What Is A Tactical Pen Used For? Guide & Review

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What Is A Tactical Pen Used For
Rob Johnston
Rob Johnston

Editor & Article Writer for Outdoor Wilds

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What is a Tactical Pen Used For?

Tactical pens sound really interesting, and yes, in fact they are pretty neat. While you may not think of the pen as being a cool weapon, or a useful weapon at that, no the pen itself is not. 

However, we here are not talking about normal pens that you use to write your grocery list on an old piece of paper. Although, on a side note, tactical pens most often do actually work as pens and come with a writing tip.

Tactical pens are actually a self-defense weapon and can be used as an offensive weapon too. 

These pens, on the side which is not used for writing, feature a forged, hardened, and often super sharp tip. 

This tip is used for stabbing, prodding, poking, twisting, and generally incapacitating anybody who gets in your way. Another benefit of these pens is that they can break glass, which comes in handy after a car accident.

Of course, we are not advocating that you get a tactical pen and go to town on your neighbors who keep letting their dog defecate on your lawn, but none the less, it is a pretty useful as part of a survival kit

It can be used for self-defense against vicious animals just like it can for crazy human beings too. More or less, it is a sharp object, kind of like a knife, which is disguised as a pen. 

Now that you know what a tactical pen is used for, let’s take a look at door of the best options out there right now.

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Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

CRKT Williams Tactical Pen 2

This first option was designed and creator by a former US Marine by the name of James Williams.

It might look like a normal pen, but normal it is certainly not.

It features an anodized aluminum writing tip that also acts as the self-defense point.

It is so hard that it can defend you against people and animals, and even break glass too.

The cap does not need to be unscrewed, so you can get to defending yourself quickly.

The pen comes with a protective case and a clip, so you can keep it on your person at all times.

This tactical pen is a relatively affordable option to keep in mind.

Pros

  • Anodized aluminium tip

Cons

  • Not the greatest looking

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Benchmade - Tactical Pen

This is one of our favorite tactical pens on the market today.

For one, it looks really neat and it comes in a variety of colors for you to choose from.

Furthermore, it features a very comfortable and ergonomic grip which is specially designed to be anatomically correct, be easy to hold, and provide and excellent grip.

This is actually a good pen in terms of writing, and even has some features to prevent the ink from drying out.

However, of course, the real kicker here is the high-quality titanium tip which can easily bust glass and bone alike.

You can get this pen in aluminum, Damascus steel, stainless steel, and in titanium too.

It is fine for writing, but excellent for self-defense.

Pros

  • Top class pen for self defence
  • Made from high quality materials

Cons

  • It’s expensive

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Maxexpedition Spikata Tactical Pen Stainless Steel

The Maxexpedtion is made out of hardened stainless steel. 

This bad boy is hard, it is tough and durable, and it is meant for pure self-defense purposes. 

Sure, you can still write with it, but that is quite honestly totally beside the point. 

The rear end of this tactical pen features a rounded steel nub with a pointed front, one which can definitely inflict a good deal of damage to whoever gets in your way. 

What is cool is that the lancet can be replaced with a TriStep tip for some extra damage. 

It can even be used with pressurized refills.

Pros

  • Hardened stainless steel
  • Great looking pen

Cons

  • Refills can be expensive

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nitecore NTP10 Tactical Pen

Ok, so this might not be the best tactical pen to write with, as it does have some issues with the refill cartridges, but nobody buys this pen for writing. 

For one, this particular tactical pen definitely looks the part. 

It looks like one of those fancy several-hundred dollar pens that fat cat CEOs have. 

The body of this pen is hollow carved, plus the outside features a nice grip pattern, so in other words, it is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to hold as well. 

The tapered tungsten steel tip is super strong and durable, it has lots of penetrating power, and it can also smash glass.

Pros

  • Great looking tactical pen
  • Tungsten tipped

Cons

  • Refills can be a problem

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen

If you are looking for a good tactical pen, this is a great way to go. 

It features a special ink cartridge and type of ink which works in all temperatures and conditions. 

This is actually a click ballpoint pen. Click buttons are not often found on tactical pens, but it is a cool feature nonetheless.

It also comes with a clip, so you can always keep it handy in a pocket for immediate use. 

If you need a good tactical pen, this is a great option. 

The machined steel body is about as tough as it gets, and it can do some serious damage. 

The integrated tempered steel glass breaker on the front allows you to smash glass, bone, and boneheads with ease.

Pros

  • Works in all conditions
  • Tempered steel glass breaker

Cons

  • Quite heavy for a pen

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Mecarmy TPX33 Tactical pen,

If you are on the hunt for a really tough and rugged tactical pen, this is another good option to keep in mind. 

It is made with a TC4 Titanium alloy shell, which is scratch, corrosion, and impact resistant, plus rust proof too, not to mention hard as a diamond.

It features an anti-roll shell, so it does not ever roll away from you, a nice clip to always keep it handy, and a really good texture for a great grip as well. 

The tungsten steel head which this pen comes with is one of the best in the business.

Pros

  • Very stylish
  • Anti-roll shell

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

GP 1945 Bolt Action Pen

The tungsten steel glass breaker included here is definitely top notch.

It is solid, it won’t break, and it will break nearly anything in its path. 

The glass breaker works for glass and for attackers too. 

For your safety, this pen also comes with a multi-tone whistle, so you can alert people of your presence and call for help if needed.

On a side note, this whistle is also super loud, which is a big benefit.

The aero-grade aluminum body is about as tough as it gets; the body has good grip, and yes, it works fine as a normal pen as well. 

The bolt-action feature, if not useful, is at least really cool.

Pros

  • Almost bomb proof
  • Includes a whistle…neat

Cons

  • Nope..can’t think of any

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sportsman's Premium Bullet Pen

Yes, this pen looks a big old bullet, and in our opinion, it is pretty neat looking. 

It is actually hand made in the US and has been made with solid brass shell casings. In other words, it is a pretty durable little item no doubt. 

The twisting action is fine because it allows for the smooth retraction of the ball point pen tip. 

However, of course, the really cool part is the solid head which can do a lot of damage to anyone or anything that gets in your way. 

It’s admittedly not the best for self-defense, but it certainly looks cool.

Pros

  • Looks good if you like that type of style

Cons

  • Not great for self-defence

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Valtcan Titanium Bolt Pen

This tactical pen is made with a real titanium body, so you know that it is super durable. 

It also comes with a nifty clip, so you can easily keep it on your body at all times.

Moreover, the bolt-action retractor for the pen looks very cool and is useful as well.

The hardened tungsten tip on this pen is super tough; it can easily smash glass, and it works well as a self-defense tool as well.

It is made with a pretty decent grip pattern, so it does not slip out of your hand.

In terms of being a pen, it works just fine and is compatible with a few different refill cartridges.

Pros

  • Hardened steel tip
  • Looks great

Cons

  • Nothing I can think of

Last update on 2024-03-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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