Everyday Carry

Nitecore NTP20 Tactical Pen

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
Nitecore NTP20 Tactical Pen

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When you want to carry a truly tactical pen, it should be one that excels at both writing and self-defense tasks. But too often, what we get focuses on one task over the other. You might find something closer to a kubotan that can sort of scribble something down, or decent jotters that are tactical in aesthetics only. Nitecore's new NTP20 tactical pen aims to strike the perfect balance. Their updated pen design gives you a versatile writing tool that fits your everyday needs while giving you the edge you need to defend yourself or get out of an emergency situation.

As a pen, the NTP20 is quite versatile. It's compatible with eight different ink refills, from Parker to Schneider as well as Apex and Senator cartridges. This gives you a wide range of inks and ink styles to choose from, letting you set up the NTP20 to write the way you want it. The body of the pen is made out of a premium titanium alloy which also helps keep the pen light in hand and in pocket weighing only 1.33 ounces. And at six inches long, it's not too big to carry around.  It even has a streamlined clip at the top to aid in pocket carry, with a ceramic ball underneath that makes for a smooth draw that doesn't catch upon your clothing.

The lightness of the pen makes it easy to write with as well, and the grip areas channeled into the body also help you keep your hands on it. Those same grip surfaces help the NTP20 perform its tactical functions. The shape of the pen and its added length give added leverage during defensive use, while its ultra-hard tungsten tip can break glass in an emergency situation.

The attractive styling of the Nitecore NTP20 draws less attention to its tactical applications when you're writing with it or carrying it, making it easier to EDC as well. Grab one for your loadout at the link below.

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Jonathan Tayag

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.

Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.

Discussion (1 total)

Adam ·
Love nitecore flashlights, but why is this pen so expensive compared to other tactical pens? $100 seems like it would be top of the line, but what am I getting from this that I wouldn't get from the smith and wesson?