Are tactical pens good for self-defense? Well, it depends on who you ask.
They are certainly better than nothing at all if things go south. But how much should you spend, and what can you expect?
If you’re not sure whether this item can help you defend yourself, then read on for an in-depth analysis of tactical pens. Are they worth your money?
What are Tactical Pens?
Tactical pens are usually made from aluminum, and they’re designed to serve as a self-defense tool. The idea is that you need something to protect yourself with in case of an emergency.
And, while firearms can be effective, they’re not always convenient to carry around every day. The advantage tactical pens have over handguns is that you can bring them with you wherever you go, and no one can tell that they’re anything other than an ordinary pen.
There are all kinds of tactical pens out there on the market, but most of them are made from aluminum. The purpose of this material is not only to make them durable and lightweight, making it easier for you to carry these items around, but also to ensure that they can be used as a self-defense weapon.
History of Tactical Pens
Tactical pens have come a long way since the first commercially available self-defense pens were created by Smith & Wesson back in 1987. The originals came with pressurized firing pins and “break off” points that could potentially cause serious injury to anyone struck by them.
They were also made of metal, making them awkward to carry in pockets without drawing attention. The Smith & Wesson pens also made an audible click when you folded them up, which would give away the fact you had a self-defense weapon on your person.
And, writing with one could be difficult since they are essentially a club. With all of the problems in the original design, it wasn’t surprising when these pens fell by the wayside shortly after their initial introduction. Since then, there have been developments in the design that make them much more viable for self-defense.
The most prevalent of these is the infusion of glass-reinforced plastic and other synthetic materials into the original designs. The glass-reinforced plastic has been infused with carbon fibers to make it stronger and more durable than earlier models. This enables you to carry a stealthy, pocketable writing tool that won’t set off metal detectors.
Are Tactical Pens Good for Self-Defense?
The answer to that is yes, tactical pens are good for self-defense. They may not be as effective as pepper spray or tasers in terms of stopping power, but they will do the job if you use them correctly.
Keep in mind that the best self-defense pens are also good tactical writing tools. They should be durable, well balanced, and able to write for long periods without recharging or replacing the ink cartridge.
Make sure your pen is an all-in-one item that can do the job of both a tactical weapon and a writing instrument.
Keeping a few of these pens on hand can help ease your mind when you’re out and about. You’ll have peace of mind knowing if the situation does take a turn for the worse, you can defend yourself.
The Most Reliable Tactical Pens For The Money
These are some of the most popular tactical pens currently available online. Many of these have been tried and tested by everyday people, so you know they work in an emergency.
If you’re looking for a pen that is dependable both as a writing implement and a self-defense tool, this model from Smith & Wesson is just what the doctor ordered. It’s durable enough to be used as an everyday carry pen while still having the ability to break glass in emergencies.
Costing about $29.99, it’s available in four colors that should suit any need. The pen comes with a clip for attaching to keyrings and other EDC gear while still being small enough for carrying discreetly inside your pocket.
The Smith & Wesson is also made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and a stainless steel tip. The pen also comes with two refills and is set up to write at any angle or position for enhanced versatility.
While not as well-known as some other brands, Gerber has been working hard to change that image lately by designing high-quality pens like the one shown here. This is a sturdy pen that features a sharp glass breaker and a strong aluminum alloy build.
The Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen comes with two refills, but it also accepts Parker-style ballpoint pens as well for those times when you don’t have spares on hand. It can be clipped to your shirt or pants pocket as needed and can be used in either a right or left-handed grip.
This EDC pen costs about $69.99 and is available in several color choices to suit your preference. It’s built to take everyday use and abuse while still offering the kind of functionality you need when the chips are down.
Another one of the most popular Smith & Wesson models currently on the market is this writing instrument built specifically for border agents. While not as widely available as some other pens, it’s an effective choice for anyone who needs to work in law enforcement or security operations.
This model comes with two refills that last longer than your standard ballpoint design. It also comes with a belt clip that can be attached to your tactical vest, waistband, or bag for easy portability.
The Smith & Wesson Border Guard Tactical Pen costs about $24.99 and is made from aluminum alloy for durability. There’s also an unbreakable window breaker on the end of this pen used in case of emergency.
Are Tactical Pens Legal?
Tactical pens are legal in most U.S. states, but there may be restrictions on where you can carry them due to local laws. Be sure to check your state’s concealed carry laws before making a purchase or carrying one for self-defense purposes.
How to Use a Tactical Pen for Self-Defense
One of the great things about these pens is that they don’t need any special training to use them effectively. Just hold it in your hand and grab it like you would any other pen.
With most tactical pens made from aluminum alloy or glass-reinforced plastic, there’s nothing to fear when it comes to the safety of using them for self-defense. You can strike with quick jabs or even use them as a hammer to shatter glass.
Some pens come equipped with tungsten steel tips, but these are primarily intended for use in emergencies when you need to break the glass.
These pens can also be used as a deterrent against would-be attackers. Just hold it out in your fist and let them see the glowing LED light that comes on when you click the pen.
If they still press forward, strike as directly and as quickly as you can. Aim for the soft tissue of their eyes, throat, or groin for best results.
How Much Do Tactical Pens Cost?
If you want to get your hands on one of these pens, then expect to pay between $20 and $80 for the basic models out there on the market. However, they can cost more than that if you buy an “engraved” version or a more expensive tactical pen like the ones made by Smith & Wesson.
Tactical Pen vs. Kubotan – What is the Difference?
Both these tools have been designed to help you in self-defense, but they’re a little different.
A tactical pen focuses on being a writing implement first and a weapon second while a Kubotan is specifically crafted as a weapon from the ground up. As such, its effectiveness as an everyday carry item is limited due to its larger size.
While a tactical pen can be used as a Kubotan in a pinch, it’s not intended for that purpose. Your best bet is to buy the most suitable tool for your needs and then train with it extensively before you ever have to rely on it to save your life.
Which is Best for You?
The final decision comes down to your budget and personal preferences. If you’re not willing to pay more than $20 for an EDC item, then the basic tactical pens will work just fine for you.
If you want one of the most versatile tactical pen designs on the market today, then Smith & Wesson has several models made specifically with security personnel in mind.
Are Tactical Pens Good for Self-Defense? Bottom Line:
As long as you train with your tactical pen and know what to expect from it, then it can help you in a self-defense situation. However, for those times when instant incapacitation is needed, you’ll need something with more stopping power than what most pens can deliver.
You may even want to look into using a Kubotan on its own or with other weapons like pepper spray, a stun gun, or an expandable baton. Any of these options will work better for self-defense than a tactical pen.
There are situations where you could use a tactical pen to defend yourself, but there are also times when they’re not the best tool for the job at hand. As long as you know your EDC gear and have trained with it extensively then you can do well with a tactical pen.