Although it looks innocent enough, this tool can be a lethal weapon if used correctly.
To anyone else, this pen looks just like any other tool used to scribble a few thoughts on paper. But to those in the know, it’s a deadly tactical weapon!
It all sounds a bit James Bondish right? Well actually, it’s nothing as high tech as what you might be imagining. But nonetheless, this weapon’s effectiveness and element of surprise make it a valuable addition to your survival inventory.
History of the Tactical Pen
Tactical pens have not been around for as long as you may think. Logically, they can’t have existed until after the modern writing pen came to prominence. So when was the idea born, to turn a regular writing utensil into a deadly weapon?
The origins of the tactical pen can be traced back to the 1960’s when a man named Soke Takayuki Kubota came up with the idea for a simplistic key-chain weapon to be used by Los Angeles Police Department officers. He called his invention the Kubotan.
These weapons quickly gained popularity due to their small size making them easily concealable and easy to carry.
Their simple design meant they could be used effectively by someone with no self defense training to injure or scare off a would-be attacker, while also being a deadly weapon in the hands of somebody trained to use it correctly.
The basic design of the Kubotan key-chain weapon incorporates a small cylindrical shaft (usually with a blunt end) that tapers down to a point at the end of the weapon.
The idea for the Kubotan seemed to stem from a basic survival idea – that regular, everyday items can be re-imagined and used to an advantage if the need arises.
A good survivalist should be able to think on their feet and turn anything in their vicinity into a survival tool or weapon, no matter how mundane and ordinary the object appears.
When you think about it, the transition from the Kubotan key-chain weapon to the less conspicuous tactical pen seems like a natural progression.
What Is A Tactical Pen?
A tactical pen is basically a Kubotan hidden under the guise of a regular pen.
But unlike a regular pen, the main function of the tactical pen is to injure and incapacitate a would-be attacker. They primarily achieve this by puncturing and penetrating anyone stupid enough to get in the way of this cleverly disguised weapon.
Forged from hardened metal and made strong so you can be sure they’ll survive the force applied to them, they come designed with small grooves along the shaft to aid grip when used against an attacker. The primary attacking end is located at the back of the pen so it still functions as an everyday writing utensil.
Given that this weapon has multiple uses, it falls into the category of “survival multi-tools”. It’s in this same category of tools that you’ll also find survival hatchets, walking sticks, lighters, matches and sword canes. Basically, anything that serves more than one function.
And while a joke could easily be made about signing somebodies death warrant with a tactical pen, please remember – this is foremost and primarily a tool to be used for self defense.
Why Should You Carry a Tactical Pen?
The quick and easy answer is that you want to be ready to defend yourself and your family at all times.
This isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Think about it. How many people in the modern world do you know that are armed and ready to defend themselves should they have to? Next time you are shopping at your local supermarket or shopping mall, have a look around and ask yourself, who here is prepared to defend themselves against an attack?
Depending on where you live, there are different laws and regulations that permit what you can and cannot carry.
In our modern society, it seems that both socially and politically we are moving away from the idea that being armed is a good thing. Therefore it may not be possible to carry guns or other self defense weapons such as knives, clubs or swords.
Think about how the mall security would react if you walked through the front doors with a sword strapped to your back!
So what’s the solution? You guessed it. Something that can be concealed and hidden as an everyday object but can be used effectively to defend yourself.
Something like a tactical defense pen.
Uses of a Tactical Pen
While the main purpose of a tactical pen is self defense, it can, of course be used for writing, just like a regular pen. In fact, ideally, this will be all you need it for.
But because we know that this may not be the case, let’s discuss what else your tactical pen is capable of.
Shattering Glass
The hardened, pointed end is a great tool for shattering windows or panes of glass.
This can, of course, be very dangerous so make sure you know the best way to go about this.
If possible you want to grip the pen tightly while wearing a glove. Don’t stand in front of the glass that you are about to break, but to the side of it.
Next, you want to slam the hardened metal tip into the corner of the pane by swinging your arm in a circular motion and staying clear of the shattering glass.
Collecting DNA
Not something I thought about myself the first time I heard about tactical defense pens but some of these pens come with the ability to track an assailant on a DNA database after an attack.
Of course, any blood or body tissues could be collected off a weapon after it has been used, but some tactical pens come with a crowned end cap that can be used to scrape or scratch an attacker, meaning you can collect DNA evidence without seriously harming them.
Top 10 Features
Let me share with you the top ten features that make these defense tools so useful:
- They are covert. Most people will only see it as a regular pen, allowing you to carry it nearly everywhere.
- You can still use it as a normal pen – adding to its disguise.
- They may not be picked up on in a weapons search.
- They are easily concealable and carrying one in your pocket gives you fast access to your self defense tool.
- They’re great for use against pressure points and digging into bones, making them a handy tool when trying to disarm someone.
- Because of their small size, it’s hard for somebody to pry it from your grip.
- They have an excellent element of surprise.
- They’re very effective when used to break glass or windows.
- As a last resort, they can be used as a projectile. But only as a last resort.
You’ll always have a pen on you should you need to record some vital information, such as a license plate number.Tactical Pen Defense Techniques
The great thing about these defense tools is that both the tools themselves and the techniques of how to use them are very simple. But as with most things, practice makes perfect. So do some online research and put what you learn into practice.
Start slowly, ideally, practicing with a friend or family member and practice the basic techniques. Take care not to injure each other and over time you will build your speed and accuracy and become much more effective at reacting without having to over-think your actions.
So here are a couple of techniques to get you started.
Slashing
A tactical pen can be used in a slashing motion just like a knife. Try to make the slashing motion from high to low to increase its effectiveness.
Despite not having a blade, a tactical pen still has the capability to injure, especially when striking the head.
Striking Pressure Points
This method is not really for novices or those without self defense training, as these attacks require a good knowledge of the human body and where pressure points are located.
People spend a lot of time and energy learning and practicing how to disable a person using pressure points because you can very effectively debilitate someone by pressing or pinching certain points on the body, using little force.
So, therefore, knowing how to strike these points with a tactical pen will give you a huge advantage.
But again, this is a technique which requires a lot of knowledge and training to master. And in a close combat situation, if you are unsure of where to strike, you will quickly lose advantage against your opponent.
Watch this video for an introduction to self defense pressure points. It’s a great video but if you are interested in the techniques, I suggest you seek out some further professional training.
Stabbing
Probably the most obvious technique, a tactical pen will puncture and penetrate the body of an assailant. More important than the stabbing motion itself, is knowing where the most vulnerable targets of your attacker’s body are.
In a serious, life-threatening situation, the quickest way to end an attack is to aim for the eyes. This attack is both incredibly painful and leaves your attacker unable to see and continue the attack. Likewise, the Adam’s apple is another highly vulnerable target. Your attacker can’t fight if they cannot breathe.
Check out this short video to learn some more tactical pen striking techniques you can practice.
What Not To Do With A Tactical Pen
Things You SHOULDN’T Do
Firstly, you should not treat this as your primary weapon. It’s there to help you if you need it and is also great to use as a last resort. But there is a reason they don’t issue these instead of guns to soldiers on the front line.
Secondly, don’t get too attached to your pen. At the end of the day, it is still a weapon. And while it’s a very discreet one, you may still find it confiscated by a law enforcement officer or security.
So unless you feel it’s absolutely necessary and are willing to take the risk, don’t take it somewhere where weapons are considered totally unacceptable.
Keep in mind, you could face charges and serious consequences if caught trying to sneak a weapon into certain areas. A judge might not believe that you were unaware it wasn’t a regular pen.
Thirdly, if you practice self defense techniques with a tactical pen, don’t use the same techniques with a regular ballpoint.
Regular pens are very weak and won’t have the strength to be used effectively against a target. Sure, you might get lucky and strike the perfect blow but chances are, your strike will be ineffective and will only enrage your assailant. Plus you’ll be at a disadvantage, trying to defend yourself with a useless weapon.
Most objects lying around would probably make a better self-defense tool than a regular pen.
Things You SHOULD Do
Practice with your tactical pen as much as you can. The more you practice, the better you’ll get and the better you can defend yourself and those around you.
It’s the same principle as with any defense weapon. Anyone can frantically and furiously slash and wave a weapon around but it takes real skill and training to really use it effectively.
Of course, you don’t have to be the best, but it helps to have at least a basic knowledge of correct techniques when trying to defend yourself.
Another thing I recommend is that you carry at least one pen at most times.
Certainly, you should be carrying one in your pocket whenever you can, but why not keep some other tactical pens in your bug out bag, vehicle, home and survival kit? That way, you know that they’re always there if needed.
Lastly, I recommend that you use your pen creatively.
Exactly how you use your tactical defense pen really comes down to your level of experience, training and knowledge.
But a good way for everyone to keep themselves prepared is to think about how you could defend yourself and the reasons you might need to do so as you go about your day.
So, while there is no ‘black and white’ correct and incorrect way to use a tactical pen, ensure you are using yours to the best of your ability.
Tactical Overview
Are They Legal?
A lot of people are unsure about the legalities of defense pens. And while I would suggest you research the laws in your local or state area, they are as far as I know, legal.
But in saying that, they are still a weapon, and should, therefore, be treated with respect like any other weapon.
Knowingly carrying a weapon, whether it’s legal or not, into areas such as airports or government buildings could get you arrested and charged with a serious crime.
Non-lethal Weapon
Tactical pens are considered non-lethal weapons. So, does that mean you can’t kill somebody with one? No, of course not. But it would be considerably harder to kill someone with a tactical pen than say, a sword or gun. The term ‘non-lethal’ simply means that they are not primarily designed to kill.
Not The Greatest For Writing
While you will have no problems using your tactical pen to write down important information if the need arises, they are primarily a defense weapon and you should treat them as such.
If you know you are going to be doing a lot of writing throughout the day, take a regular pen with you in your pocket as well.
It’s Not For Intimidation
You’re not going to scare anyone waving a pen around. Well actually, it may help you to look crazy enough to scare-off someone with no defense training!
But don’t rely on this pen to intimidate and bluff your way out of a situation.
A big benefit of this weapon is its surprise element. So use it when you need it and when your assailant least expects it.
Conversely, if your attacker thinks you are brandishing a regular writing pen, they might be lulled into a false sense of confidence and lower their guard. Use this to your advantage and strike when the time is right.
Keep It To Yourself
Don’t go big-mouthing and telling everyone within earshot about your new self defense tool. You will lose all of the element of surprise and render the weapon almost useless. Remember, you are relying on the surprise element to make your weapon effective.
What’s the Best Tactical Pen?
If you are about to purchase something, it makes sense that you want to buy the best.
And while opinions might differ about the best pen on the market, all tactical pens should have these key features:
- Solid Alloy Construction
- Discrete
- Well-designed Grip
- Functions as a Pen
Strength is a massive factor when looking at the quality of a tactical pen because you don’t want it to break when you need it most.
Having a well-designed grip enables you to brandish the weapon without fear of it slipping from your hand.
And of course, a tactical pen that functions as a regular pen will be for more discrete, especially when being scrutinized as a possible weapon.
So providing all these points have been met, you can feel safe that you’ve chosen the right pen for you and your budget.
Personally, if I were to recommend a tactical pen, I would strongly advise you to purchase the Tactical StrikePen.
At the time of writing, this high-quality defense pen was available FREE + shipping costs!
Its well-thought-out design also incorporates a built-in flashlight, hex driver/wrench, small knife and bottle opener.
It’s one of the best tactical pens available on the market.
Other Tactical Pens Available
Here’s a quick run-through of some of the other top-quality tactical pens available to you in today’s market.
Tactical Action Plan
If you don’t already have a tactical pen, get one now.
Hell, get three of them! You don’t want to be in a situation where you are caught off guard without a tool to defend yourself.
Like any last-resort self defense weapon, you won’t know when you’ll need it until you absolutely need to use it!
And if you don’t have it with you… well, it’s too late.
Don’t leave it until that moment. Get one today. Your life and the lives of your family may depend on it someday.
And once you do own one (or hopefully more than one), it’s time to train and practice those techniques you’ve read about and seen put into practice in the videos in this article.
Remember that this is most likely going to be the weapon which you carry around for your everyday self defense, so it’s well worth putting in the time and energy learning how to use it proficiently.
Surprise your assailants with a weapon they will not see coming.