View Full Version : Tactical Pen for EDC Any Thoughts???
I am thinking about adding a Tactical Pen to my EDC but unsure what to get or if they are worth the money. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
The last pen you'll ever need...
http://blog.epromos.com/images/skilcraft-us-government-pen-specifications.gif
My personal preference: Parker Jotter, stainless steel.
41728
The barrel is all steel, thick, and doesn't scream tactical. This and a good small flashlight is my EDC everywhere I cannot do any better.
http://www.zebrapen.com/product/f-701-ball-point-retractable/?source=brand
Dennis.
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This is my issue with the Zebra 701.
41730
The core is all plastic and I've broken the tip off where it threads into that plastic. The Parker Jotter has done a better job for me so far in that regard.
The last pen you'll ever need...
Start my day off with a chuckle. That was my PDC pen for thirty years. Then I retired from the post office.
https://www.amazon.com/Vktech-Tactical-aviation-Aluminum-Anti-skid/dp/B00F914AMO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1475497596&sr=8-6&keywords=tactical+pen
My Amazon says purchased April of 2014 and I am still carrying it today. The paint is mostly all rubbed off, and the ink is within a few months of replacing, but still works through weekly writing with it.
4 dollars, well worth the two years.
I won't lie though, I got this is a tester, to make sure I could carry a pen without losing it or getting it stolen. My next one will be much better, but I would be lying to say this one hasn't done well for me.
SourwoodJD
10-03-16, 12:48
Parker Jotter; carry a classic from 1954! The all stainless is super nice but apparently the nylon barreled variety is plenty strong. Reports are salesmen would stand on the nylon barrels to demonstrate their strength.
I carry an aircraft grade aluminum RoteRing every day. The thing has been more places than most people. Been in my daily load since before tactical pens were cool.
SeriousStudent
10-03-16, 20:08
This is my issue with the Zebra 701.
41730
The core is all plastic and I've broken the tip off where it threads into that plastic. The Parker Jotter has done a better job for me so far in that regard.
Worry not, young Jedi. It is possible to reassemble various parts from other Zebra's, and make it all metal.
http://clickypost.com/blog/2015/2/1/how-to-hack-the-zebra-f-701
This also has the advantage of removing all the brand markings, and your pen is now sterile.
I have been doing that for a few years. I still have the original Surefire pen that was a gift, but it stays at home next to the checkbook.
This is what I carry. My favorite pen I've used. Nice if you're fidgety especially.
http://fellhoelter.com/product/fellhoelter-tibolt-pen-deluxe/
I've been using these for years:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pilot-Pen-Corporation-of-America-Roller-Ball-Pen-Nonrefillable-Fine-5-PK-Black/21401866
Don't leak, writes on almost anything, and as far as tactical goes, well... it's black, so...;)
The tips are also sharp as hell, and I'm quite sure would make an effective improvised weapon if needed.
Another vote for the Parker jotter, I use one everyday. I put a fisher space pen refill in mine and it writes on everything, including the tyveck tags my company uses for fire alarm inspections. I was always a fan of bic click sticks but they don't do so well on the tyveck.
I am thinking about adding a Tactical Pen to my EDC but unsure what to get or if they are worth the money. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
My review of the Tuff Writer pen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkfFB9nJCoo
I carry a Kley zion pen. ..
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I was carrying this standard looking fisher space pen for a while:
http://www.spacepen.com/M4Bnon-reflectivemilitarymatteblackcap-o-maticpen.aspx
Mostly doing paperwork at a gun store. Pulled it out of my pocket one day and clicked it and the cap shot off. Threads were worn off.
Decided i wanted to buy one pen and never have to replace it.
So i bought a tuff writer
http://www.tuffwriter.com/OperatorBlack-p/twp-ops-al-blk.htm
Everyone would comment how big and heavy it was and blah blah blah. It used fisher ink cartridges too which i found i dont like. I picked up a bunch of write in the rain blue ink cartridges and we were good to go.
Used the pen as a tool occasionally to poke at things i did t want to use my knife for. Fly with it. Go everywhere with it and no one thinks differently.
Not a bad tool to carry around, and if you know how to fight with it it can be pretty effective.
I however know how to write with it, and my pocket only has so much room. Phone took priority and the tuff writer is in a drawer. I use the cheap plastic pens at work that we have thousands of.
I was carrying this standard looking fisher space pen for a while:
http://www.spacepen.com/M4Bnon-reflectivemilitarymatteblackcap-o-maticpen.aspx
Mostly doing paperwork at a gun store. Pulled it out of my pocket one day and clicked it and the cap shot off. Threads were worn off.
Decided i wanted to buy one pen and never have to replace it.
So i bought a tuff writer
http://www.tuffwriter.com/OperatorBlack-p/twp-ops-al-blk.htm
.
Did you noticed who's vid they used on that page to discuss that pen? :cool:
SWATcop556
10-10-16, 00:25
Worry not, young Jedi. It is possible to reassemble various parts from other Zebra's, and make it all metal.
http://clickypost.com/blog/2015/2/1/how-to-hack-the-zebra-f-701
This also has the advantage of removing all the brand markings, and your pen is now sterile.
I have been doing that for a few years. I still have the original Surefire pen that was a gift, but it stays at home next to the checkbook.
I need to have you build me a couple more of these. The one you gave me a few years ago was "reappropriated" at work along with some of my kit.
Four years ago I was using "free" clicky pens from the bank and losing them constantly. I received this as a gift and it's been very useful at work. Notably, I can use it with gloves on and it writes in the cold. The clip is sturdy as well as the overall construction. Also, I've never misplaced it like the bank pens, probably because I saw the price.
https://www.boker.de/us/tactical-pen/09BO093.html
stevenhyde
10-23-16, 19:18
I've been carrying the stainless steel Sharpie pen for a couple years. Used daily, the ink was replaced a couple weeks ago.
~ $5 @ walmart.
All the lettering is gone but I prefer it that way.
https://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Stainless-Steel-Point-1-Count/dp/B0067VHVNA
This is my issue with the Zebra 701.
41730
The core is all plastic and I've broken the tip off where it threads into that plastic. The Parker Jotter has done a better job for me so far in that regard.
I use 701s all the time and have never had one break like that.
I have had a batch of ink skipping lately, which is annoying. I'm going to try some new refills
SeriousStudent
10-23-16, 21:33
I need to have you build me a couple more of these. The one you gave me a few years ago was "reappropriated" at work along with some of my kit.
Shoot me your address, I think I misplaced it. I'll work on a couple for ya this weekend. I need to make a few for the minions at work as well.
My personal preference: Parker Jotter, stainless steel.
41728
I just ordered one. :) (about a week ago from fleabay)
I just started using the crkt pen. It feels good, looks good and is solid. About $40 with shipping and uses fisher space pen inserts.
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh63/vinnyraf870/s41802_zps3sr5d7aa.jpg (http://s253.photobucket.com/user/vinnyraf870/media/s41802_zps3sr5d7aa.jpg.html)
RobertTheTexan
10-25-16, 09:55
This is my issue with the Zebra 701.
41730
The core is all plastic and I've broken the tip off where it threads into that plastic. The Parker Jotter has done a better job for me so far in that regard.
THanks for posting, I was about to pull zee trigger and buy zee Zebra.
Saved me $16.96 + shipping. Thx!
RobertTheTexan
10-25-16, 09:58
Shoot me your address, I think I misplaced it. I'll work on a couple for ya this weekend. I need to make a few for the minions at work as well.
Is this something you'd do for a lowlife like me? I'd throw money your way. Or a almost full tub of FrogLubz, or some other worthwhile trinket of innumerable value.
I'm not your minion, but I'm sure I'm someone's minion.
RobertTheTexan
10-25-16, 10:52
I am thinking about adding a Tactical Pen to my EDC but unsure what to get or if they are worth the money. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
I've had a few over the years. Some I bought, some were sent to me to evaluate. I get a little aggravated because it seems that everything now has a tactical version. I'm waiting to see tactical Preparation H or Tactical Tampons (don't anyone steal that idea I'm gonna run with that one.)
But to your point, here's a pic of 3 EDC pens I carry. The middle one really isn't a true EDC, but I keep it in my pack that I used for work every day, so in that sense I do carry it daily during the week.
- The Practical Tactical on the left has been my favorite of the "tactical" pens. I think it's relatively low profile, it has a good grip for writing and like most others, I replace the cartridge with a Fisher, although the cartridge that came with the pen wrote more smooth than the Space Pen refill. I've chopped up a 10 lb block of solid ice with that pen. I've buried it in a 2x4 as well, it's about as solid of a pen as I've owned. It was priced really well also. I believe I paid right under $13 for it. (Currently $19.95 link here (https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Tactical-Pen-High-Strength-Ergonomic/dp/B00MC6JW2C/ref=pd_sim_200_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NW4XV4EGJANZPKG5BQPH).)
- The middle "StrikePen" I think from one of those prepper/survivalist scam guys, but I only paid shipping for it. I just know that "crown" is more of a PITA than anything. I carry it because I don't want to poke holes in my clothes or anyone else's, but it is a heavy pen and can do some damage, so it's in the pack.
- The pen on the right is the very first Fisher Space Pen that a PM I was working with gave me back in 2000. Yep, I have definitely broken a record for longest retained pen of any kind. 16 years is mighty long time not to lose a little pen like that. Granted it's not tactical at all, but it is small, and as you probably know, with a little creative thinking most pens can be used to injure someone. I promise you if I jab a threat in the eyeball with my little space pen he's not gonna say, "Hey that don't count, it's not tactical." lol.
I take all three of these pens through TSA, not just once, but often as I go periods of time where I fly every week. For months. I've had TSA guys pull one out of my bag, look at it and put it right back inside the bag.
I know I ramble, sorry. But I will close with this. Some tactical pens are absolutely worthless. For example, pens that have a sharp top, that's called a "DNA collector". How are you supposed to grip it, normally thumb over the top cap to gain any leverage? It's like zero thought went into the design. "Let's put sharp ends on a pen, paint it black and call it tactical!" So as a suggestion if you are going to get one, just be sure before you buy you can simulate deploying it so you don't run into the problem where the only DNA sample you collect is from your own skin.
http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv200/robertestx/WIP%20Build%20Photos/DE497EF2-0588-4F47-B5DD-08947B58E440_zpsw0widqtd.jpg
This is my issue with the Zebra 701.
41730
The core is all plastic and I've broken the tip off where it threads into that plastic. The Parker Jotter has done a better job for me so far in that regard.
I concur, I have destroyed two in exactly the same way... broken tip due to plastic guts. The clicker broke on a third.
My personal preference: Parker Jotter, stainless steel.
41728
This. Discrete. it's also my favorite series of pens.
Amazon has some good deals on the 701X components right now. They are priced as add-on items, requiring $25 in other purchasing.
order 2: 701 pen for $4.63ea, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L6RB80/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
order 1: 402 pen 2-pack for $4.55, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WOAJP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
order 1: Fisher Space Pen refill 3-pack for $4.99, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HGDQQS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$18.80 for two assembled 701X, $9.40 each, and leaves you a spare refill.
Amazon has some good deals on the 701X components right now. They are priced as add-on items, requiring $25 in other purchasing.
order 2: 701 pen for $4.63ea, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L6RB80/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
order 1: 402 pen 2-pack for $4.55, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WOAJP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
order 1: Fisher Space Pen refill 3-pack for $4.99, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HGDQQS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
$18.80 for two assembled 701X, $9.40 each, and leaves you a spare refill.
Thanks. I got everything but the refill. Seems that price went back up. Will keep an eye out for a deal there.
Thanks. I got everything but the refill. Seems that price went back up. Will keep an eye out for a deal there.
Looks like you're right. It's now $13.98 for the three pack.
Amazon has changed the price on a few things lately... I was watching a gift for my daughter and it went up for cyber Monday from the week before. Now it's dropped but still not to as low as it was before Thanksgiving...
StevethePirate
02-09-17, 19:30
I've been very happy with my Benchmade pen. For defensive roles, it's probably not better than my $4 Zebra pen.
I carry an aircraft grade aluminum RoteRing every day. The thing has been more places than most people. Been in my daily load since before tactical pens were cool.
I used to have a Rotring and it was an excellent instrument. Sturdy, reliable, easy to pocket. Lost it (or someone stole it) and so I decided to buy a Surefire tac pen. The SF is very heavy and thick, so much so it pulls your pocket and can be hard to actually write with for long periods of time. So in thinking about it now...if I had to have a pen to John Wick someone with, I would go back to the Rotring.
Mr. Greene
02-09-17, 21:46
I float back and forth between the Parker Jotter (stainless) and a Fisher Astronaut pen. And both are great, my Parker is used more and the Fisher is reserved for more formal occasions since it was a gift and engraved.
What no one EDCs a Bic? Good enough to Jason Bourne, good enough for me. :dirol:
:jester: That statement above it really ironic for anyone who knows my general regard of those films.
Sorry, been wanting to do that since the thread started.
I'll be one to say, unless the pen was small, I could carry on my keychain I'd not carry one. And I don't at the moment, if I need something other than my 19, my Emerson, or the Surefire light to beat and or kill someone coming at me, I am going to empty hands cuz changes are I am already screwed.
That said, the one Robert posted for $20 looks like one I might get to play with, because I need more stuff. Lord only knows how I'd carry the damn things, I already run out of pockets.
I have one from KlevZion from Botach.
I've taken on planes and have even been inside the embassy and secure places with it.
Even been to the Merry UK with it.
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I'm back to my Parker. Management has decreed "Tactical" pens to be weapons not appropriate to be carried in an educational environment.
I don't bother with evil tactical pens... Even the name annoys me.
Zebra F701. Staples, walmart, etc $7. Stainless body and tip.
Get rid of the plastic parts by swapping some f301 parts. ($10 for 10 at Sams,. Cheap as refills) But lately I dont bother.
I've not tried it but I'm pretty sure I could hammer one through a car fender.
I fly with them, travelled all through Europe. Offices, etc. Wont get a 2nd look.
Way more useful than Timmy Tactical knurled and spiked "look at me" pens
I carry the uzi tactical defender pen everyday. Its even been through tsa.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200115/a3897b08ebf1ee0c53cc26b2698e2dc4.jpg
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titsonritz
01-16-20, 15:30
I'd rather just stick a 25 cent Bic through your eyeball, these $100+ "tactical pens" are just silly to me. Everything around me is a weapon, I'm not going to drop a Benny on pen and I spend a lot of money on a lot of stupid shit.
just a scout
01-16-20, 15:35
Skilcraft ballpoints. Cheap, write well and have been used to qualify REMF and non-hackers on the range for decades.
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Since this is back from the dead....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200116/f6ac9d8832efedf485d27c011e543479.jpg
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