The 12 Best Tactical Pens for EDC in 2021
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Click pens, bolt action pens, buy-it-for-life pens, cheap disposable pens — there’s no shortage of pens 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 tactical pen 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 the best tactical pens, each with some pretty awesome features that will make them a worthy addition to your everyday carry.
The Best Tactical Pens
Surefire Writing Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Clicky top
Assembled in USA
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
Aluminum
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 Tactical Pen
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.
RovyVon C20 Commander Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Ceramic glass breaker
Retractable twist deployment
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
Titanium
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.
Smith & Wesson SWPENMP2BK Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Screw-off cap
Self-defense tip
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
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.
Fisher Space Pen Clutch Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Click mechanism
Pressurized ink cartridge
Pocket clip
Specifications
Material
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 Tactical Pens
PurchaseKey Features
Screw cap
Pocket clip
Modular bullet tip
Specifications
Material
Titanium
Length
5.5"
Weight
2 oz
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$$
The Investigator from Hinderer Defense Pens is one of the originals when it comes to EDC-friendly pocket tactical opens. This aluminum one is built like a tank, but still weighs in at an EDC-friendly 1.36 oz. It’s shaped just like a kubotan, but smaller in size for more discreet carry. And if you’re looking for something more premium to match the rest of your gear you can also pick it up in gorgeous titanium. Inside, you’ll find a Fisher Space Pen refill, and on the outside you can use the threaded strike attachment to swap out according to your specific needs.
Nitecore NTP31 Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Impact and corrosion resistant
3-position bolt-action deployment
Schneider gel ink refill
Specifications
Material
Aluminum
Length
5.5"
Weight
0.7 oz
Aside from being a sturdy tactical pen, you’ll enjoy fiddling with the bolt-action deployment featured on Nitecore’s NTP31 tactical pen. That bolt-action deployment actually features a third position that reveals a tungsten glass breaker tip when you need it. The NTP31 comes with a German-made gel ink refill that makes for a quick-dry writing experience that’s a joy to use.
Benchmade Longhand Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Extensive ergonomic knurling
AXIS-style bolt-action deployment
Fisher Space Pen refill
Specifications
Material
Aluminum
Length
4.62"
Weight
N/A
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$$
It might feel like cheating to include a newly-announced tactical pen into the mix but Benchmade’s Longhand tactical pen promises to be an instant EDC hit in this category, Its extensive knurling and grip surfaces make it easy to hold even when you’re in the thick of a self-defense situation. And with its deep carry clip it can ride as discreetly and securely as your EDC pocket knife too. Plus, it makes for a great writing tool as well with its included Fisher Space Pen refill and addictive bolt-action deployment that Benchmade is likening to their AXIS-style locks on their top-notch everyday carry knives.
CRKT Williams Defense Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Non-reflective anodized finish
Pull-off snap cap, postable
Fisher Space Pen refill
Specifications
Material
Aluminum
Length
6"
Weight
1.3 oz
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
This CRKT design was made in collaboration with martial arts instructor James Williams, and as the name implies, the Williams Defense Pen is designed to be the perfect tool to have in an emergency situation. It features precision-machined aluminum and a space-age anodized style that also helps it keep low profile in your hands and pockets especially if you work in an office for the most part. But with its tapered curved shape and grip rings it can be used as a striking and piercing tool in a pinch.
MecArmy TPX8 Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Robust lanyard ring
Bolt-action design
Lamy M22 refill
Specifications
Material
Titanium
Length
3.43"
Weight
0.63 oz
The ultra-compact design of the MecArmy TPX8 tactical pen helps you keep it on your person at all times, and with its rear lanyard holder you can even wear it around your neck until duty calls. Its titanium construction is an attractive complement to its precision-machined design and it gives the pen high strength and durability where cheap plastic pens would fail in an instant. The L-shaped bolt action deployment is fun to play with, and as a writing tool the TPX8 is no slouch with its Lamy M22 ink refill providing a quality writing experience without all of the bulk of a bigger pen taking up space in your EDC.
CIVIVI Coronet Tactical Pen
PurchaseKey Features
Glassbreaker spinner tip
Bolt-action design
EasyFLOW 9000M ink cartridge
Specifications
Material
Titanium
Length
5.02"
Weight
1 oz
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$$
With a namesake crown-shaped glassbreaker tip, you might think the CIVIVI Coronet would draw too much attention to itself in polite company, but it is precisely because it looks like an ornate scepter that you might be able to explain it away in plain sight as a unique office pen for your EDC. Its premium titanium body befits its crown, and the knurling helps you grip the bolt action pen whether you’re jotting notes or using it in tactical application.
WE Knife Co. Syrinx
PurchaseKey Features
Compact keychain-friendly design
Twist off cap
2.75" ballpoint ink cartridge
Specifications
Material
Titanium
Length
3.4"
Weight
0.56 oz
EDC Rating
Just released
Price
$
The Syrinx is a compact premium titanium tactical pen that takes its designs off a traditional bamboo stick, but twist off its cap and you’ll reveal its pen tip. Two cartridges are included with the pen, and you can find its 2.75" ink refill readily at online retailers. With its keyring hole you can keep the Syrinx pen at your side wherever you go without too much fuss and added heft to your overall ensemble.
What's your favorite tactical pen? Let us know in the comments below!
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