Tactical pen options?

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Panzerschwein

Panzerschwein

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Hey guys!

Well I can't carry where I work, and getting different job is not an option at this point unfortunately. :( Also while I can carry a knife at work, I sometimes travel on an airplane so that is out of the question for the most part!

So, I've been thinking of getting a tactical pen as a discrete yet effective personal defense option while I'm at work. What models do you guys/gals recommend?

I know there are TONS of different tactical pens out there... and I'm not sure which one I want! What is a good tactical pen under $50 and is very durable and effective as a defensive weapon? Writing qualities are secondary on this... I always have other pens on me that I would probably be using to write most of the time anyway. However, I do sometimes get wet and a pen that won't bleed all over the place (also in case I run it through the wash machine) would be nice, but again strictly not necessary.

I am brand new to the world of tactical pens and quite frankly, I am both heavily intrigued and heavily intimidated at the same time, and don't want to end up getting a junk pen or something that I will regret if God forbid I ever need to use it to defend myself or others with.

Thanks so much for your time guys, and have a great day! :)
 

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I'm also looking into buying a few defense/tactical pens more for collecting or to own than personal security.
I am impressed with the Tuff Writer Operator style(black/black Fisher ink). :cool:
The firm used to offer a smaller "Short" version but I think it's discontinued. :(
The sterile version is good. There is no logo or names on it.

BladeHQ.com has several good pens & accessories too. Some well made pens are not cheap. They can go up to $300.00 :eek:.
I purchased a Uzi pen(grey version) about 3 years ago for a friend in New York City. It had the sharp crown-type point. He said it had a hefty feel.
Id suggest the Fisher ink style for business or regular carry. This is the type R&Ded in the 1960s for NASA. :D
The blue or black ink pens can work in extreme weather, underwater, etc.
 
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Embarrassingly, I think I have 70 or so these things, have collected them over the years, OCD what can I say. I guess it's cheaper than other vices.

Anyway, The S&W/Schrades are good for the money. Here is what I have learned:

- I prefer the ones on the heavier side, all stainless.

- The pointier the better.

- I like being able to strike without removing the cap.

Michael Janich makes a good DVD on the topic. The greatest point he makes is the Pen is so unassuming you can have it in your hand anytime, anywhere. If you draw your weapon knife/gun, you are looking at aggravated assault if it is misinterpreted, not so with the pen. Just food for thought.

Best,
Dave
 
I like the Zebra 700 (think that is the one, all metal), it's not a "defense pen" but is under $10, a nice pen, and all metal which for me is the key point.

I like a pen I don't have to take the cap off to use. I have the S&W's and like them but not the screw cap design. I took the pocket clips off the S&W's, removed the logo and blued them, look much better and don't have the gun company logo on them which I think is a small gain.

Sharpie also makes a large all metal marker which is an option if you like that.
 
I have carried the same non-tactical Parker Stainless Steel pen with a Fisher Space-Pen refill in it for 35 years.

Not Tacital in the slightest.
Writes on anything in any weather conditions.

But apparenty unbreakable, and you can't wear one out.
And under $14 bucks on-line + $5 bucks for a Fisher Space-Pen pressurized refill cartridge.

You wouldn't want it shoved in your eye, nostril, or temple either I betcha.

Parker-Jotter-Stainless-Steel-GT-1206249-1-80f1a.jpg

rc
 
Do they let you bring what's obviously an all-metal spike (which most "tactical pens" seem to be) onto an airplane these days?

I've never really tried, but I gotta say I'd be surprised to get away with it. Anyone with relevant firsthand, recent experience?
 
Parkers....

I really like Parker Pens more for the style & collector value more than any defense use.

Fun fact: Parker pens were used by Allied Forces during the formal surrender of all the military forces of Japan in 1945. ;)
 
Anyone with relevant firsthand, recent experience?
Click to expand...

bobson,

I travel a lot and TSA has never wanted my Timberline pen, but then it doesn't have a sharp pointy end. They also show no interest in my BIC Crystal pens.
 
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Re: "tactical" pens...

The TSA people aren't complete morons. They do know what some of these pens are and will take them. You're better off with a slim metal flashlight, possibly one with beveled edges. An alternative, there's always tactical knitting needles. :evil:
 
rcmodel said:
I have carried the same non-tactical Parker Stainless Steel pen with a Fisher Space-Pen refill in it for 35 years.

Not Tacital in the slightest.
Writes on anything in any weather conditions.

But apparenty unbreakable, and you can't wear one out.
And under $14 bucks on-line + $5 bucks for a Fisher Space-Pen pressurized refill cartridge.

You wouldn't want it shoved in your eye, nostril, or temple either I betcha.

Parker-Jotter-Stainless-Steel-GT-1206249-1-80f1a.jpg

rc
Click to expand...
Yep, I carry the same one. Never had a problem with TSA. But I did watch a fellow try to get a "tactical pen" thru screening. It went into the basket with all the rest of the confiscated items.
 
The brand or type of tactical pen is not really a concern, what is, is the fact you have to be willing to train, train, train with it! Just like any hand to hand fighting skill. Any sturdy, spike style item will suffice, it's the knowledge and physical skill that make it what it is. IMHO.
 
I dont see why a nice Parker or Cross doesn't serve the same purpose and is much easier to explain than something "tactical".
 

I don't own any "tactical" pens.

I do, however, have one of these:

pen1-large.jpg


It came from CountyComm (http://www.countycomm.com).

They have more, and they are available in different materials.

Mine's aluminum. Fisher Space Pen refill.

Nice pen. Chunky. I like it a lot.

 
A what? The word 'tactical' has nothing whatever to do with writing instruments.
And I can make you cry writing with a $1 per dozen BIC or an overpriced Parker.
 
Zebra F701 pen with the Zebra F402 tailpiece. Oddly, the SS F701 has a plastic tailpiece, but that can be fixed by replacing it with the F402 tailpiece. The resulting pen looks normal enough to make it past TSA, and it can even use the Fisher space pen cartridge if the little rubber piece is removed from the inside of the tip.

I've been carrying one of these frankenpens for several months and frequently get comments about how nice it looks and how sturdy it feels. Total cost was under twelve bucks, plus $5-6 for the space pen cartridge. The space pen cartridge didn't write that well or last that long so when it ran out, I replaced it with a Zebra fine point (0.7mm) cartridge.

My wife recently bought me a Parker Urban ballpoint pen that can also double as a tactical pen, and it writes far better than the Zebra. It's a very stylish twist pen that has a big flat tailpiece that could be used for extra leverage, it looks good, and like every other Parker, it's very well made and sturdy.

Parker Urban



Zebra F701 frankenpen w/Streamlight Stylus Pro (below)
 

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True enough. Looks pretty good, but $55 buys several training tools I know I'll like.
 

Whoa.

I don't think we paid more than $40 for mine. Of course we got mine in 2008, if memory serves. I guess six years yields a substantial rise in cost.

Darn.

 
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