Tactical Pen & Pencil

Tactical pens and pencils aren't like your regular writing instruments. Sure, you can write with them. But they offer so much more.

What is a tactical pen?

A tactical pen resembles a regular pen—it writes smoothly, but it does more than let you write. Tactical pens typically come with features that can spell the difference between life and death in emergency situations, such as:

Glass breaker tip: Imagine being trapped inside a car with jammed doors. The pen's glass breaker tip can be used to shatter a window, so you can escape safely and quickly.
Sharp point: Approached by a bad guy while walking alone at night? The tactical pen's sharp point can be used to thwart an attacker's advances. You can strike their vulnerable areas, inflicting non-lethal damage but disabling them long enough for you to escape.
Whistle: Lost while hiking in a remote area? Some tactical pens have a whistle built in, which you can use to alert responders to your location.

Additional tactical pen features can include:

Bottle opener
Screw driver
Flashlight
Hexagonal wrench

Although tactical pens are originally designed for law enforcement and military use, anyone—from everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts to office workers and general self-defense advocates—can use a tactical pen.

Is a tactical pencil the same as a tactical pen?

No, it's not—in mainly the same way a ballpoint pen is not the same as a pencil.

When a tactical pen runs out of ink or a tactical pencil runs out of lead, you'll need refills. While both can be used for practical self-defense, tactical pencils may not include as many extra tools as the tactical pen.

What are the different types of tactical pens?

Standard tactical pen

Resembles a regular pen but made from materials like aluminum or titanium to provide a substantial but nice weight
Often includes a glass breaker or pointed tip

Tactical bolt-action pen

Has a bolt-action mechanism for extending or retracting the writing tip
Best for EDC enthusiasts who are partial to the reliability of bolt-action tools

Tactical screw-top pen

Has a screw-top mechanism to keep the pen securely closed when not in use
Often includes a reinforced tip and a sturdy pocket clip

Tactical multi-tool pen

Comes with additional tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, bottle openers, and even small knives
Suited for scenarios that require multi-functional tools like camping

Tactical flashlight pen

Features a pen and a built-in flashlight
Often includes a glass breaker and a self-defense tip

Tactical stylus pen

Has a stylus tip that can be used with touchscreen devices
Best for tech-savvy users

Kubaton tactical pen

Functions as a pen and a Kubaton, a small self-defense tool
Often comes with a pointed end

How do you use a tactical pen for self-defense?

If you're thinking about getting a tactical pen for self-defense or survival situations, remember to first check local laws. Ensure you're compliant to avoid any legal complications.

Some tips when using a tactical pen to defend yourself:

Grip the pen firmly: A weak, insecure grip can make you lose control of the pen.
Stay calm: Panicking will get you nowhere.
Aim for vulnerable areas: These include the hands, throat, and eyes. The goal is to deliver a non-lethal blow to buy you time to escape or call for help.
Ensure your pen is easily accessible: Carry it in your bag, pocket, or keychain, so you can quickly reach for it when needed.
Practice regularly: Quickly and effectively deploying your tactical pen is crucial in high-stress scenarios.
Use a tactical pen only as a last resort: Even a non-lethal weapon can quickly escalate a situation. Use your tactical pen only when you believe you're in danger.

What is a tactical pen with knife?

A tactical pen knife is a tactical pen with a concealed blade—essentially, a miniature EDC knife in a pen. To deploy the blade, you can either:

Slide or unscrew the pen casing
For automatic out-the-front (OTF) pen knives, press the button or trigger

You can then use the knife for cutting, slicing, or self-defense as needed. When done, slide or screw the casing back onto the knife, or press the trigger button again.

What is the best tactical pen and why?

It can be difficult to determine the best EDC pen, especially since the market is teeming with numerous high-quality options. But here are two we highly recommend:

Chaves Ultramar Screw-Top: Manufactured by Reate Knives, this premium tactical pen features a durable all-metal screw-top mechanism, the signature Chaves skull pocket clip, and a stonewashed titanium handle. It comes with a Schmidt EasyFlow 9000M cartridge.

Hinderer Investigator Pen: The Hinderer Investigator pen builds on the success of the Extreme Duty pen. Designed for users who want a heavy-duty but easier-to-carry pen, it retains the deep grooves and cut threads its predecessor is famous for, plus a full titanium handle and a screw-on top. The Investigator pen uses Fisher Space Pen ink cartridges and doubles as a Kubaton self-defense tool.

Is a self-defense pen legal?

Tactical pens are generally legal to carry, but be sure to check local laws to avoid any issues.

Are tactical pens TSA-approved?

The TSA allows tactical pens in checked bags but not your carry-on.

Are tactical pens and pencils worth it?

They are—particularly for individuals needing an easy-to-conceal self-defense tool that also doubles as a writing instrument.

Where can I buy a tactical pen?

You can get your tactical pen from Northwest Knives, a leading supplier of automatic and tactical knives from known brands such as Benchmade, Guardian, and ProTech.

Tactical pen options we carry include: