It’s most likely that in 1839, when Edward Bulwer-Lytton came up with the metonymic adage, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” he had no idea how right he would one day be. And while, in truth, his meaning may have been aimed somewhere a little deeper and less physical than we’re interpreting it, it holds true either way. We are, of course, referring to the rise of the best tactical pens.
Nowadays, there’s an entire culture around tactical pens and the practical uses, and potential life-saving uses, they offer in day-to-day life. When wielded correctly, these discreet and smart accessories can be a great survival tool and provide tools and features you’d likely rarely even considered carrying in your pocket or on your person at all, let alone in a handy, Swiss Army-style pen. Some of the most common features you can find in the best tactical pens include:
- Reinforced pointed ends which can as a self-defence implement
- Blunt ends for breaking barriers (e.g. glass)
- Built-in flashlights
- Compasses
- Bottle openers
- Phone stands
- Rulers
- Screw drivers
- Reliable writing implements
As a multi-use tool, tactical pens are great to have in a pinch. From helping brave the elements to unexpected moments of self-defense, these pens are easy-to-keep, and that makes them a handy backup for emergencies. Plus, they look pretty cool and fall into a budget-friendly price range, making them great go-to gifts for friends and family members who love to act like spies with hidden tech and gadgets.
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Below you’ll find 15 of the best tactical pens available. Find the right one for you to make sure you’re always prepared.
1. TF TAKEFLIGHT Tactical Pen and Tactical Flashlight
BEST OVERALL
With over 700 five-star reviews from Amazon users, the TF TAKEFLIGHT Tactical Pen and Tactical Flashlight is sure to be your new favorite gadget. In addition to housing a ballpoint pen which is far more reliable than the average office pen, you’ll find a design that incorporates hardened points to act as a glass breaker or Jason Bourne-style self-defence weapon when required. You’ll also find a multitool with a bottle opener and a flashlight to ensure you’re never left in the dark. Furthermore, it’s supplied in a gift-worthy box, includes two ink refills and comes with a handy user guide.
2. Tactical Pen Ballpoint Pen and Window Breaker
BEST BUDGET
At under $10, you’re unlikely to find a better value-for-your-money option than the Tactical Pen Ballpoint Pen and Window Breaker. It’s constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, meaning it’s built to last. This lightweight and high-quality construction makes the pen capable of breaking glass while also feeling comfortable in your hand as you write. There’s also an LED tactical flashlight which offers two different lighting modes, a hex key, a bottle opener and a flat-head screwdriver.
3. KEPEAK Military Tactical Pen
BEST MILITARY
Somewhat unsurprisingly, lots of the most common users of tactical pens are personnel in the military. While comparatively simple to many other options, the KEPEAK Military Tactical Pen’s design has military users in mind, as its construction combines both tungsten steel in the pen cap and aerospace-grade aluminum for a result which is lightweight, durable and capable of dealing out some damage in the right situations. It’s also a comfortable writing piece and comes supplied with six additional refills to ensure you won’t run low for some time.
4. Sminiker Professional Defender Tactical Pen
BEST EVERY DAY
The Sminiker Professional Defender Tactical Pen is made from a high-quality aircraft aluminum and sports a discreet design which includes a carbide tip, a glass breaker, an attachable clip and a sleek crown head. This compact style with its threaded barrel provides plenty of comfort and grip when using the device to write. It’s also supplied with six ink refills and a lovely presentation box. It comes recommended by over 950 five-star reviews from Amazon customers.
5. BellFyd Tactical Pen
BEST COLOR RANGE
Crafted from beautiful tungsten steel, this BellFyd Tactical Pen is one tactical tool that was made to last. The pen features an extra sharp point to act as a glass breaker, while the built-in clip makes hanging your pen from pockets easy. The two-piece set also includes an additional opener survival tool with a can opener, a knife edge, a screwdriver, a ruler and several more handy items to have in a pinch. Furthermore, the pen is available in three other colors if black isn’t your color of choice.
6. Ispandy Tactical Pen
BEST VARIETY
The Ispandy Tactical Pen Kit is impressively well endowed. In addition to the tactical pen, you’ll find a pocket, a credit-card tool, three ink refills, a wire saw and a beautiful presentation box to keep it all in. The pen itself looks discreet and is made from aircraft-grade machined aluminum. It includes a tactical flashlight capable of an SOS signal and works as a glass breaker, too. The included wire saw makes cutting through small branches and twigs easy, while the card tool boasts a range of items, including a wrench, a screwdriver and a ruler.
7. ATECH Multifunction Pen 7-in-1 Tech Tool Pen
BEST MULTIFUNCTIONAL
While not technically an out-and-out tactical pen, the ATECH Multifunction Pen 7-in-1 Tech Tool Pen boasts an impressive range of built-in features. Obviously, it writes, but it also includes a range of additional items, including a stylus, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, a phone stand and a ruler. It’s a great option for users who are less concerned about emergency escapes and self-defense and more interested in everyday functionality.
8. TakeFlight LED Tactical Pen
MOST STYLISH
Great for everyday carry, this TakeFlight LED Tactical Pen includes a built-in LED flashlight, an emergency glass breaker and a screw-out bottle opener. More than that, it looks positively wicked with indented crosses running all the way from top to bottom. Handily, in the attractive gift box the pen comes in, you’ll find both an extra ink refill and a flashlight battery, ensuring you’ll get plenty of use before you need to shop for more.
9. WILLUCK Gifts Tactical Pen
EDITOR’S CHOICE
While not the most compact option on the list, the WILLUCK Gifts Tactical Pen makes up for this by offering an array of features that few other tactical pens can compete with. Firstly, the pen is available in four different colors, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your personality. As for features, the functioning ballpoint pen sports a whistle, a glass breaker, a multi-tool head, a ballpoint pen and an LED flashlight. For added functionality, it’s accompanied by an 11-in-1 tactical card which includes a bottle opener, a can opener, a saw blade and a knife edge to ensure you can be confident you’ll at least have one thing to help in any given situation.
10. Ankaka 6-in-1 Tactical Pen
MOST LIGHTWEIGHT
At only 3.2 ounces, the Ankaka 6-in-1 Tactical Pen is a great option for users concerned about weight. It’s important to understand that this doesn’t substitute strength as the pen is constructed from tungsten carbide, an extra-strong alloy which is capable of breaking glass, ceramic and even some metals, too. The pen includes an impressively bright flashlight which offers both a beam and a strobe mode. Other notable inclusions in the pen are a bottle opener, a wrench and a screwdriver.
11. Atomic Bear SWAT Tactical Pen
BEST REVIEWED
Sitting pretty with over 1,000 five-star reviews, the Atomic Bear SWAT Tactical Pen is hard to look past. It’s durable without being extra heavy. It’s perfectly balanced, and, of course, it includes a ballpoint and a superalloy tip that’s easily able to break through glass. For added comfort during regular use, you’ll also find a smart thumb rest, while the rest of the pen sports indents to further aid your grip. Furthermore, the pen is supplied with a handy carry pouch which can easily be attached to belts for a more convenient way to keep your pen on you at all times.
12. Tactical Tools Tactical Pen
BEST FOR CAMPERS
With an LED flashlight, glass breaker, built-in compass and fire starter, the Tactical Tools Tactical Pen is one extremely versatile tactical tool and ideal for people who love to camp. As well as being pretty inconspicuous when compared to many models on this list, this pen is also comfortable to use, making it ideal for daily use. Additionally, the separation of the kit into three pieces, namely the pens, the compass and fire starter combo and the multi-tool, makes it easy to perform multiple tasks around the campsite at one time.
13. Vlanden Tactical Pen Multitool Survival Gadget
BEST GIFT IDEA
If you’re in need of a gift for a good buddy or want something a little out of the ordinary which an outdoorsy friend might not already have, consider this Vlanden Tactical Pen Multitool Survival Gadget. Its versatility makes it ideal for a range of occasions, including everyday use and camping, while the presentation box gives it a high-quality feel which is ideal for gifting. The pen itself includes a bright LED flashlight, a four-part multitool head, a ballpoint pen and a glass breaking tip. Furthermore, the sleek black design makes it one of the most stylish options on the list.
14. WUBEN Tactical Pen
LEAST CONSPICUOUS
This WUBEN Tactical Pen includes a powerful CREE LED Flashlight, a window breaker and a ballpoint pen. Impressively, the flashlight is USB rechargeable, making it a great choice for the environmentally conscious out there. The hard aluminum alloy body is available in either grey or gold and sports an inconspicuous design which will fit in alongside your regular office pens. And further adding to this pen’s impressive durability, it’s IP68 waterproof, meaning it’s ready to come on your next water-filled adventure.
15. Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
BEST SPLURGE
This impressive Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen includes a tempered steel glass breaker, a durable ink cartridge that works under both wet and dry circumstances and a push-button release system. It’s ideal for everyday use or to be kept in your pocket or bag for emergency-worthy occasions. Additionally, this USA-made pen features a beautifully crafted design which includes a range of indents for easier gripping and visual style alongside a clip which lets you attach the pen to pockets with ease.
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