A tactical pen is a must-have for anyone who wants to build up their easy to carry survival gear for self defense. While it would probably never be chosen over a knife or a gun for defending yourself, it’s not just a pen: it’s a valuable self-defense weapon to have in your arsenal.

Plus, most tactical pens are actually pens, you can use them to write (if they include an ink cartridge)! And many include a glass breaker tip that you can use in case of emergency.

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What Is A Tactical Pen?

At first glance, the tactical pen is the same as any other writing device. It’s a purely functional pen, complete with pocket clip (usually), but it’s also a tool built for self-defense based on the Kubotan.

The end opposite the writing pen tip is a hardened tip made of metal. In most cases, one side of the tip is blunt, designed to be used to apply pressure or deal a great amount of force behind a strike. The other end is usually more pointed, built to rake, pierce, and even to break glass when necessary.

Tactical pens are a self-defense tool hidden in plain sight, especially useful for when other alternatives like tactical knives and pepper spray aren’t available. They are often built to be just as formidable when it comes to writing, too, often coming with a waterproof rain ink cartridge.

How To Use A Tactical Pen

How to use a tactical pen for self defense depends on the situation you find yourself in.

It can be used as a blunt force instrument, able to deliver a lot of pain thanks to its force and weight, and some also have a sharper edge on the other side. The blunt end can also be used to apply sustained pressure thanks to a ridged grip that makes it easier to keep hold of no matter how much force you wield.

Flipping it over, it can be used like a knife to rake, slice, and jab an attacker. Tactical pen use requires a lot of care to use, as it is capable of doing a lot more damage than expected if you’re reckless in its use.

Features You Want In A Tactical Pen

Here are some of the most important features to look for when choosing the best tactical pen for self-defense and survival:

Resilient high-quality materials. High grade aluminum, titanium and machined steel are most readily recommended, as they are relatively lightweight and able to withstand the force necessary to make it an effective weapon.
A good grip is essential. As it’s a small device, you need to be able to keep hold of it when your hands are sweaty or dirty. Many tactical pens are designed with a ridged grip.
A pocket clip can help you ensure that you don’t lose the pen, especially if you’re moving vigorously, such as being pursued by an attacker. The pocket clip needs to be strong enough, so it doesn’t break upon repeated use and for everyday carry.
Other features like a tungsten glass breaker tip can help add versatility to the device, too.

However, not all tactical pens are created equal. There are dozens of defense pens on the market, and not all of them deserve the name

To figure out which are the best tactical pens for self defense, you need to know what qualities you should look for. We’ve rounded up the top six features you look for when you buy a tactical pen.

1. Secure Grip

Whether you’re using your pen to take notes in the field or as a self defense pen to fend off an attacker, you want to buy a pen that has a great grip. The last thing you want is for your self-defense mechanism to literally slip through your fingers.

If you are using it as a writing instrument, look for pens that include an ink cartridge and have knurling around the grip. For a pen that’s easily held while throwing a punch, look for something with a checkered texture. It’ll create more friction, which helps keep it in place in your hand.

2. Heavy Duty Construction

You obviously don’t want to have a tactical pen that’s flimsy and threatens to crumple when any kind of force is applied.

Instead, make sure it is made of materials like high grade aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel. These metals make for a lightweight tactical pen that won’t feel like a stone in your pocket, but is durable enough to do some damage if necessary.

That combination is what makes the best tactical pen — like the Uzi Defender Tactical Pen, which is made of lightweight aircraft aluminum with a gun-metal finish that makes it a great everyday carry for your bug out bag.

3. Weather-Resistant

The best tactical pens also work well for writing in out of the ordinary conditions, like extreme heat, extreme cold, and even (with pens that have pressurized ink cartridges) upside down.

You want to make sure that your pen will still function if you have to write in the rain and it gets a little wet. Where other pens would fail, your tactical pen should succeed.

4. Glass Breaker Tips

An integrated glass breaker is one feature that really makes certain survival tactical pens stand out from the rest. The absolute best tactical pens have glass breaker tips. This makes them great tools in emergencies as well as self defense situations.

Glass-breaker tips (like those on a seatbelt cutter) have saved lives in situations like car accidents, where a driver might have otherwise drowned in a car submerged in a river. Carrying a pen like this will help make sure you never feel trapped, no matter what.

5. Good Writing Ability

The most practical tactical pen is able to do double duty and write well. After all, this should hopefully be the main function of the pen. So, don’t be afraid to use it to put together your must have list of free survival gear.

Choose a pen that has readily available ink refills, a sturdy pocket clip and can write whatever situation you happen to be in. Even if you never use it in self defense, you’ll have a great pen.

6. Conceal Carry

The best tactical pen is the one that looks like an ordinary pen, complete with a pocket clip (which makes it perfect for everyday carry) and ink cartridges so that it can be used as a writing instrument, yet can still be used as a defensive weapon should the need arise in an emergency situation.

Best Tactical Pens

Uzi Tactical Pen Review

One of the most important features of this UZI-TACPEN2 glass breaker pen is the anodized aluminum tip. Aluminum is a great material because it doesn’t bend, deform or break easily, and when it’s anodized, it’s even harder, meaning it can deliver the force you need in a fight-or-flight situation. Highly sturdy, with a good grip, it also has a glass breaker for emergency escapes. The pen requires a few twists to unscrew but that’s a minor inconvenience. The pocket clip is strong, too, but its sharp edge can be tough on your clothes so it might be worth filing it down. The main benefits and features of the best-selling Uzi Tactical Pen include:

Sturdy, hard-wearing pocket clip
Features durable high-grade aluminium
Resistant to damage sustained by dropping the pen
Compatible with both standard and Fisher Space refills, enabling you to write at any angle
Glass-breaker feature for urgent use
Simple, quick, twist opening
Excellent value for money

UZI Tactical Pen UZI-TACPEN8-BK Aircraft Aluminum Defender Tactical Glass Breaker Pen with Tactical Glassbreaker Carbide Tip, Black

The Uzi tactical pen is meticulously designed to accommodate both standard and Fisher space pen refills, ensuring versatility and ease of replacement.
Constructed from lightweight aircraft aluminum, this heavy-duty tactical pen is not only durable but also seamlessly functions as an everyday ballpoint pen, making it discreet yet always ready for emergencies or self-defense situations.
Featuring a robust carbide tip glass breaker, this pen is a favorite among military enthusiasts, hunters, and gun aficionados, showcasing its dual functionality.
The pen’s compatibility with both Standard and Fischer space pen refills ensures users can easily find replacements when needed.
Opting for an Uzi Tactical Pen means you’re selecting a trusted tool, widely recognized and employed by professionals in the military, police force, special forces, and other law enforcement agencies.

Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen Review

Built for those who want to endure all climates, this Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen has weatherproof cartridges designed to work in all conditions. The glass breaker tip is made of tempered steel, making it highly resistant to corrosion and abrasions. It’s a solid pen with a good grip and a resilient yet convenient clip. However, many users do experience issues with the click mechanism that extends the pen. Made in the US, the Gerber Tactical Pen offers a host of benefits, including:

Useful retractable design for convenient use
Caters for all grips
The ink cartridge is designed for use in adverse weather conditions, enabling you to make the most of all the features of the pen come rain or shine
Slim, sleek design
Sturdy, durable clip
Looks more like a pen weapon than other designs, which may make it a less appealing option to some buyers.

Gerber Gear Impromptu Tactical Pen – Self Defense Tactical Gear with Glass Breaker Tip and Pocket Clip – Black

The Impromptu Tactical Pen boasts a robust machined steel body, enhanced with a durable Cerakote finish.
Designed for versatile use, the pen incorporates the “Rite In The Rain” ink cartridge, ensuring smooth writing in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
Features a dependable push-button mechanism for swift and easy deployment of the ballpoint.
Equipped with an integrated glass-breaker tip made of tempered steel, it’s crafted to assist in emergency situations.
Proudly manufactured in the USA, reflecting its premium quality and craftsmanship.

Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen Review

Made of highly durable aluminum, this tactical pen has an easily removed screw-off top that screws on and off the pen. This acts as the blunt end, fastened with three screws, while the other end is pointed, acting perfectly as a glass breaker. The grip is overall decent; however, it doesn’t have the best grooves below the tip of the pen so it’s less effective for writing than it is for self-defense. Smith and Wesson is a global brand, which has established a reputation for producing high-quality weapons and firearms that are used by military personnel, hunters and police forces. As you would expect, the range of tactical pens offers an array of benefits and features for those keen to enjoy peace of mind without carrying a more powerful weapon. The Smith and Wesson Tactical Pen features:

Hard-anodized aircraft grade aluminium
Simple to use pull cap
Available in blue or brown
Resistant to wear and tear
Durable stainless steel clip

Smith & Wesson SWPENMP2BR 5.8in Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Screw Cap Pen for Outdoor, Survival, Camping and EDC

Measuring at an overall length of 5.8 inches (14.7 cm), the pen is both compact and lightweight, weighing just 1.4 ounces.
Constructed from the sturdy T6061 Aircraft Aluminum, the pen promises durability and longevity.
Designed for convenience, it features an easily accessible pocket clip and a screw-off top, making it perfect for daily carry.
Offers the assurance of reliable performance when required, while maintaining a discreet profile during regular use.

Schrade Tactical Pen Review

Another aluminum pen, with a blunt screw-off top over the writing tip and a pointed self-defense end. It has a very tight, secure clip and is one of the most unsuspecting looking pens in the whole list. However, there are some reported issues with the cap. In some cases, it twists off on its own while moving in the pocket, but it can also be tough to twist off when you want it to, so it may require some graphite lube to keep it practical. Made from high-grade aluminium, Schrade Tactical Pens are great tactical pens which boast the following features:

Discreet, subtle design: this product looks like your average pen
Compatible with a range of refills, including Fisher waterproof cartridges for use in the rain and snow
Good value for money
Versatile and tough

Schrade SCPEN9BK 5in Aluminum Refillable Push Button Tactical Pen for Outdoor Survival, Protection and EDC

Boasts compact dimensions with an overall length of 5 inches (12.8 cm) and a lightweight design at 1.6 ounces.
Constructed from the robust CNC Machined 6061 T6 Aluminum, ensuring durability and long-lasting use.
Designed for user convenience, it features a handy pocket clip and a push-button top, making it a prime choice for daily carry.
Offers the assurance of dependable performance in times of need, while seamlessly blending in during routine use.
Stay ready with the pen’s refillable feature, compatible with Easyflow Schmidt P900M Parker Style Black Ball Point Cartridges.

Benchmade Tactical Pen Review

These pens come in a variety of materials, including anodized aluminum and titanium, so you have the choice between a stronger self-defense end and greater corrosion resistance, respectively. They have an excellent grip, a very strong O-ring pressure clip, and high-quality Fisher Space pen ink cartridges. The only real concern is that they aren’t very unassuming. It’s not difficult to see it’s a self-defense tool at a glance. Produced in the US, Benchmade tactical pens are among the toughest products on the market. Featuring an aluminium body with a stainless steel clip, this is a pen that appears more weapon-like than some of the other leading contenders. The main benefits on offer include:

Flat top, which makes it ideal for use with a reverse grip
Compatible with Fisher waterproof refills to cater for extreme weather and changing conditions and environments
Tough carbide tip, which is capable of shattering glass

Benchmade – 1100 Series Tactical Pen, Aluminum with Carbide Tip, Charcoal, Blue Ink

Constructed from premium materials such as anodized aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, or damascus, these pens promise durability and a robust exterior.
Features a thoughtfully designed O-ring pressure fit cap that ensures a secure snap when opened or closed, preventing the ink from drying prematurely.
Designed with user comfort in mind, the ergonomic knurling pattern minimizes hand stress, offering a comfortable grip during extended writing sessions.
Equipped with the renowned Fisher Space Pen ink cartridge, it guarantees prolonged usage, outlasting typical ballpoint pens.

ABP Tactical Pen Review

The diamond-thread grip on this pen is one of the most ergonomic and functional in the whole list. This aircraft aluminum pen is remarkably lightweight, but with a very strong carbide tip on the glass breaker end. However, some users do note problems with the pen tip not unscrewing, making it perhaps less reliable as a pen, though that doesn’t affect its self-defense utility. ABP is a renowned supplier of survival tools and equipment, and as such, it’s no surprise that the ABP tactical pen is used widely by the military, police and survival specialists. The pen features:

Sturdy, no-break clip
Toughened tip capable of breaking glass
Aircraft grade aluminium body suited to even the harshest of environments
Waterproof cartridges

CRKT Tao 2 Tactical Pen Review

A highly-sleek design with weather-resistant ink cartridges and anodized aluminum tips, this aluminum pen is particularly small and slim, making it perfect for keeping it hidden in a potentially dangerous situation. It’s incredibly solid with a strong clip. The grip, however, is not as effectively ridged as the other pens, so it may be less reliable if your hands are overly sweaty or dirty. The Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) tactical pen is a great choice for those looking for a more subtle design. It offers:

Durable, robust materials
Sleek, inconspicuous design
Solid and hard-wearing

CRKT Tao 2 Tactical Pen: Everyday Carry Self Defense Survival Pen, Gray Anodized Aluminum, Fisher Space Ink Cartridge, Pocket Clip, Protective Case TPENAEG

Features a non-reflective finish, ensuring discreet usage in various environments.
Constructed from high-quality 6061 Aluminum, offering durability and a sleek appearance.
Includes a durable nylon fabric case for protection and easy portability.
Expertly designed by Allen Elishewitz, based in Lenoir City, Tennessee, reflecting craftsmanship and attention to detail.
CRKT accessories come with a one-year limited warranty, covering any defects in materials or manufacturing. For comprehensive details, refer to the official company website.