Best tactical pens for EDC and survival in 2021

Whether you are going to your workplace in the urban jungle or exploring the wilderness, most of the times you would carry some sort of pen to write down your thoughts or make lists.

So why not unleash the James Bond in yourself and carry a Tactical Pen that can function both as a pen and as a defensive multi-tool? A typical tactical pen consists of an all-weather pen with an unbreakable body and a couple of tactical self-defense features such as glass breakers.

In this article, we look at some of the best tactical pens available in the market. We will also list out some of the factors to consider while picking the best tactical pen for your needs. Rest assured, none of the options we list can act as a Laser cutter or an explosive device, but they still pack a punch!

Best tactical pen list

Picture	Product	Length Weight	Features
	Schrade SCPENBK Tactical Pen	L: 5.7" Wt.: 1.4 oz.	- Budget tactical pen featuring a T6 aircraft-grade aluminum body with a matte black finish. - Comes with a black Schmidt P600M ball-point ink cartridge. - Comes with a standard glass-breaker/self-defense tip with the flat-cap surface providing a solid support. - Comes with a secure on-and-off pen flat cap that provides a comfortable grip. - The second-generation version is also available that has a cap that can work as a survival whistle and also comes with a magnesium fire-starter. - Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.	Check Price
	Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen	L: 5.0" Wt.: 2.02 oz.	- Made in the US, a rugged tactical pen made with high-quality, machined steel with a tempered window-shattering tip design. - Works like a normal push-button ball-pen and comes with a black Rite in the Rain all-weather refill. - Features an integrated glass-breaker with a tempered steel glass breaker tip. - Comes with a reliable stainless steel deep pocket clip. - Default body color is black. Also comes in costlier Grey and Earth tactical colors. - Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.	Check Price
	Valtcan Impel Titanium Bolt Tactical Pen	L: 5.5" Wt.: 1.5 oz.	- High-end, made in the US tactical pen featuring a all-titanium construction and a space grey matte finish. - Features a bolt-action mechanism that is smooth to operate the pen. CNC finger grooves provide superior grip. - Comes with a Fisher, all-weather ink cartridge that works in all weathers and elevations. - Has a smartly-machined tungsten glass breaker tip that can handle the toughest glass panes and surfaces. - Backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Comes in a gift box.	Check Price
	TACRAY Tactical Pen	L: 4.8" Wt.: 0.7 oz.	- Discreetly designed, ultralight tactical pen made with Titanium alloy and Carbon fiber. Weighs and looks very much like a regular writing pen. - Features a German-made Schmidt P900M refill. - Comes with two different types of glass breaker tips- Tungsten steel and Ceramic Carbide. - Comes with a high-quality Nylon zipper bag.	Check Price
	Rick Hinderer Knives Investigator Pen	L: 4.25" Wt.: 1.6 oz.	- Made in the US, small-sized tactical pen with a bead blasted, brass body. Aluminum and Titanium options are also available. - Features a black Fisher Space Pen ink cartridge, which works flawlessly in all weathers and elevations. - Has a grooved design for better grip for tactical defense even with its small size. - Features a sturdy clip that works seamlessly with even the toughest fabric such as jeans and backpacks. - Can be shipped to selected countries outside the US.	Check Price
	Hoffman Richter Stinger Tactical Pen	L: 6.0" Wt.: 1.75 oz.	- Smartly designed and competitively priced tactical pen made with aircraft-grade, titanium coated aluminum with a flat cap. The cap clips securely on the back. - Comes with a standard, Franklin Covey all-weather black ink cartridge, and can be replaced with standard Fisher Pen or Rite-in-the-Rain refill. - Features a beveled edge that doubles up as a glass breaker and defense tool. - Backed by an Ironclad lifetime warranty.	Check Price
	Smith & Wesson SWPENMPBK Tactical Pen	L: 6.1" Wt.: 1.4 oz.	- Ergonomically designed and competitively priced tactical pen made of aircraft-grade aluminum with a clip on/off cap. - Comes with a standard Parker and Hauser ink cartridge, but can be replaced with standard Fisher Pen or Rite-in-the-Rain refill. - Features a pointer bevel that can act as a glass breaker and self-defense tool. - Backed by a lifetime warranty.	Check Price
	CKRT TPENWK Williams Tactical Pen	L: 6.0" Wt.: 1.2 oz.	- Sleek and stylish tactical pen with a 6061 aluminum body with a non-reflective black finish. Has a tapered body for easy grip while writing. - Features Fisher SP4 black ink cartridge that works in all-weathers and elevations. - Features a high-quality glass breaker tip concealed in the flat-shaped pen cap. - Comes with a nice, Nylon zipper case. - Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.	Check Price
	The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen	L: 6.9" Wt.: 4.0 oz.	- Value-for-money tactical pen made with aircraft grade aluminum. - Features a tactical black refill which can be substituted with Rite-in-the-Rain or Fisher pen refills. - Features a pointed tungsten carbide bevel on one side to work as a glass breaker. - Comes with a carrying pouch and an extra refill. - Features a sturdy carrying clip. - Backed by a limited lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.	Check Price
	UZI Tactical Defender Pen	L: 5.9" Wt.: 1.5 oz.	- Standard tactical pen made with aircraft grade aluminum. - Features a standard black refill which can be substituted with Rite-in-the-Rain or Fisher pen refills. - Features a pointed bevel on one side to work as a glass breaker. - The pen has a set of holes on the back side for tactical carry in a keyring. - The cap does not screw on the pen, but can fit snuggly. Still, need to secure it in the field.	Check Price
	Benchmade Tactical Pen	L: 5.1" Wt.: 1.3 oz.	- Rugged-looking US-made tactical pens that are made from anodized aluminum, Titanium, Damascus Steel or Stainless Steel. Comes in a variety of color combinations. - Features an all-weather Fisher Space Pen ink cartridge. - Comes with different types of glass breaker tips- Tungsten steel or Ceramic Carbide. - Also, feature an O-Ring pressure fit snap-on/off cap with a sturdy pocket clip. - Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.	Check Price

What is a tactical pen and how you can use one?

A tactical pen is what Jason Statham is to movies. Tough, unbreakable and reliable. In simple terms, a tactical pen is a normal, high-quality writing pen that is designed in a way that it can double up as a glass breaker or deployed in a self-defense situation.

Generally, tactical pens have a hard plastic or metal body, an all-weather refill with a medium point, a glass-breaker tip made of Steel, Tungsten or Ceramic and a cap that can act as support for the thumb. The pen has a sturdy, almost unbreakable clip that works well with all fabrics – even jeans.

The following image describes the main parts of a typical tactical pen.

99% of the time, you would use your tactical pen for writing. So it needs to have a reliable refill or ink cartridge that can work in all weather conditions and situations. In 1% of the time when you face a survival situation – self-defense, chipping some wood or breaking a glass window, there is a strong metal tip.

If you ever need to use your tactical pen for self-defense purposes, target the pressure points such as neck or inner arm/armpit or sensitive areas such as throat, ears, eyes or groin. For more information on how you can use a tactical pen for self-defense check out the following video.

NOTE: Now, before we move further, a word of advice. With heightened security checks, avoid taking tactical pens with you on the plane. It is best to check it in. While there may be times when people have been able to carry some of the inconspicuous models, it is not worth risking your investment at the security check. For more information, check the TSA guidelines.

In the next sections, we will look at some of the most important factors to consider before picking the best tactical pen for your needs and share our top picks. Read On!

How to pick the best tactical pen for your needs?

With so many options available in the market, ranging from less than 10 bucks to as high as 150 bucks, picking the best tactical pens can often be a challenge. If you are picking something for more than just tough looks, always opt for the US or German-made pens or from some established tactical gear manufacturers. Avoid options that ship from China or Hong Kong as you may not get the desired quality.

In addition, you can consider the following factors while picking the best tactical pen for your needs:

• Building material of the pen
• Design and Looks of the pen
• Length and weight of the pen
• Additional features and considerations

Building material of the pen

The reason you see such variations in the prices of tactical pens can be primarily attributed to the manufacturing material of the body of the pen and the glass-breaker tip. So it is an important criterion to consider while picking the best tactical pen for your needs.

The body of a tactical pen is primarily made of one of the three materials. The only exception to these materials is the Rick Hinderer Knives Investigator Pen which features a bead-blasted brass body:

The tip of the glass-breaker/self-defense end of the tactical pen is generally made from tungsten steel or carbide. Both of them are reasonably effective. In fact, the TACRAY Tactical Pen comes with both of these options and you can choose to affix one of them to your pen.

Check the building material before picking the best tactical pen for EDC and emergencies. Unless you have a budget constraint, you should opt for one of the all-metal tactical pen for your needs.

Design and looks of the pen

The design and looks of the pen are also important.

In terms of design, you should look at the scaling/grooves on the pen and the design of the cap among other things. Tactical pens provide grooves or knuckled scales that help in creating a better grip on the pen. However, you have to careful while working with these scales as they can sometimes injure your fingers.

The pen type and design of the cap are also a closely related factor. A screw-able cap with a flat base can provide a superior grip to the thumb in self-defense/tactical situations. All of the options we listed except the Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen have a screw on/off cap. The Gerber Impromptu has a unique push-button design.

The looks of the pen govern the level of concealment your tactical pen would provide. A rugged look would mean a less than subtle indication about the tactical nature of the pen, while a discreet look such as the one of can act as an element of surprise for many.

Consider the design considerations and looks to determine which option you want to go with.

Length and weight of the pen

Your carrying options and tactical requirements would determine your preference of a specific tactical pen.
Most tactical pens are designed to have a length of around 5-6 inches, though some options such as the Rick Hinderer Investigator Pen are smaller. Generally the longer the pen, easier it is to use in tactical situations.

Similarly, the weight of the pen governs the tactical effectiveness – a heavier pen tends to be more effective in survival situations but you have to bear its extra weight at all times. So based on your requirements you can go with a lighter or a beefy tactical pen.

Additional features and miscellaneous considerations

In addition to the major criteria discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a particular purchase more suitable for your needs.

One such factor is the type of refill used in the pen. The best tactical pens use all-weather medium point refills by Fisher Space Pen or Rite in the Rain. These refills allow these pens to be useful even in inclement weather conditions, elevations and orientations – even upside down. If you are someone who prefers a finer point or a different refill, you should first check the compatibility of the refill with the model. Typically G2 type (Parker) ball-point/gel-point refill or cartridge should fit most of the pen (except cheaper models).

Secondly, you can check out the accessories, if any that come with the pen. Some tactical pens come with a nice Nylon zipper gift bag. This is especially useful if you are going to gift this pen to someone. Similarly, some tactical pens come with additional refills.

Finally, the warranty and after-sales service provided by manufacturers is another major additional factor to consider. All the tactical pens we listed above are backed by a limited lifetime warranty and hence are tough enough to withstand years of use. This is especially important considering you do not want to be left stranded with a non-functional pen in the hour of need.

You can look at all these additional factors to determine if they make a specific tactical a better choice for your needs.

Which are the best tactical pens and what our picks are?

Schrade SCPENBK Tactical Pen – Editor’s choice for the best tactical pen under $50

When it comes to a budget tactical pen, check out the first and second generation of the Schrade Survival Tactical Pens. Priced well under $50, this tactical pen is built to outlast some of its costlier counterparts and hence our recommended choice.

The Schrade SCPENBK Survival Tactical pen is a smartly designed tactical pen that does not scream out as one. This pen features a CNC-Machined precision 6061-T6 aluminum body with a matte black finish. The aircraft grade aluminum provides this pen extreme toughness without adding too much to the weight.

The Schrade Tactical Pen features a black, German-made Schmidt P900M Parker ballpoint refill. It has an overall length of 5.7 inches and weighs a decent 1.4 oz.

The best part of the Schrade Tactical Pen is the flat screw on/off cap design. The cap is slightly wider than some other tactical pens, but this means it can provide a very good base for your thumb to apply extra force during tactical situations. The pen has a virtually unbreakable deep-point clip which means you can carry it easily concealed in your pocket. And it has a very unobtrusive and non-threatening look.

Moreover, if you are looking to get more out of your Tactical Pen, check out the Second Generation Schrade SCPEN4BK Survival Tactical Pen. This pen features a removable Ferro-rod and a concealed striking plate. What’s more, the cap is uniquely designed to function as a survival whistle.

Like all other Schrade products, the Schrade line of tactical pens is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. So you can use them for recreational and professional purposes without any worries.

Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen – Editor’s choice for the best tactical pen

When it comes to mid-range tactical pens, there are very few that can stand up to the quality and functionality of the Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen.

The Gerber Impromptu Tactical pen is a smartly-designed, proudly made in the US tactical pen. It is one of the very few models that feature a push-button mechanism for the refill. This design makes it look inconspicuous and not much different from a standard ball-point pen. But trust us, it does pack a punch.

The standard Gerber Impromptu pen features a T6 aircraft-grade aluminum body with a matte black finish. If you can spend a little more, you can get a more elegant-looking Grey or Earth color option.

The Gerber Impromptu pen is a comfortable 5 inches long and weighs a sturdy 2 ounces.

The pen comes with a Rite in the Rain ink cartridge, which means that it can be used in all weather conditions and elevations. Heck, you can even use it seamlessly lying upside down. It has a stainless steel pocket clip to carry the pen around in your pocket, Molle-slot or bag.

The pen features an integrated, tempered steel glass breaker tip that can work in almost all situations. The location of the tip, however, has a downside. The tip can sometimes rip through your trousers or scratch your leg while moving, so you have to be a wee-bit careful.

What’s more, the Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen is backed by a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty supported by an excellent customer care service.

Valtcan Impel Titanium Bolt Pen – Editor’s pick for the best high-end tactical pen

If money is not a limitation and you are looking for a tactical pen which is functional and elegant and rugged looking at the same time, then check out the Valtcan series of tactical pens. The Valtcan Impel Titanium Bolt Tactical Pen is one of the most popular ones of the collection.

The Valtcan Impel Titanium Bolt Tactical Pen is a generous 5.5 inches long and weighs a decent 1.55 ounces. The pen is made with aircraft-grade titanium. Every part, including the spring, is made of Titanium. The pen has a non-reflective space-grey finish which gives it an inconspicuous look.

Like the Gerber Impromptu pen, the Valtcan Impel Tactical pen comes with a black Fisher/Rite-in-the-Rain all-weather pressurized ink cartridge that works in all weather conditions, rain and elevations. The pen is versatile enough to take other G2 Refill types such as Fisher, Schmidt, and Parker.

The pen has a retracting refill which uses a rifle-like bolt-action mechanism, which is reliable and built to survive continuous fidgeting. The pen has a smartly riveted, non-breakable clip which can be used with the toughest fabrics.

The tungsten glass-breaker tip in the pen is built like a tank. When properly used it can break the toughest of the glasses, puncture hardest of the surfaces and inflict maximum damage on your adversary.

The Valtcan Impel Titanium Bolt Tactical Pen is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, so you can carry it for years without worrying about its durability. It comes nicely packed in a gift-box, making it an excellent gift item.

Replacement refills

As discussed above, 99% of the time, tactical pens are simple writing instruments. So you would like to have a reliable refill that can work in all weather conditions, different elevations and even when writing upside down.
The type of refills used in the pens is one of the reasons why the options that we listed are not under 10 bucks. Most cheap tactical pens are neither tactical weapons nor decent pens.
If you ever need to replace the refill of your tactical pen (they do run out!), the best option to pick one from the same model. In case you are looking for some options, you can check out the following (most pens have G2 type refill):

• Schmidt P900 Parker Style Refill: For TACRAY and Schrade Tactical Pens
• Fisher SPR4 Ballpoint Refill: Work with almost all Tactical Pens
• Rite in the Rain All-Weather Refill: For Benchmade, Zero Tolerance and other high-end pens
• Medium Point Hauser Refills by Schmidt: For UZI, Smith & Wesson and Schrade Tactical Pens

Final thoughts on the best tactical pens to buy

Tactical pens are discreet, yet effective self-defense tools that can function as writing pens for 99% of the time and for that 1%, act as an emergency self-defense or survival tactical gear. They are a perfect item to carry in cases where carrying or deploying a knife may not be an option.

In this article, we looked at some of the best tactical pens available in the market. We focused primarily on options that are high-quality and work in even the most difficult weather conditions. We specifically avoided cheap options which do not work well either as a pen or a tactical gear. We also looked at some of the factors to consider while picking the best tactical pen for your needs and also shared our top picks.

We hope you found this article useful and it will help you in picking the best tactical pen for EDC or outdoor trip. Do let us know your feedback and if you would want us to consider anything else by commenting below. Until next time, stay safe and stay healthy!

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