Best Tactical Pens

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 8, 2023
Tactical pens can become really handy in extreme situations. Just like any conventional pen, they can be used for writing but they ...Read more
PROS

The “Rite in the Rain” ink cartridge works in any weather conditions, so you will be able to write even during the rain or snow. And this ink will last you for a long time.

CONS

A bit unbalanced while writing.

OUR VERDICT

This tactical pen is made of steel and has a protective Cerakote™ coating that is used even for cold weapon production. Thus, you won't be able to scratch or bend the body.

detailed parameters
Material

Steel body with Cerakote™ coating

Cartridge

"Rite in the Rain" ink cartridge

Extras

Stainless steel pocket clip, Integrated glass-breaker tip, Push-button mechanism

Length

5" (closed)

Weight

2.4 oz

Warranty

Limited lifetime

PROS

Thanks to a number of small grooves that are situated under your fingertips, the pen won't slip out of your hand even if it is wet or dirty. These grooves can be easily cleaned.

CONS

Poor cap design.

OUR VERDICT

Thanks to the length of 5.94", this pen is ideal for those who have big palms. And the blunted point allows turning this pen in a real self-defense weapon.

detailed parameters
Material

Aircraft aluminum body

Cartridge

"Fischer Space Pen" ink cartridge

Extras

Cap with a removable aluminum pocket clip, Grooves for non-slip grip, Blunted point

Length

5.94" (closed)

Weight

1.4 oz

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The screw-off cap doesn't open easily even if you walk or run fast. Hence, you can be sure you won't lose a pen. Plus, if you carry it inside a pocket, the ink won't stain your clothes.

CONS

The clip is a bit flimsy. 

OUR VERDICT

The Smith & Wesson is an affordable tactical pen that boasts very decent quality. It is an essential piece of equipment that may help you survive.

detailed parameters
Material

Aircraft aluminum body

Cartridge

"Schmidt P900M Parker Style" ink cartridge

Extras

Screw-off cap with aluminum pocket clip, Grooves for non-slip grip, Blunted point

Length

5.8" (closed)

Weight

1.4 oz

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A well-though-out bolt-action retraction mechanism makes the release of the Fine Point ink quick and easy, that's why it is considered a very good alternative to flimsy push-button mechanisms.

CONS

Some find it rather short.

OUR VERDICT

The glass-breaker tip can shatter windows and other glass surfaces in one punch. This might be crucial if you find yourself in a drowning car or burning building.

detailed parameters
Material

Aircraft aluminum body

Cartridge

"Fischer Space Pen SPR4F" ink cartridge

Extras

Bolt-action retraction mechanism, Metal pocket clip, Integrated glass-breaker tip

Length

4.5" (closed)

Weight

~1 oz

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The manufacturer uses a popular Schmidt P900 Parker Style ink cartridge for this model. It is affordable, efficient, and will last you for a good while. And you can easily find a replacement.

CONS

The logo on a clip wears off over time.

OUR VERDICT

This pen from Schrade will be handy if you need to write a lot. It is well-balanced and ergonomic, plus it comes at an affordable price.

detailed parameters
Material

Aircraft aluminum body

Cartridge

"Schmidt P900M Parker Style" ink cartridge

Extras

Screw-off cap with aluminum pocket clip, Grooves for non-slip grip, Blunted point

Length

5.7" (closed)

Weight

1.4 oz

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Reliable Pen from Famous Brand

Gerber is an American company that has already proven itself to be a reliable tactical gear manufacturer. Now, the brand presents a new piece of equipment - the Impromptu Tactical Pen. It allows you to take notes and may help you in unpredictable situations.

Since it is primarily a pen, it should write well. Hence, this model is fitted with the “Rite in the Rain” ink cartridge that works in any weather conditions. To specify, you will be able to write even during the rain or snow. Plus, it will last you for a long time. To release the cartridge, use an easy-to-push button on the top of the pen.

Next, this pen is made of stainless steel and has a protective Cerakote™ coating that is used even for cold weapons. Thus, you are unlikely to scratch or bend the body. There is also a steel pocket clip, so you can carry it even in your outer pockets without the risk of losing it.

The size of this survival pen is pretty modest - about 5 inches. However, it weighs 2.4 ounces and may feel a bit unbalanced, especially if you are writing in an uncomfortable position.

Nevertheless, the Impromptu Tactical Pen is a reliable piece of gear from a well-known brand that has earned the right to be called the best tactical pen. It allows you not only to write in dry and wet weather but also to break glass thanks to a heavy-duty body and a built-in glass-breaker tip.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $67.14
Stock In stock
ASIN B00B0BD3W0

Best for Self-Defense

The Williams Tactical Pen from Columbia River is a great tactical pen that can be turned in a self-defense weapon in a blink of an eye. With this pen, you will never be caught off-guard.

To begin with, this model can boast an aircraft-grade aluminum body that has proven to be very robust. It has a blunted point, which makes it super-effective when you need to protect yourself quickly.

Moving on, this defensive pen is very convenient in use. Thanks to the number of small grooves that are situated under your fingertips, the pen won't slip out of your hand even if it is wet or dirty. Plus, these rugged grooves can be easily cleaned.

The length of this self-defense pen is 5.94 inches, so it can be the best fit for those who have big palms. Despite the size, it is not too heavy (1.4 ounces). As for the ink cartridge, this model comes with the Fischer Space Pen ink.

This pen also has a cap with a removable aluminum pocket clip. Some users find the cap design a bit poor, but we wouldn’t call it a disadvantage considering that people don't usually buy tactical pens for looks.

To sum up, the Columbia River Williams Tactical Pen is a runner up in our list of the best tactical bolt action pens. It boasts amazing quality, so you can be sure it won’t let you down in hard situations.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.03
Stock In stock
ASIN B0768WQLSH

Reliable Screw-On Cap

The Smith & Wesson Aluminum Tactical Pen offers a nice combination of affordable price and good quality. You can always count on it in any unpredictable situation.

First off, this tough pen has a blunted point, so it can be used as a self-defense weapon when needed. The body is made of robust aluminum that won’t bend or break easily. It has a black coating that helps it blend with your uniform. It holds up well and doesn’t peel off even after long use. The body of this tactical pen also has a rugged texture, so it won’t slip out of your fingers even if they are wet or greasy.

The next great thing is that the pen has a screw-off cap with a pocket clip so you can attach it to your clothes and be sure it won't open up when you walk or even run fast.

As for the dimensions, the length of the pen makes 5.8 inches when closed and the weight is about 1.4 ounces. As you can see, it is big but not heavy, so you will be able to write with comfort in any position and in any weather. For this model, the manufacturer used the Schmidt Parker Style ink cartridge.

All in all, the Smith & Wesson Aluminum Tactical Pen is one of the top-quality military pens you can find in this price range. You can use it both to write notes and to defend yourself. It will be equally effective.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $22.96
Stock In stock
ASIN B007DCCOFW

A True Life Saver

If you belong to military and law enforcement personnel, take a closer look at the Uzi Gunmetal Tactical Pen. With no exaggeration, this pen can save your life.

First and foremost, the pen is fitted with a glass-breaker tip, and that’s why it can shatter windows and other glass surfaces in one punch. It will be crucial if you find yourself in a sinking car or burning building and you need to quickly get out.

When speaking of the performance of the Uzi pen as a writing tool, it is no slouch either. A well-though-out bolt-action retraction mechanism makes the release of the ink fine point quick and easy. Therefore, it is considered to be a very good alternative to flimsy click-button mechanisms. In addition to this, this aluminum pen is pretty small and lightweight, so it can fit any pocket.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that this combat pen has a retractable Fischer Space Pen ink cartridge that is typically used for expensive high-end military pens. Hence, you can rely on this window-breaking pen in any weather.

The only negative is that the pen might appear too short for some people's liking. Compared to the other models on this list, it is only 4.5" inches when closed. At the same time, it is due to the shorter length that this pen doesn't look as clunky as most other similar products and will not draw conspicuous looks that you don't need.

In conclusion, the Uzi Gunmetal Tactical Pen is a stellar purchase that can help you get out of tough situations. It is a compact yet robust military pen.

Last updated price $19.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B01KMWUSO8

Affordable Military Pen

If you are on a shoestring budget but still need a good tactical bolt action pen, we recommend you to consider the Schrade Aluminum Screw-Off Tactical Pen. Such a piece of gear will serve you well for a long time.

The pen has a robust body that is made of aircraft aluminum, so you won’t be able to bend the pen and ruin the ink cartridge. Speaking of which, the one that is used for this military pen is the Schmidt P900 Parker Style ink cartridge. It is affordable, efficient and will last you for a long time. Plus, you can easily find a replacement for it. That is to say, even though tactical pens are not normally used for writing a lot, this pen can tackle this task easily.

It is also very convenient to hold. It has grooves for a non-slip grip, thus, you can hold it even with wet or greasy hands. When closed, the pen has a length of 5.7 inches and weighs 1.4 ounces. This model also features a screw-off cap with an aluminum pocket clip. The only thing that might bother a bit is that the logo on a clip tends to wear off over time and may spoil the overall look of the pen. That being said, as far as military gear is concerned, that hardly can be considered an issue.

In a word, if you seek an affordable yet practical military pen for long use, the Schrade Aluminum Screw-Off Tactical Pen is what you need. Not only is budget-friendly and suitable for self-defense, but also it's well built and writes beautifully.

Last updated price $24.89
Stock In stock
ASIN B003AACADM

What Is a Tactical Pen?

A tactical pen is a type of gear that may become your helping hand in hard situations. Such a pen can break through glass or even be used for self-defence in some dangerous situations.

At first glance, tactical pens are not very different from disposable ballpoint models. But instead of an average ink rod, they are usually fitted with special cartridges that allow you to write in any weather and in any position. The size of the tactical pen is also pretty standard, so it can easily fit in your pocket. What is more, such pens are never made plastic. They usually have metal bodies produced from robust materials like titanium, aluminum or stainless steel. That’s why any tactical pen is heavier than a regular one. To make the carrying of this piece of gear easier and let you always have it at hand, the manufacturers usually add a pocket clip on the cap or the body of the pen. Some of the more advanced models even come with a hidden handcuff key and a built-in stylus that simplifies the use of touch-screen devices.

To help you with your choice, we have reviewed the most durable pens that won’t let you down in a tough moment. For other gear, check out our list of the best tactical flashlights and the best Swiss army knives.

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