The "Tactical" Pen....

[WillBrink]

I guess this is the right section for such a discussion?

We can all agree no doubt, the name is silly, but that's what they seem to get called as it sells better then "really tough" pen or what have you.

I'm sure you have all seen them. I have been sent one for review, and wanted to discuss what legit role one might play, vs just owning one and thinking it's a Tact-cool item.

To start, not a "I would never pay that for a pen" discussion please. To each his own there. OK?

Obviously what you get is a pen that is damn near indistructable and another potential weapon to strike with or stab with. For the LEO for example- who of course have a pen in their hand a lot - possibly the tool already in your hand you can use to strike with in a pinch?

Anyone own one? What are you thoughts on legit, vs mall ninja, uses for such an item? A tool in the tool box for some or just the goofiest invention since the Shake Weight?

[SOWT]

I don't own one, but was thinking of giving my wife one. She travels a lot, and something she can jab into an attacker appeals to me.

Anyone know if TSA allows you to fly with these?

[WillBrink]

I don't own one, but was thinking of giving my wife one. She travels a lot, and something she can jab into an attacker appeals to me.

Anyone know if TSA allows you to fly with these?

Seems to be a mixed bag, similar to a lot of what TSA does.

I know people who have flown with such pens. Have not heard of anyone being held up by TSA/having to leave the pen behind due to TSA, but that don't mean it can't happen.

My favorite TSA story is the GF used to fly back and forth from KS to Boston with knitting needles. They were 12" or so long, solid aluminum, and sharp as hell, and you could really fu&% someone up with those things. They made her leave her nail clippers, never, not once, said a thing about the knitting needles.

A person with one of those knitting needles in each hand would take out person with box cutters 19 out of 20 times. Yikes.

My guess is, probably GTG on the pen, but I'm sure it depends on how evil "tactical" it looks, if it has some obvious gun logo, etc on it, and the mood of the TSA agent at the time.

[Smash]

I have had the benchmade 1100 for about 2 years now. I fly with it on me every time I travel. I remove the cap to expose the writing end and place the cap on the striking end while it goes through X-ray. I didn't do that once and didn't have any problems either but I still do it to have one less thing to worry about.

There are pain compliance techniques and other methods of use, a master of any I am not. My plan is always aggressive striking should I have to use it on an aircraft. You can use Rite in the Rain refills with these which was a selling point for me as I use it even in the field for its secondary use....writing.

Edit: I think the newer series of these have a carbide tip for breaking windows? Another benefit on top of others aforementioned.

[pmarc]

I have one of those, Smith & Wesson branded (US$ 20-something). It is the pointy kind.

From an employment standpoint, any sturdy pen should suffice, but I have read concerns that the pointy end might penetrate tissue and make a mess bigger than necessary.

If, LEO types are looking for something suspicious, the pointy kind might fit their bill.

Also, you have to train drawing and attacking with it. I am sure many do not. If given the option, handgun and blade should cover (almost) all you bases. A baton (or sap) might cover the remaining...
Have to be careful not to carry a whole armoury, though...

[drsal]

A stainless steel Parker jotter is my 'tactical' pen....and it writes rather well too !

[dirt_diver]

Seems to be a mixed bag, similar to a lot of what TSA does. ...

...My favorite TSA story is the GF used to fly back and forth from KS to Boston with knitting needles. They were 12" or so long, solid aluminum, and sharp as hell, and you could really fu&% someone up with those things. They made her leave her nail clippers, never, not once, said a thing about the knitting needles.

That is hilarious because I was ASSURED by the TSA agent that the nail clipped confiscations were an urban legend.

[WillBrink]

That is hilarious because I was ASSURED by the TSA agent that the nail clipped confiscations were an urban legend.

I saw a pile of them my self once in a TSA basket, along with nail files and other stuff you couldn't take over a plane with. Obviously, it was at its peak post 9:11 and I believe they don't bother with nail clippers, etc now, that or a short time they took 'till specific standards developed, but this was like a year after 9:11 and pretty much everything was taken short of your gold teeth.

But those 12" aluminum sharp needles, those were OK....blew my mind

[mercop]

Here are a few things I have written on the subject
Use of the Tactical Pen

Pens for Self Defense

[dirt_diver]

I don't own one, but was thinking of giving my wife one. She travels a lot, and something she can jab into an attacker appeals to me.

Anyone know if TSA allows you to fly with these?

That's an affirmative. Just flew to HI and back with a Surefire "tactical" pen.
My thinking was if I can't have a blade, the pen would be better than nothing, and at least give me another option. Heck, I even thought about a nice hickory cane too, but decided against it.
As far as their real vs perceived utility in an attack, I don't really know. Like I said, for me I'd always rather have more options than less.
Plus I really like the overbuilt-ness of the two pens I have