12 Best Tactical Pens for EDC in 2020
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Click pens, bolt action pens, buy-it-for-life pens, cheap disposable pens — there’s no shortage of pen types out there. While their main function is writing things down on paper, the tactical pens in this guide can do a bit more than that. Most tactical pens are designed to be low-profile self defense tools, making them popular EDC options. Typical features include heavy knurling on the body for grip, a pocket clip for easy retrieval, and usually a glass breaker tip for emergencies. Even if you don’t plan on using the more tactical applications of a tactical pen, they’re usually built tough enough to warrant a spot in your EDC. Today, we’re taking a look at 12 of our favorite tactical pens, each with some pretty awesome features that will make them a worthy addition to your everyday carry.
The Best Tactical Pens
Benchmade 1100 Series Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Made in USA
Carbide tip
Pressure fit cap
Specifications
Material
Anodized aluminum
Length
5.33“
Weight
1.3 oz
This tactical pen is from one of the best-known makers in the knife scene, and it’s no wonder their eye for design and functionality carried over so well into a pen. Crafted from high quality anodized aluminum and made in the USA, the 1100 series features an ergonomic shape for a comfortable writing experience. Inside, a set of o-rings keeps the ink refill from drying out over time, while the lifetime guarantee ensures that it’s built for the long haul.
Image courtesy of Awesome Bald.
Image courtesy of Awesome Bald.
Surefire Writing Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Clicky top
Assembled in USA
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
Aerospace aluminum with hard anodized finish
Length
5"
Weight
1.6 oz
Surefire might be known for their bomb-proof flashlights, but their pens are no slouches either. Featuring aerospace aluminum construction and a durable click mechanism, this is both ready to write and be used as a self defense tool in a pinch. It’s assembled in the USA and features a precision German-made easyFLOW 9000 ballpoint refill - one of the smoothest out there.
Gerber Impromptu
PurchaseKey Features
Made in USA
Clicky top
Glass breaker tip
Specifications
Material
Machined steel with Cerakote finish
Length
5.59“
Weight
2.4 oz
Gerber’s Impromptu tactical pen can do a bit more than just write. This made in the USA pen features a glass-breaker tip right alongside the writing point to get you out of a sticky situation. The aggressive design on the body sturdy steel pocket clip make for an excellent addition to your EDC. It even features a Rite in the Rain ink cartridge for reliable performance even in rainy weather.
Image courtesy of Eric.
Image courtesy of Eric.
RovyVon C20 Commander
PurchaseKey Features
Ceramic glass breaker
Retractable twist deployment
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
Titanium alloy
Length
5.31“
Weight
5.1 oz
RovyVon’s titanium pen is an excellent addition to the world of tactical pens, mostly because it looks different from the rest of the pack. The standout feature has to be it’s unique ink lockout system. No longer do you have to worry about the dreaded ink-stained pocket, thanks to RovyVon’s click and twist system that ensures your pen stays open or closed when you want it to.
Nitecore NTP30 Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Tungsten glass breaker
Bolt-action mechanism
Waterproof ink cartridge
Specifications
Material
Titanium alloy
Length
5.2“
Weight
0.95 oz
If you want another under-the-radar option, Nitecore’s NTP30 is an appealing option. From a distance, it looks like a normal pen, but it’s hiding something interesting. The bolt mechanism on this titanium pen operates in two directions - forward extends the writing tip at the front, while backwards extends a carbide striking tip out of the back of the pen — perfect for breaking glass or as a last line of self-defense.
Image courtesy of Oscar.
Image courtesy of Oscar.
Smith and Wesson SWPENMP2BK
PurchaseKey Features
Screw-off cap
Self-defense tip
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
Length
5.8“
Weight
1.4 oz
Smith and Wesson’s Tactical Pen is all black, with a sturdy twin-bolt pocket clip. It features a removable cap that posts on the back of the pen for a comfortable writing experience. Inside, you’ll find a Schmidt P900M black ballpoint ink cartridge that makes lays down a smooth line on the page.
Image courtesy of Oldrich.
Image courtesy of Oldrich.
Klarus TP20 Pen Light
PurchaseKey Features
Hybrid flashlight design
Tungsten strike tip
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
Titanium alloy
Length
5.94“
Weight
1.62 oz
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$
EDC gear is always better when it can cover more than one base. The Klarus TP20 pen light covers three. This tactical pen can be used as a self defense tool, a flashlight, and of course, a pen. The rechargeable battery is convenient for everyday use and the light itself is no slouch with an output of 130 lumens.
CRKT Williams Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Snap-fit cap
Low-profile design
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
6061 Aircraft Aluminum
Length
5.94“
Weight
1.4 oz
Even though most tactical pens are carried with self defense in mind, they should be able to write too. This one from CRKT can write anywhere, thanks to the pressurized Fisher Space Pen refill inside. A durable aluminum body with separate cap make for a durable pen with an interesting aesthetic.
Fisher Space Pen Clutch
PurchaseKey Features
Click mechanism
Pressurized ink cartridge
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
Black anodized aluminum
Length
5.5“
Weight
1.4 oz
Originally design for use in the oil fields, the Clutch from Fisher Space Pen is their most durable and beefy option. While it’s not exactly a tactical pen, it certainly looks and feels the part. Since it’s from Fisher, it has the go anywhere, write anywhere pressurized refill inside that’s capable of writing upside down, under water, through grease, and in a wide range of temperatures.
Hinderer Investigator Defense Pens
PurchaseKey Features
Screw cap
Pocket clip
Modular bullet tip
Specifications
Material
Brass
Length
4.375“
Weight
1.4 oz
The Investigator from Hinderer Defense Pens is one of the originals. This brass one is built like a tank, but still weighs in at an EDC-friendly 1.4oz. It’s shaped just like a kubotan, but smaller in size for more discreet carry. Inside, you’ll find a Fisher Space Pen refill, while the outside features a threaded strike attachment that can be swapped out according to the u ser’s specific needs.
Image courtesy of Jim.
Image courtesy of Jim.
MecArmy TPX22 Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Tungsten steel tip
Lanyard attachment
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
TC4 Titanium alloy
Length
4.84“
Weight
0.65 oz
This futuristic looking pen from MecArmy is crafted from light and durable TC4 titanium allow and features a tungsten steel striking head on the front when capped. The non-roll design is ideal for work sites (and your desk) — ensuring that your pen won’t get lost easily. There’s even an option to add tritium tubes for some night time visibility (and cool factor).
Tuff Writer Precision Press
PurchaseKey Features
Low-profile design
Click mechanism
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
6061-T6 Aluminum
Length
6.0“
Weight
1.8 oz
Tuff Writers are built for the long haul, thanks to their entirely modular and replaceable parts. The aluminum body houses the refill, which can be swapped between several popular models thanks to the included spacer inside. A springy 303 stainless steel clip keeps the pen secured in your pocket, too.
Image courtesy of Everydaycooling.
Image courtesy of Everydaycooling.
What's your favorite tactical pen? Let us know in the comments below!
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