At first glance, a tactical pen looks like an ordinary pen clipped to a pocket, notebook, or briefcase. Look closer, however, and you’ll find a rugged metal construction designed to withstand impacts that would destroy a standard pen. In an emergency, it can be used to deliver focused strikes to vulnerable areas such as the eyes, throat, hands, or other sensitive targets. Even when a strike doesn’t stop an attack outright, it can create enough pain and distraction to provide an opportunity to escape or counter the threat.
The tactical pen’s greatest advantage isn’t necessarily its striking power. It’s the discretion. Most models blend seamlessly into everyday life, attracting little attention while remaining readily accessible. Whether you view it as a practical self-defense tool or simply a durable piece of everyday carry gear, the tactical pen occupies a unique niche by serving two purposes: signing receipts or taking notes when everything is normal, while remaining available as an emergency defensive option when things are not.
Purpose and Place For a Tactical Pen
Tactical pens are more known to the public now than ever before. This means their profile has been raised accordingly in the minds of authorities and citizens alike. There is also the fact that, compared to an ordinary writing instrument, tactical pens are clearly machined, well-made weapons. The fluting, knurling, logos from knife and gun manufacturers; these are all dead giveaways on close examination that the pen in question is a little more than a pen.
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Does this mean that a purpose-built tactical pen exists only to make some of us “feel better?” No. The tactical pen still has a place for the modern prepper, survivalist and armed citizen. It is very often legal; it can do more, because it is a pen, than a purpose-made yawara, kubotan or other pocket self-defense implement; and it is vital in those instances where one needs a pen to write a note or sign a document; and it is extremely strong and typically quite well made. Most “ordinary” pens will never be as robust as a tactical pen. Also, tactical writing instruments are intended to be reused with ink refills, making them an environmentally friendly option.
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Different Uses
Using a tactical pen is simple and intuitive. The easiest way is to employ a hammer-fist grip, with the pen projecting from the top or the bottom of the fist. You can slam the tip of the pen into muscle tissue to cause an attacker to react, creating an opening for a follow-up strike, or you can ram the pen into his eyes or throat in the hopes of neutralizing his attack.
Some tactical pens also offer aggressively crenelated tips that will rip an attacker’s flesh and draw blood. Companies advertise this feature as a “DNA catcher” option. The crenelations are likely more a liability than a benefit, given that turning a self-defense altercation into a bloody mess is probably not helpful. Still, it is an option on those models with jagged striking tips. Then, too, people can use a tapered pen to pierce an assailant’s skin. This makes the pen a practical stabbing tool as well as a pressure-point weapon.
The tactical pen will not break as easily as the bones of your hand, nor does it feel pain. This alone is enough to make it useful for self-defense. That said, there is no need for elaborate tutorials demonstrating the use of the tactical pen. It’s a rigid poking implement, the operating theme being no more complicated than sticking the pointy end in the other guy. How you hold it can make a difference. However, if you use a secure grip secure and you drive it into the target with sufficient force, it can be used to good effect.
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With all of that in mind, let’s look at some of today’s best options for your self-defense.
CRKT Defense Pens
The CRKT line of tactical pens features four different options inspired by martial arts master James Williams. CRKT takes a more refined approach to tactical pens than many competitors, focusing on designs that blend seamlessly into everyday carry rather than screaming “self-defense tool.”
Constructed from lightweight yet durable 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the pens are built to withstand hard use while remaining comfortable for daily writing. They utilize reliable Fisher Space Pen refills, allowing them to write in extreme conditions and at virtually any angle. The Williams Defense Pen, in particular, has earned a following for its sleek, low-profile appearance that looks more like a premium writing instrument than a tactical accessory. With clean lines, quality machining, and discreet defensive capability, CRKT’s tactical pens strike an appealing balance between everyday practicality and personal protection.
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Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson has a nice line of tactical pens as well. The line is made with machined aircraft aluminum, combining heavy-duty construction and durability with slick dependability.
Each pen is equipped with a Schmidt P900M Parker style black ballpoint ink cartridge and are available with a range of stylus tips, pop-off pen caps, personal protection tips, pocket clips, and more.
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More Options
A trip to your favorite online retailer will provide you with any number of tactical pens. Some of these, even the off-brand Chinese imports, have interesting features, such as attached whistles. There are options available in several different brands, with different perks, variable levels of durability, and for every budget. No matter what features you prefer, there is a tactical pen available for you.
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