've tried the one that I carry daily that would meet your standards is from Readyman not sure who makes it as it only has thier logo on it but it is a good writer with exposed carbide glass breaker weapon
For the most functions I like the Colt one, that's got an LED in the cap too. The whole thing is a bit long & heavy though, I wouldn't want to write a novel with it.
I have a different schrade one. I think its the SCPENBK, its more pointed, works good for what I wanted. Something that could be used in self defence and also works for a pen, which I use often just at work for writing down measurements after looking over prints etc, also for signing lottery tickets or cheques.
My only complaint is that its pretty much a full turn if not more like a 480 degree turn to actually remove the cap, would much rather it be a quarter turn or half turn and then its off. Just find I spend too much time unscrewing the cap which bothers me.
Hardcore Hardware Australia has some nice looking ones.
Now I purchased one from my local military surplus store for about 25 bucks now I don't know the brand but it's solid. It's got a bunch of things I like for instance it's got a flat top which is excellent to rest your thumb on for when you need to hold and deploy it. The construction is very solid I think it's aluminum but I can't be sure all I know is you could probably run it over and it's still be fine. The tip is similar to the Shrade one shown here, it's somewhat pointed but also rounded and definitely gets the job done and would double as a glass breaker in a pinch. It has no markings on it and doesn't look overtly tactical which I really like and it writes well. Overall I think tactical pens are an amazing tool for self defense and a much better option then a baton or Kubaton or knife for self defense as a tactical pen is less than lethal and can be carried pretty much anywhere. But I just wanted to leave this comment to show that you don't have to drop a lot for a good one
I have the blackfield tactical pen ii absolutely no issues with it, has a built in glass breaker and the top is flat. I switched out the cartridge with a fisher space ink cart.
Bought the blackfield iii last night
Also have a bluish schrade which idk which model though, shaped like a kubaton the top is also flat and screws off to write. I like them both, but prefer the blackfield....
+MrTomkat030 Ill check it out - thanks!
+MrTomkat030 Thanks - I'll have to check them out.
Voo-Doo Tactical has a very solid pen with little to no movement & it's built with ridges like an enforcer kubotan used by correction officers.
Tim,
Thanks for sharing the vid. I'm seem to have a pen and knife problem at times. lol
In regards to some Tac Pens that I own, I have the 5.11 pen and a Böker Tac Pen.
I carry the Böker every day simply because its small and doesn't get in the way. Its really comfortable to use and it doesn't scream Tommy Tactical at anyone. I have some pretty big hands so if I had to use in a self defense situation, I don't think I would cause any harm other than adding weight to my punch. I don't use or carry my 5.11 simply because it's not practical for my daily needs. This pen I would rank unbiasedly #1 out of all the ones that I've come across. Again, this is solely my personal opinion. If I had to use it in a situation, I firmly believe that I could cause major damage. The pen is very easy to hold and a flat top that allows your thumb to rest very naturally.
I would love to hear anyones personal experience with these pens.
www.boker.de/us/tactical-pen/09BO079.html
www.511tactical.com/double-duty-pen-15.html
Nice pens. I have a similar one and I was able to break a granite tile with it.
My Böker plus tactical pen is similar to the shrade one.
I freakin love it !
I have found that most tactical pens are lacking in areas you pointed out. I have a Smith & Wesson Pen - I can't remember the model. I call it my travel pen. When I go on the road to places where firearms are forbidden.
My biggest knock on all of them is the lack of ability to write well under normal circumstances. The "all weather pens" really suck for daily use. I took the refill out, drilled out the pen and replaced it with a Pilot Gel Ink pen. Now it writes well and is functional. I really don't care if it writes in the rain. Just me.
I agree completely, theres always something to keep one from being the perfect pen - whether its the writing, design or function. Welp, back to the search. Excellent overview and opinion, thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!
I live in Scotland, where carry any offensive weapon is banned and enforced by Police. Even tiny knives are illegal to carry on your person on the streets. For me, a ‘pen’ would be one of the options and is a very grey area still - most police officers who have been asked about such pens have stated they would not take any action if someone was carry a pen - unless they were preparing to use it, or threatening to use it.
I still state, I would use any method or instrument to enable me to defend myself or family and worry about the consequences in court.
I have tried a few tactical pens. By far my favorite is the strikepen. I got it for free other than shipping check online the sale comes up often
I like to keep it simple . . . then I received the KZ Stinger as a gift. Granted one of your dislikes is a sharp tip, and at first I was worried about jabbing myself in the leg with it in my pocket, I've never had a problem. Mine was a gift for a large order from Botach, but they are inexpensive at $13.
+sharder81 Nice - good to hear. Thanks for this info.
And for today's random idea of the day, I wonder if you could convert a Hero 100 Flighter (yes, that's how it's spelled) clone into a passable rescue pen by replacing one of the end jewels with a glass breaking point.
It wouldn't look much different than a fancy pen. the only think left would be to fix the ink flow issues...
Thinking structurally, you'd probably need to bring back the early Parker 51 style clutch mechanism, or similar, so that the cap is bound to the barrel, rather than the slip fit over the section. Might be an interesting ME project.
Why you try to combine functions the price always seems to rise exhorbitantly and at least one of the functions is sub optimal. So the 29 cent Bic pen I carry is only for writing. My EDC for self defense is a rock, sized appropriately so I can grasp and strike like a kubata. It works and it's free
I think Tactical Pens are useful in a sense as with any gear. I do not own a tactical pen but if I would I would get the Gerber Impromptu and the Schrade Survival Pen my reasons are that For the Gerber I wouldn't mind ejecting the pen while using it in a self defense situation since it gives you a more pointed end and would tell the attacker you mean business. (Ink can be very dangerous but ink poisoning is very rare especially since not very much would be injected if used to defend yourself). The Schrade is very nice in all terms of use with the whistle and ferro rod and is very useful. I know another Schrade Pen that has a very bad cord cutter.
Pens I recommend that are not tactical would be the Bic Round Stic or the Pilot G2 since they write very nicely.
But the Schrade Survival Pen has my vote for the best EDC pen on the list of pens that you had and Thanks for the Great Video Tim.
I use a TUL Gel retractible pen. Its excellent for the 100 times I'll write with it, and acceptable for the one time it may be used in self defense.
I have the stainless steel Maxpedition Acantha. I find it a bit too heavy to use to write for long periods. It uses a Fischer space pen refill so it writes well. It had two different ends, a lancet and a layered piece that Maxpedition calls a tri-step.
The cap is secure and screws off relatively easily. It posts by screwing on the other end so it remains secure.
Maxpedition makes an aluminum version that weighs half of what the stainless steel version does. Here's a link. www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/ACANTHA-TACTICAL-PEN-Aluminum-54p6920.htm
I know,you said you didn't use a stylus and this pen may not fall in the tactical line but it is multi purpose.
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T6NTSOG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1435975141&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=monteverde+tool+pen&dpPl=1&dpID=31JfZ18kdiL&ref=plSrch
Smalltown Prep
+1 to the Acantha
TheLateBoyScout did a great review where he used the CRKT as a comparison. For me the biggest plus is NOT looking tactical. If I am going somewhere that requires me to empty my pockets I don't want something that screams "tactical".
I like Maxpedition gear, but after reading the description (SS body...) I thought that there would be a weight issue. Thanks for confirming that. as I mentioned above, take a look at these (And no, I am NOT affiliated with the company, except as a satisfied customer...)
smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MC6JW2C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
carry a dum dum sucker fits in the fist with the stick part sticking out one throat punch your attacker is no longer a threat. and the plus side is if you don't ever have to use it you have a nice sucker to eat.
I just don't like click pens in general. I carry my pens in the same pocket as my wallet. And when I return my wallet it always hits the button. For months now it's been drawing all over my wallet and there's no way it's gonna wipe off. Wasting ink and inconveniencing since I have to check after each time I removed my wallet to see if I clicked it or not. I'm leaning more towards twist or snap caps now. The Schrade pen has been going okay for me, but upside down the pen doesn't always write at first and I have to wast some ink scratching at the paper to get the ink flowing. It also feels bulky clipping it to my pocket. I feel like there are thinner pens out there to try.
I don't know anything about pens so my concern is where to get and what kind refills do I need, these videos never say this.
Nobody has done such a comparison or review and it was long overdue. I have one tactical pen that is solid like the Schrade made by Mad Dog Security (I think that's the name) which makes flashlights and stun guns and other defensive products. My other choice was a Smith and Wesson Pen Light. It's very simple and solid, but it doesn't write, so it is basically a combination pen light and kubotan. I felt that not being able to function as a pen made it less covert and the narrow tapering tip may raise eyebrows. Basically it is just a pen light for typical use, but with a very pointy end. It's not particularly bright, so it fails to have the ability to blind an attacker. Again, it's good for technicians, the design is simple, solid construction and was also recently reduced in price.
What was that with the 2nd one? You're supposed to twist it around a bunch before you use it as a weapon? That's not good at all.
I really like the TWI02 by HHA and I will probably have a review up of that one. So thanks for the discussion I will keep these points in mind!
+MrLeonidas0001 "Tactical Adventure Lifestyle" Send a link when you get that review done.
EverydayTacticalVids Hey man I will keep that in mind thanks!
+MrLeonidas0001 "Tactical Adventure Lifestyle" Checking out your video now - thanks.
Tactical Spy pen from Jason, it has a Chinese design on it, is about 35 US dollars. The cap has the flat end for an ice pick grip, almost as large as the Shark in your vid if it had a flat end. Slightly larger than the schrade's. The cap doesn't unscrew, it just pressure seals on. The pen has two ends, one for the ink point that can unscrew to refill the ink. The profile of the pen doesn't change much if you switch the location of the cap. It writes rather well, but the balance is very long or rather the point of balance is high because the pen is long in writing format. Tim Larkin reviewed it and said it had better quality than his tactical pen, which he paid several hundred for. The index finger hold when writing, is much thinner than the pens you showed here, which you said were thick. Maybe thinner than the CR Kt.
The cap has some give in it when attached to the head or ink point, I can feel it moving but it's almost invisible. About 10-15% of the cap moving in your video, which is visible. This pen has no external logo on it, which I think suits me. Having a hidden tool that anyone can photograph and put it on internet open data searches to see what it is, would only be effective against zombies, not humans who are clever. The whole strategy of not calling attention to your self is hitting against mass marketing logos there. I also like the use of the ink, as it flows smoothly. Another thing I like is that it complements my LED aluminum flashlight as well. Flashlight for outdoors. Pen for indoors. A tool to match different environments and ranges.
If you have a habit of losing regular pens. Any tac pen is not worth the expense
The best tactical pen I could find was the Smith and Wesson (SWPENBK).
Not to be confused with the other verson the Military and Police one.
The Military and Police version has a click on lid, and the plastic inside is weak, and mine cracked because it bent too much when I would sit down.
The First one I mentioned has a screw on lid and has been fine for years now.
The reason I got it was because it was the best pen on the market I could find that was cheap enough, pointy enough, and had a nice flat top for my thumb like you were saying.
It's a big surface area for the thumb and very good. Almost all the others are doubling as a glass breaker or a gouger thing or rounded or pointy or double ended.. that is all useless. I need my thumb there.
So yea.. the Smith and Wesson SWPENBK.
so... what I learned is that the best tactical pen is actually a 7$ Sharpie which looks like a normal thing and do the same damage as the real expensives ones... thanks for the video very good lesson!!
Uzi makes good tactical pens that solve some real issues. The variety that has has a dna catcher /handcuff key is tje best of thier line ive seen
I've heard - I'll be checking them out in the future.
I love Hinderer Investigator Tactical Pen and Embassy Tactical Pen.
deploying the pen is more important than the tactical aspect in my opinion. I've never used the pen as a self defense tool, and i imagine most others dont as well. These are supposed to be a last resort discrete tool, and should be focused on writing. The cold steel marker is comical and is not thought of as a writing utensil when the cap is unscrewed.
I truly believe I have found the perfect edc pen and it is made from titanium and it’s perfectly balanced the cap
Screws onto both ends and it has a nice flat tip for your thumb and has a well designed and removable clip to not cut your hand plus it has slots for tritium vials so it can glow in the dark like the lume on a watch. Let me know if you want details
the mossberg ones are pretty good. $12 for a pack of 2. a little on the big side but a solid writer.