22 Best Tactical Pens in 2024 (Reviews and Buying Guide)

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Due to their versatility as low profile self-defense weapons, survival tools, and nearly indestructible writing utensils, tactical pens are popular everyday carry tools used by everyone from military operators to white-collar CEOs.

I actually decided to purchase my first tactical pen after a regular pen exploded in the admin pouch of my flak jacket and damaged a lot of my gear. After searching online for a pen that could take the abuse the comes with military life, I decided to pull the trigger and buy my first tactical pen.

Tactical Pen Being Used by a Marine

Tactical pens are typically made of lightweight military-grade aluminum and have pressurized ink cartridges that make them extremely durable and prevent them from “exploding” or leaking on your clothing or gear. They came about from several decades of modifications and feature enhancements to a very simple self-defense tool that was invented back in the 1960’s, the Kubotan.

Keep in mind that features vary a lot between pens and there is no one best tactical pen for everyone. You’re going to want to consider weight, size, material, design, and functionality when choosing a pen. I’ll talk more about that below and help you find the right pen for your intended use case.

Quick Summary: Our Top Picks For 5 Best Tactical Pens in 2024
IMAGE PRODUCT
Gerber Impromptu
  • Tempered steel construction
  • Inclued glass-breaker
  • Can write in any weather conditions
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Smith and Wesson MP 2
  • T6061 aircraft aluminum material
  • 5.80 inche length
  • Durabile
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TF Tactical Pen with Flashlight
  • T6061 aircraft aluminum construction
  • 6.40 inche length
  • Inbuilt LED flashlight
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CRKT Williams Tactical EDC Survival Pen
  • 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum construction
  • Unique shape for better grip
  • Removeable cap
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SKILCRAFT B3 Aviator Multi-function Pen
  • Aluminum material
  • Twist Carousel mechanism
  • 7.00 inche length
VIEW ON AMAZON →

Here Are the Best Tactical Pens

Gerber Gear 31-001880N Impromptu Tactical Pen, Black

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Material Construction: Tempered Steel
Overall Length: 5.59 Inches
Overall Weight: 2.40 Ounces
Mechanism: Push Button

My Review: I’m a big fan of some of Gerber’s high-end American-made knives and multi-tools, so when I found out they made a tactical pen I had to get my hands on it. This pen was developed in conjunction with law enforcement professionals to be a solid writing instrument that is rugged and can stand up to just about any abuse that the field can throw its way.

One of my favorite things about this pen is the Rite in the Rain ballpoint cartridge. This pen will write in just about any weather conditions, making it a perfect pen for field use. This thing will write upside down, in the rain, over grease stains, over pictures, etc.

You get the peace of mind in knowing that the Impromptu is made in the USA and comes with Gerber’s limited lifetime warranty.

Overall, if you are simply in need of a rugged, reliable pen with a glass-breaker, the Gerber Impromptu may be the right pen for you. I used this pen in the Marines and I recommend it to military and law enforcement. The only small downside I see with the Impromptu is that while it’s built like a tank and extremely reliable, it’s a little heavier than most of the pens on this list. That’s definitely something to consider if you’re looking for a tactical EDC pen and really want something lightweight.

 

2. Smith and Wesson MP 2 (Highest Rated)

Smith & Wesson SWPENMP2BK 5.8in Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Screw Cap Pen for Outdoor, Survival, Camping and EDC

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Material Construction: T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.80 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.4 Ounces
Mechanism: Screw Cap

My Review: Designed for military and police, the Smith and Wesson MP 2 offers a comfortable grip and great pocket clip. It’s lightweight, durable, writes well, and doubles as a capable self-defense tool. Overall, the construction is very solid; it offers the durability and dependability we have all come to expect from Smith and Wesson.

This is one of the highest-rated tactical pens out there, but if you do buy this pen be aware that it does not have a glass breaker.

Another thing to note here is that the Smith and Wesson logo is printed on the pen clip. I have heard some people say that since the brand is well known for manufacturing many things other than pens, the logo may tip someone off that this is not an ordinary pen. While some may consider this an unintended deterrent, others would rather keep the element of surprise. Personally, I don’t mind the logo being printed on the pen. So long as you don’t care too much about it not having a glass breaker, this is a great pen.

 

3. Smith and Wesson SWPEN3BK

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Material Construction: T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.4 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.6 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: This is another great pen by Smith and Wesson that offers features many of their tactical pens do not.

Not only did they decide to include the carbide glass-breaking tip, but they added a stylus to truly add functionality to the design by allowing it to be used with touchscreen technology as well as a top-of-the-line writing instrument. Designed to be a nonlethal weapon-of-last-resort as well as a survival tool, it is constructed from high-grade aircraft aluminum. It is constructed to last a lifetime and accepts Schmidt P900M Parker-style refills.

Smith and Wesson did a great job with this tac pen than with previous offerings while keeping it on the low-end of moderate pricing levels.

 

4. The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen (Best Value)

The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen - Pen with Window Breaker - Used in Police and Military Gear - Ballpoint Pens with Free 2nd Ink Refill

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Material Construction: T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 6.00 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.69 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: The Atomic Bear is a field-tested tactical pen built with military-grade aircraft aluminum construction. Its build quality is pretty incredible considering it’s under 20 dollars.

One of its key features is interchangeability, as it accepts many different types of ink refills, including Parker, Fisher, Rite in the Rain, and Atomic Bear cartridges.

The Atomic Bear is one of the best values on the market today. What you get here is a feature-packed and time-tested tactical pen with a window breaker at an amazing price. In my opinion, this is easily the best tactical pen for the money.

 

5. Sminiker Professional Defender Tactical Pen

Sminiker Professional Defender Tactical Pen With 6 Ink Refills Aircraft Aluminum Self Defense Pen With Glass Breaker Writing Multifunctional Survival Tool (Black)

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Material Construction: Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.69 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.60 Ounces
Mechanism: Twist

My Review: This is another tactical pen that is a pretty incredible value. The pen feels hefty and strong just like much more expensive tactical pens do and since it’s made out of high quality aluminum, it won’t rust and it’s rather lightweight for how much strength it has. It does have a window breaker and a heavy duty pocket clip. At just over $10 this pen isn’t all that much more expensive than a regular pen. This wouldn’t be my first choice on this list but in terms of value it’s hard to beat.

 

6. Benchmade 1100 Series (Premium Pick)

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Material Construction: Stainless Steel or Damascus
Overall Length: 5.33 Inches
Overall Weight: 3.20 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: If you know anything about Benchmade, you already know they make some of the highest quality knives out there. You also know they come with a hefty price tag, and that’s also the case with this tactical pen.

The Benchmade 1100 Series tactical pens are a unique line of premium tactical pens that come with lifetime warranties. All have carbide tips for glass breaking and are designed to perform under just about any field conditions.

The interesting feature is that with the 1100 series, you get to choose the metal that best suits your needs, from high-grade aircraft aluminum to Damascus steel (called Damasteel) to Titanium. The titanium model is the best one for overall durability and strength, obviously derived from the natural hardness of titanium.

The 1100 Series tac pen will not let you down in a fight, will not leave you stuck inside a sealed-in vehicle, and will write in just about any condition imaginable. However, the price tag of this pen is something you need to carefully evaluate before purchasing, as it can run upwards of $200.00 depending on the material you choose.

The only reason this pen doesn’t have higher ratings is that the cap has a little bit of play. It’s not a huge deal but when you’re dropping this kind of money on a pen you expect a very high attention to detail.

If you are looking for a premium pen and price is not an issue for you, give the Benchmade 1100-Series some consideration. While the price tag is incredibly high for a pen, the lifetime warranty and the exception construction means that you will not be let down when you need it the most.

 

7. Schrade SCPENBK

Schrade SCPENBK 5.7in Black Aluminum Refillable Screw-Off Tactical Pen for Outdoor Survival, Protection and EDC

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Material Construction: 6061 T6 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.7o Inches
Overall Weight: 1.4 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: This offering from Schrade is very similar in design and features to the Smith and Wesson model above. Similarly crafted from aircraft aluminum, the Schrade SCPENBK features a screw-off cap, refillable ink cartridges, and a self-defense tip – all at a much lower price.

Also similar to the Smith and Wesson model, it is conspicuously missing a glass breaker tip, so it is also geared more towards self-defense situations and rugged performance in bad field conditions.

It differs from the Smith and Wesson in that it looks more like a standard pen than the Smith and Wesson model, and the Schrade logo is less known than Smith and Wesson is as a manufacturer of weapons, so you get to keep the element of surprise.

 

8. CRKT Williams Tactical Pen 2

CRKT Williams Tactical Pen 2: Low Profile, EDC Self Defense Survival Pens Made of Black Anodized Aluminum with Pressurized Ink Cartridge, and Pocket Clip TPENWP

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Material Construction: Anodized Aluminum
Overall Length: 6.75 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.40 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: This offering from CRKT is designed to pack a powerful punch from its carefully crafted self-defense tip. It is a powerful personal protection weapon that is designed to function as in stealth, looking more and more like a regular pen that any of our previously reviewed models. The advertising tagline for this model is “Looks Can Be Deceiving,” which demonstrates its intended purpose.

When deployed in a self-defense scenario, your attacker will think nothing of it until you strike him with its powerful self-defense tip, giving you the element of surprise that can be one of the most important factors in determining the outcome of hand-to-hand combat. Designed by Army officer and martial arts instructor James Williams, who is a competent fighter with just about any weapon put in front of him, this CRKT pen is great to have when you need it the most – when your life may depend on it!

While it does not include a glass breaker, the CRKT Williams tac pen does exactly what it is meant to do, and that is to be a stealthy, durable, and functional self-defense weapon as well as a rugged, field-tested writing instrument. If you are looking into a tac pen that is meant to function as a self-defense weapon over anything else, the Williams may just be for you.

 

9. SOG Multitool Tactical Pen

SOG Multitool Tactical Pen - Baton Q1 TSA Approved Travel Accessories, Multitool Pen with Travel Scissors, EDC Gear (ID1001-CP), 4 Tool

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Material Construction: Anodized Aluminum and 5Cr15MoV steel
Overall Length: 5.6o Inches
Overall Weight: 2.40 Ounces
Mechanism: Thumb Stub

My Review: This SOG tactical pen is unique among the market of tactical pens, as it focuses mainly on being a utilitarian multitool instead of a self-defense, personal protection, or emergency escape tool.

However, reviews on this pen show that there is much to be desired. Many people have commented on the construction of the pen, claiming that it is not up to the task of cutting through something as simple as duct tape.

It appears that this tac pen may be more focused on proving the concept of this type of design instead of truly committing to the construction, durability, and utility of daily in-the-field use.

It does not include a carbide tip, so you will not be able to break glass with it, which is very curious, given that it packs four tools into the small footprint.

The best part of this tactical pen appears to be the ink itself, as it takes a common “U-type” space ink cartridge, meaning that you can refill it super-cheap without using a proprietary cartridge.

In all honesty, if you are looking for a multi-tool, get a multi-tool from a trusted brand. While this package is a great concept, it fails to perform as it is intended. Different from most tactical pens, its focus on being a utilitarian instrument means that you will not be able to rely on this in a fight or to break glass windows to escape with your life. While it is pretty cool from a concept standpoint, many kinks need to be worked out before this offering from SOG can stand up to the demanding requirements of most tactical pens.

 

10. Bastion Executive

BASTION Bolt Action Pen | Stainless Steel | Luxury Executive Ballpoint Pen for Men & Women | Ink Refillable Retractable Office Business Writing Pen | Metal Fine Point EDC Pocket Pen

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Material Construction: Stainless Steel
Overall Length: 7.13 Inches
Overall Weight: 2.80 Ounces
Mechanism: Bolt-Action

My Review: Something I think a lot of us looking to actually carry a tactical pen as an EDC tool is the low profile and covertness of a pen that can look perfectly ordinary while having capabilities far beyond just a writing utensil. Of course, writing for a pen is always a good thing too, but if a tactical pen is your cup of tea, you may want to error with something that looks like it writes and is perfectly harmless.

That’s what you’re getting here with Bastion’s bolt-action tactical pen. It’s got the features of a tactical pen, it’s got the feel of a tactical pen, it’s got the toughness and durability of a tactical pen, but at a glance, it just looks like a regular fancy pen your doctor might have and that’s perfect.

What I really like about this pen is its overall premium feel for a very low price. They are stainless steel, nothing particularly special, but the way the pen is weighted and the fact that it’s a bit larger than most pocket pens is perfect for me. The bolt-action movement is perfect, although a tad bit gritty when you first get it, but most of them are when they aren’t broken in yet.

 

11. Fisher Clutch Space Pen

fisher SPACE PEN Clutch Space Pen

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Material Construction: Anodized Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.45 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.41 Ounces
Mechanism: Twist

My Review: I was really impressed with this pen and you know, it’s something that feels tough and mechanical, and like I’d expect to find it in a veteran’s car shop. The pictures actually feel a bit more “tactical” than the pen really feels when you finally get it and the finish is downright excellent, definitely a step up from pens in the 20 dollar price range.

Of course, in true Fisher form, these pens are capable of writing in space through the help of their nitrogen pressurized refills that are hermetically sealed, ensuring they can withstand extreme temperatures (-30F – 250F).

These pens aren’t the most tactical but I can’t think of anything cooler than something being designed and used by astronauts, especially the astronauts on Apollo 7. If it’s good enough for humanity’s most courageous explorers, it’s good enough for me!

 

12. CRKT Techliner Everyday Carry Pen

CRKT Techliner Everyday Carry Pen Made of Black Anodized Aluminum with Pressurized Ink Cartridge, Pocket Clip, and Magnetic Caps TPENBOND

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Material Construction: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.06 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.00 Ounce
Mechanism: Removable Cap

My Review: CRKT makes some of our favorite knives so it’s no secret that I was excited to try out their tactical pens. Just like their knives, they have options for a lot of different people on both the stylish and simple side but also the more extreme aspects. The Techliner EDC pen lays on the stylish and simple side coming in with a very nice black on silver polish and not much giving way to the pen being usable as a weapon except the small CRKT logo on the pocket clip.

Something you’ll immediately notice is the magnet cap, which is a nice little feature. Of course, the pen is strong and sturdy and like many modern tactical pens, can write in space with the help of the same technology from the Fisher Space pens.

I thought I’d have more to say but honestly, a short review is fitting. The pen is pretty amazing for the price, doesn’t stand out or draw any unwarranted attention, fits well in the hands of a guy who has somewhat large hands and uses the same tech from one of the most legendary and reliable pens ever made. If it’s your style and you don’t need any extra tools or fancy functions, give it a go and grab a pocket knife from CRKT as well!

 

13. Boker Plus Tactical Pen CID 45 Cal

Boker Plus Tactical Pen CID Cal .45 (Gray)

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Material Construction: Stainless Steel or Titanium
Overall Length: 5.00 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.31 Ounces
Mechanism: Bolt-Action

My Review: This review will focus on the stainless steel version but I’d imagine just about everything applies to the titanium version as well. Of course, the titanium version is the premium, more expensive option.

I really like bolt-action pens but I really dislike it when the bolt is huge, obnoxious, and in the way. Boker must have read my mind because the way they’ve gone on to design this pen is just incredible. You get the fun and addicting bolt-action mechanism with an extremely elegant and low-profile bolt. It’s not so small that it becomes difficult to use but it’s just the size I’ve always been wanting to see in these kinds of pens.

So, what’s up with the clip? Well, it’s probably unique to a lot of people but these kinds of integral clips have been used before. Boker, of course, has found a way to make an integral clip extremely elegant and although it is stylish, it’s still rather low-profile.

 

14. CRKT Williams Tactical EDC Survival Pen

CRKT Williams Tactical Pen: Low Profile, EDC Self Defense Survival Pen Made of Black Anodized Aluminum with Fisher Space Ink Cartridge and Pocket Clip, with Case TPENWK

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Material Construction: 6061 T6 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 8.25 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.20 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: This CRKT Williams Tactical Pen is another version of the other CRKT Williams pen reviewed earlier on this page.

It was designed by self-defense expert James Williams to be a low-profile self-defense and survival tool.

Crafted from 6061 anodized aircraft aluminum, it will take just about any abuse in the field that you can throw at it and still perform its tasks flawlessly, making it a true tactical offering.

It looks great and feels amazing in your hand and is designed to write in many different positions and operating environments.

As a tactical design, I tend to prefer the low-profile design of tactical pens like the CRKT Williams over more aggressive designs, as they tend to perform their intended purpose over others. By allowing an attacker to believe you are unarmed, you are underestimated and keep the element of surprise, something that can be the difference between life and death. Both CRKT Williams models perform in this capacity surprisingly well. This is easily one of the best tactical pens out there.

 

15. Schrade SCPEN9BK Aluminum Tactical Pen

Schrade SCPEN9BK 5in Aluminum Refillable Push Button Tactical Pen for Outdoor Survival, Protection and EDC

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Material Construction: 6061 T6 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.00 Inches
Overall Weight: 2.08 Ounces
Mechanism:  Push Button

My Review: The Schrade SCPEN9BK is a 5-inch push-button style tactical pen designed for maximum stealth while maintaining a high level of defensive capabilities.

With this pen, an attacker would never guess that it can be deployed as a self-defense weapon, and will be super surprised when you turn the tables on a would-be assault or strong-arm robbery attempt.

It uses Schmidt Easyflow P900M refills, just like many other pens on our list, so you can rest assured that you will always be able to find a refill relatively easy. Designed with maximum tactical functionality in mind, you will be able to have this weapon available and ready to defend your life at a moment’s notice.

The Schrade SCPEN9BK is the best choice on our list when it comes to tactical self-defense devices that utilize stealth to blend in as standard writing instruments so that they can be readily deployed at a moment’s notice. If I were looking for a tac pen that could easily be carried onto a plane or in other high-security places where self-defense options are limited, this is the pen I would choose to carry.

 

16. TF Tactical Pen with Flashlight (Most Features)

TAKEFLIGHT Tactical Pen Survival Gear – Aircraft-Grade Aluminum LED Tactical Flashlight Multi Tool – Rugged, Lightweight EDC Pen Survival Tool – Glass Breaker, Bottle Opener, Screwdriver, Gift Boxed

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Material Construction: T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 6.40 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.27 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: I know this pen isn’t for everyone, but it is a well-constructed tool packed with features and manufactured by a veteran-owned company.

It has an LED flashlight, carbide glass breaker, self-defense tip, LED flashlight, bottle opener, and a rugged, write-anywhere ink cartridge. It seems to be a monster of a tactical pen that has way more features than almost any other pen out there.

As mentioned, it’ss manufactured by a veteran-owned company right here in the United States, meaning that you can support a cause that means a great deal to me personally by buying this pen.

I would like to see more reviews from people that I really put this thing to the test with some heavy-duty field use. A lot of people buy this pen as a gift, and obviously, it looks awesome and has some great features, but many of the reviews are by people who haven’t actually used it.

Plus, with a price tag of around $25, it’s definitely worth picking up and seeing how you like it.

 

17. Schrade SCPENG Tactical Pen

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Material Construction: 6061 T6 Aircraft Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.70 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.40 Ounces
Mechanism: Removeable Cap

My Review: We already talked about this pen above so I will keep this review short, the only difference with this offering is the color. The Schrade SCPENG is a low-profile, self-defense and survival-capable tactical pen that prides itself on being underestimated by those who wish to do you harm.

It is lightweight, looks completely non-threatening, and is almost always mistaken for a regular pen, even by TSA agents responsible for airline safety. However, underneath the regular-looking facade lies a powerful nonlethal weapon that is sleek, stylish, durable, and easily deployed in time of need.

The Schrade SCPENG is an affordably priced self-defense tactical pen that will not let you down if the time comes that you have to use it to protect your life.

 

18. 5.11 Kubaton Tactical Pen

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Material Construction: Anodized Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.40 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.17 Ounces
Mechanism: Capless Twist

My Review: 5.11 seems to be launching products everywhere and so it’s no surprise they’ve gone on to make their own iteration of the tactical pen. It’s simple and sleek, exactly what you would expect from other 5.11 products, and really encompasses what 5.11 is. The pen isn’t jam-packed with tons of features and it doesn’t try to do anything new or fancy but instead, it’s extremely elegant but ultra-durable and at the end of the day, it gets the job done and it’s a great value.

Despite it being rather simple, it is just as strong as any other tactical pen at this price point. The anodized aluminum is super light and will be noticeably lighter than stainless steel pens. The 5.11 Kubaton pen is good to go with a lot of the best ink cartridges including the Fisher PRs, Rite in the Rain, and Schmidt EasyFlow 9000 series.

 

19. Hardcore Hardware TWI02

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Material Construction: Anodized Aluminum
Overall Length: 5.75 Inches
Overall Weight: 1.80 Ounces
Mechanism: Removable Cap

My Review: Hardcore Hardware’s tactical pen certainly lives up to their brand name coming in with a rather old but solid anodized aluminum construction and a super hard ball tip. What’s unique on this pen is the recessed thumb point that really makes getting a solid grip and getting your force behind the pen a lot easier and more comfortable. The overall design of the pen does feel pretty standard with most of the other options and does have some nice knurling that I found to be in the perfect spots for good ergonomics.

At just $35, this is actually one of the best tactical pens you get in terms of bang for your buck. Yeah, you could go cheaper, but this pen really is the stepping stone I think between quality and pens that I’m not sure I’d want to risk my life with. The Hardcore Hardware tactical pen feels solid and is obviously made to withstand quite a beating.

 

20. Nitecore NTP10

Nitecore NTP10 Tactical Self Defense Pen with Tungsten Steel Tip, Titanium

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Material Construction: Titanium with Tungsten Steel Tip
Overall Length: 4.25 Inches
Overall Weight: 0.64 Ounces
Mechanism: Removable Cap

My Review: As a tactical pen the Nitecore NTP10 kind of falls short because it’s a little on the small side for both comfortable writing and comfortable warding off of enemies and despite being built of insanely strong titanium, it just doesn’t have the oomph I would really want from a pen for self defense purposes.

With that said, I do realize a lot of people are shopping for tactical pens because they simply enjoy the style and flair that these pens encompass, and if that’s what you’re looking for, the Nitecore NTP10 might just be perfect. The slim body of this pen is very elegant and the machining down the sides makes it look like a drill bit, albeit the most beautiful drill bit I’ve ever seen.

I mentioned the pen is small and slim and for writing when it comes to having somewhat large hands, it feels a bit cramped, but as a pen, you might carry every day, the slim profile and lightweight materials make this pen very easy to keep on you.

 

21. Hoffman Richter Stinger

Hoffman Richter Stinger Tactical Pen and Survival Glass Breaker for Discreet Self Defense, Men, Women, Police, and Military with Titanium Coated Aluminum Body

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Material Construction: Titanium Coated Aluminum
Overall Length: 6.25 Inches
Overall Weight: 3.00 Ounces
Mechanism: Removable Cap

My Review: The Hoffman Richter Stinger is an excellent minimalist tactical pen with the look and feel that rivals those at the top of the quality list. It’s titanium coated aluminum body allows this pen to weigh considerably less than most other full-size tactical pens without giving up any structural integrity.

There honestly isn’t much to say about this pen and sometimes that’s a good thing. It writes really well, fits perfectly in my somewhat largeish hands, doesn’t feel too unbalanced with the cap on the end, and certainly feels like a pen that I can use as a tool or weapon if the situation warranted it. Something you’ll notice right away is how thick the body feels and how hefty the pen actually is despite its relatively low weight and low-profile design.

Related Article: 8 Best Tactical Gloves

Is it worth eighty bucks? Well, I think if you’re completely new to tactical pens, I would suggest trying out a few different models that are all cheaper so you can understand what you like to carry and use but if you’re not and you’re in the market for a more premium full-size tactical pen that’s simple and elegant, I’d say this is a great place to park that money.

 

22. SKILCRAFT B3 Aviator Multi-function Pen

SKILCRAFT B3 Aviator Multi-function Pen Black/Red Ink, Medium Point with Pencil (7520-01-564-9906)

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Material Construction: Aluminum
Overall Length: 7.00 Inches
Overall Weight: 0.30 Ounces
Mechanism: Twist Carousel 

My Review: The Skilcraft B3 Aviator is another option that differs greatly from other tactical pens on the market.

In fact, it is not a tactical pen at all, but it does feature extremely solid construction and has some very unique features.

Instead of being a pen made to defend yourself or escape from a bad situation, it is a multifunction pen that features both red and black ink as well as a pencil.

Again, while this is not a tactical pen from the viewpoint that it has zero self-defense, emergency, or personal protection functions, its sturdy construction and multiple functions make it a great choice for long-term fieldwork, especially when you are in a situation where accessing multiple colors of ink is required.

This would make a great pen for a professor, teacher, or instructor that relies on both heavy black-ink writing as well as constant use of red ink for corrections and feedback while grading student assignments.

Plus, it’s made by handicapped people right here in the United States, and purchases help keep these individuals working, productive, and independent. It’s not very expensive, so if you happen to be looking for a pen with multiple ink colors, why not give it a try?

 

Choosing the Right Tactical Pen

This section is for those of you who want to learn more about tactical pens.

What is a Tactical Pen?

A tactical pen is a tool that combines the personal protection and self-defense capabilities of the Kubotan while disguising its true function to make it appear as though you are carrying a harmless pen. Plus, the evolution of the weapon over the past few decades has added other survival-geared features other than the personal protection capabilities. Many tactical pens include a hardened, spiked tip similar to a glass-breaking hammer that allows you to escape situations where you may be trapped in a vehicle and need to break the glass to get out. Tac pens with this feature added may end up saving your life in a situation such as this.

Tactical Pen Features

Other features, believe it or not, that come standard on many tactical pens include a mechanism to collect the DNA of a would-be assailant in the event that you need to deploy the pen as a self-defense weapon. Simply make contact with your attacker using this part of the pen and turn it over to your local police for collection of the biologic material that it was able to collect. The implications behind this feature are huge. Chances are, someone who can attack you has more than likely committed other crimes of the same nature. The attacker’s DNA could be sitting in a police database as an unknown offender, which could then be matched to the DNA collected by your tactical pen. Alternatively, the person may be a convicted felon with his/her DNA already matched to an identity in the system, and your collection of fresh DNA could reveal your attacker’s identity and help to build a case against him for the attack against you.

The point here is that these little devices have enormous potential in a constant-changing, fast-paced situation where you must defend yourself from an attack or escape from a death trap.

One of the ideas behind the military martial art discipline known as Krav Maga is that you should be ready for real-world scenarios whereby you could be facing a life-or-death situation where you must use anything at your disposal against your opponent to save your life. The idea behind both the Kubotan and the tactical pen seems to draw from this philosophy by allowing you to have multiple tools at your disposal on your keychain or in your pocket. The development and evolution of the tactical pen remind me quite a bit of the training I received when learning Krav Maga techniques.

The fact of the matter is, and this is another technique similar to Krav Maga; it is very unlikely that you are going to be armed to the teeth with your AR and sidearm ready when and if someone attacks you in a dark parking lot. Finally, Krav Maga teaches its adherents to improvise defense while attacking at your opponent’s most vulnerable points, while the tactical pen allows you to strike at an assailant’s pressure points in a manner that quickly incapacitates them.

By appreciating, understanding, and learning how to use the tactical pen properly as a personal protection device means that you can quickly gain the upper hand and send your would-be attacker crying on his way home while your tac pen holds a piece of his DNA to be turned over to the police for evidence of the attempted strong-armed robbery.

The bottom line here is, so long as you are willing to learn how to properly wield a tactical pen as a self-defense and personal protection weapon, it will do you more good than you can imagine. However, if you just buy it and sit it on the shelf or carry it in your pocket without properly learning how to use the valuable features hidden within, you might as well not even have it.

So, it’s perfectly understandable that, after learning what a tactical pen can do for you, you want to know where to get one. Better yet, you want to know where you can get the best, most rugged, longest-lasting, and most feature-heavy tactical pen that you can get for your money. You don’t want to spend a fortune, and the great thing about owning a tactical pen is that you will not have to. The truth is, there are many tactical pens out there, many of them are so similar that they are almost identical, feature-wise; while others may focus on fewer features with a higher quality of construction.

As we dive into the reviews of some of the hottest tactical pens on the market right now, keep in mind that you must evaluate your reasons for purchasing one. Do you wish to learn how to wield one of these capable weapons for self-defense reasons or do you just want something that can break a window if you ever find yourself locked in a car with no way out?

So, sit back and take a look at these offerings; and if you are so inclined to purchase one, simply click on the link to buy direct from our partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes for a good Tactical Pen?

A Good tactical pen is something that comes with a feature-set such as having tools for self-defense, a flashlight, or a stylus. They are majorly purchased as a safety tool that one can carry instead of a knife.

Are Tactical Pens illegal?

Tactical Pens are 100% LEGAL to use and carry. They also provide an easy way to carry a self-defense tool without the extra headache of following local laws. Above all that, they also carry some other tools that make themselves useful.

Are Tactical Pens good for self-defense?

Tactical Pens make up for good stabbing or striking weapons and can be used in situations where one has to act for their self-defense.

The Bottom Line on Tactical Pens:

When it comes to tactical pens, you must evaluate your reason for wanting one. If you simply need something that will break glass in an emergency, you can always buy a carbide emergency hammer that will do the job and can stay in your glove box so it is always on hand. If this is the main reason you want a tactical pen, I have to suggest that you go with the hammer.

However, if you want a utilitarian and practical instrument that doubles as a reliable writing instrument as well as a capable weapon in a time of need, considering a tactical pen may be right up your alley.

It is important to evaluate your preferences when it comes to the aggressiveness of the tac pen before you buy one. For instance, I prefer a low-profile, stealthy model, mainly because it is possible to carry it just about anywhere without being questioned as to its capabilities. However, your preferences may vary, and you may prefer a more aggressive, feature-packed model.

My final word of advice on tactical pens is that is it super important that you learn some basic self-defense moves and tactics if you are planning to rely on your new tactical pen in a self-defensive emergency. Having a tool without knowing how to use it completely depletes the value of the tool, and this is especially true if you are going to be relying on the tool to save your life. You may want to watch some videos that demonstrate the best ways to deploy your tactical pen, or if you want to get really advanced, you could consider studying a real-world martial art such as Krav Maga. The fact of the matter is that you will probably only get the chance to land one or two major blows with your tac pen before your assailant either runs away or overpowers you, so you need to make sure that you make those one or two blows count. Without understanding the pressure points on the human body, it is unlikely that you will be able to do this, so familiarizing yourself with a set of self-defense tactics that focus on striking pressure points may do you a world of good.

Tactical pens are generally last-line-of-defense tools, but they have the advantage of generally being overlooked by your assailant, which is where their true tactical advantage lies. In the right hands, a self-defense pen can become a powerful weapon of survival, but as I mentioned earlier, without proper training, a pen is just a pen.

2 thoughts on “22 Best Tactical Pens in 2024 (Reviews and Buying Guide)”

  1. Great reviews. I’d like to see them in a spreadsheet where I can compare side by side or filter for the ones that come with a write-in-the-rain cartridge or by length. One thing more – please include country of manufacture. I’d rather buy Made in the USA than support China

  2. Fixed binoculars have a large, visible field of vision and are often used by hunters. Both types of binoculars provide crisp images, but there are definite advantages for each type of design.

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