If you are wondering which pen I prefer, then I would point you to the Wuben tactical pen which has all of the features and can also be recharged as a bonus.
So you want to get your hands on the best tactical pen? If your answer was yes, then you might find the content of this article very useful.
But there is only one problem.
There are so many different types of pens that you can buy online that it is very hard to really get one of good quality. The answer you are looking for is also not that simple.
Why?
Because almost all of the tactical pens are made out of steel and have a sharp point at the back that can be used to break through glass or for self-defense.
Think about this for a moment.
Some of the pens also have a built-in LED flashlight while others will also be similar to a swiss army knife. Other than that, the most prominent feature that you will find on almost all tactical pens is a glass breaker point.
Good news:
If you have the kind of job that might put you in a dangerous situation where you might need these features, then I would highly recommend one of these pens. It would also be a waste if any of these pens have all of these nice features but lacking in its writing ability.
In this article, I will cover 10 of the best tactical pens that you can find online where each one will be different than the other.
How to Choose the Right Pen
Do you want to learn how to find the best tactical pen for your needs?
If your answer is yes, then you probably need to go through this buying guide with me as I will go through each one of the aspects.
So without further ado, let’s start with the first option.
1. What can I expect to pay for a tactical pen?
The least expensive pen in this review will cost you less than $15 per item. For the most expensive pen in this series, you can also expect to pay more than $100.
So why such a huge gap?
The 2 main reasons why there is such a huge gap in the price is because of the ink cartridge used and also the materials used to may the body of the pen.
On average, I would say that the price of most of the product is between $20 and $40 per pen.
If you are a bit short on cash and you are not that serious in buying the best tactical pen, then I would highly recommend the QPAU Tactical Pen because it is also the least expensive option in this article.
However, if you have a more flexible wallet and you are serious about getting the best tactical pen, then I would recommend the Benchmade which is more than $100 but you get what you pay for regarding quality.
2. Are the weight and length important factors to consider?
In short, I am going to say yes.
Why?
Because it all depends on the size of your hands.
If you have bigger hands, then you will be able to use larger and heavier pens. These pens can be heavy because all of them are made out of metal.
The weight and the size of the pen will influence the way you write. Regarding the size the pens in this review range from 5.33″ up to 9.5″ which is almost double the length.
If you would like to have the lightest pen possible then I would highly recommend the CRKT Williams Tactical Pen or the 2CL Direct where both are under 1.5 oz in weight.
3. Some pens also have built-in flashlights
Yeah, you heard right.
Almost half of the pens in this review will have a small flashlight located on the opposite end of the writing point.
How nice would it be to have a small flashlight in your hand that can also write? The can be especially useful for when the power goes off while you are busy writing.
I know the feeling.
Not all of us are wearing flashlights with us all the time so this feature might prove to be useful.
Let’s get back on point for a moment.
The flashlight can also be turned on/off by turning the head of the pen in a clockwise direction. Some of the flashlights will also give you the opportunity to select between different brightness option such as High or Low.
Some of the pens will also come with extra batteries that will provide power for these flashlights.
Below are 2 of the pens that have a built-in flashlight:
1. QPAU Tactical Pen (Least Expensive)
Keep in mind that there are a total of 5 pens that have some sort of built-in flashlight. Will get to them in the next section.
4. Some pens can also be recharged
There currently is only one pen in this article that can be recharged.
This is mainly possible through the use of a USB cable. The pen will also have a USB port that will be revealed once you unscrew the flashlight part of the pen.
This will ensure that no water will leak into the USB port which can lead to catastrophic consequences. The pen that I am referring to is the WUBEN tactical pen which is also my highest recommended pen in this review.
5. Some of the pens will also function as a swiss army knife
There are currently 2 pens in this review that has some sort of multi-tool aspect to it. This multi-tool contraption will include a hex wrench, scraper, bottle opener, flathead screwdriver and a serrated edge. Also, keep in mind that both of these pens will also have a flashlight.
The 2 that I am referring to are the:
1) 2CL Direct (which is also the least expensive of the 2)
These are the only 2 pens that come with the multi-tool.
6. Pens that can break glass windows or self-defense
This is one common theme that I came across and that is that all of the tactical pens had some sort of sharp point at the back that can be used to protect yourself and to break through glass windows.
These pens have a tungsten steel tip that when used with enough force can inflict a horrendous amount of damage through puncturing a person.
That is not all.
If you are also in a car and you are in a situation where you are locked in and you need to escape, then this tip can also be used to break through the glass window.
7. The type of materials used to make these pens (Damascus steel included)
I already mentioned that all of the pens in this round-up will be made out of some sort of metal. The most common type of material used is going to be aircraft-grade aluminum. This type of material is strong and also lightweight.
Other materials also include stainless steel, Titanium and also Damascus steel. Damascus steel is a type of steel where 2 or more types of metals are fused together. These metals will vary in color and also the amount of carbon.
These metals will be welded to form a slap and will then be folded and then hammered to again form a slab. This process will then be continued until you have 100+ layers in the slab. When you have the desired amount of layer, you can then start to stretch the slab out into the form that you desire.
If you are a big fan of Damascus steel like me, then I would highly recommend the Benchmade because this pen come in multiple colors and one of them include one made out of Damascus steel.
#1 WUBEN Tactical Pen (Top Pick)
If you would like to get your hands on a tactical pen that has a rechargeable flashlight with a glass breaker then you will like the Wuben tactical pen. This pen comes in 2 colors which are Gray and Gold and it is also 6.06 inches long with a weight of 4 ounces.
This pen is also in the same price class as the Under Control and the Gerber.
Has a wide variety of features:
- It is also a flashlight with 2 brightness settings. You can either change the brightness to the setting Low (3 lumens) or High (130 lumens). This can be done by turning the head of the pen where the bulb is located.
- Can break glass windows and be used for self-defense. At the back of the pen, you will find a tungsten steel tip that’s hard enough to create a lot of damage if used correctly.
- The flashlight can be easily recharged. This pen will make the use of a USB cable in order to recharge the flashlight. The USB port will be revealed once the flashlight part is unscrewed.
- This pen is also waterproof. It is very important for a pen to be correctly sealed especially when electricity is involved. This pen has a waterproof level of IPX8 which gives it resistance to wet weather such as rain etc.
The only minor problem that some people might complain about is that the flashlight tip unscrews a little too easily which might cause a problem.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
#2 QPAU Tactical Pen (Least Expensive)
The QPAU Tactical Pen does not have all of the features that the previous one has, but still has the basic requirements in order to be called a tactical pen. It is also the ideal pen for someone that has a very limited budget as this pen can cost even less than $10.
Below are some of its features.
- It can write. This is a black ink ballpoint pen that can also write very smoothly. It also comes with 2 refills for you are running empty.
- LED Flashlight. It also has a LED flashlight at the top of the pen that has 20 meters of full illumination. Even though the flashlight is not as bright, it can still be somewhat useful when you are in urgent need of light.
- Glass breaker. The cap of this pen also comes with a glass breaker that is made out of tempered steel. This tip can easily break through glass windows especially those of cars.
- Also comes with extra refills & batteries. This pen also comes with standard ink refills and extra batteries. This pen is much more valuable than the ink, so it is fair enough to get more ink refills.
- Made out of very durable material. This pen is made out of Aluminum with III Anodizing which is a very hard material.
It has some nice features and the only small problem that I had was that most people complain about the quality. Keep in mind that this pen is very inexpensive and best suited for those that have a limited budget.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
#3 Under Control Tactical Pen
If you would like to have a pen that has a flashlight that also comes with a DNA catcher then you need to have a look at the Under Control Tactical Pen.
This pen comes in black and has a length of 6.5 inches. This pen has the most features available such as the DNA catcher, LED flashlight, writing, glass breaker point and belt clip. This pen also has an aluminum casing. This pen is a bit more expensive than the 2 previous options but is still worth the money.
Some of the features worth mentioning:
- Has a built-in LED flashlight. The LED flashlight is located on the opposite end of the point of the ballpoint area. The flashlight is also located inside of the DNA catcher ring for protection.
- Can be easily turned on/off. The flashlight can be turned on/off simply by twisting the top ring. This makes it ideal to use with one hand only.
- Can be used for self-defense. Here is where the DNA catcher comes in. The DNA catcher ring is a very compact structure which extends outwards in order to protect the bulb of the flashlight. The outward structure can also be used for self-defense.
- Can easily break through glass windows. When you want to have access to the glass breaker, you can simply remove the pen cap which will then reveal the point.
Inside the package, you will also receive the instructions manual and a link will also be sent to your email which will redirect you to a video.
This pen also uses a normal Parker style refill cartridges. The only thing that I did not like about this pen is that it does not provide enough grip for your fingers near the writing area (might be a minor problem for most people).
It has all of the grips in wrong places.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
#4 Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
If you want to have a very high quality tactical pen that prefers quality over quantity (amount of features) then I would highly recommend the Gerber.
Check this out.
It does not have all of the features as some of the other pens do such as the LED flashlight and the multipurpose tool, but it at least has the glass-breaker tip but with a small twist. The overall length of this pen is 5.6 inches and the weight is 2.4 ounces. The price is also somewhat more expensive but at least it will not break your bank.
More on the Gerber
- It comes in 3 colors. This pen comes in the colors black, grey and earth (which is a brownish color). The colors will not affect quality as much as personal preference.
- Provides excellent grip and is also very tough. The “hull” of this pen is made out of rugged American steel which is coated with Cerakote to give it more grip. The stainless steel pocket clip can also be very useful.
- Can also be used to break glass windows. Right next to the ballpoint writing tip you will find the glass breaking tip which is made out of tempered steel. Keep in mind that in order to use this tip, you need to push the ballpoint tip in first.
- Can be used in the rain. This pen will also contain a “Rite in the Rain” ink cartridge which will enable the pen to work in almost all conditions. There are not many pens that have this important feature.
The only minor problem that I had with this pen is that it only has the glass breaking feature and cannot be used as a flashlight etc.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
#5 Invictus Tactical Pen
If you would like to have a very simple tactical pen that can also break glass and is not that expensive, then you might want to look at this pen from Invictus. It has a very simple design that will not visually overpower you. It only comes in the color black and has a weight of 3.4 ounces.
Features for both writing and self-defense:
- Comes with an ink refill. The ink inside of this pen is very long lasting and if there was a way to measure it, then I would say that it can draw a line longer than a mile long. You will also get an additional refill for if the pen should run dry.
- Can be used to break a glass window and to protect yourself. On the other side of the writing point, you will find a sharp point that can be used to either break through glass or to defend yourself against an attacker.
- Offers very good grip. The pen has a textured surface that can be used to provide superior grip that will also increase the force used for striking.
This pen has a very simple design and is only made for writing and self-defense. It does not have any other type of features.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
#6 CRKT Williams Tactical Pen
If you want a tactical pen that can write and also protect yourself without standing out as tactical pen then you might want to look at the CRKT Williams tactical pen. This black only comes in the color black with a length of 6 inches and a weight of 1.2 ounces. When it comes to the price I would say that this pen is in the same price class as the Gerber Impromptu.
Below are some of its features:
- Made to be tough and lightweight. This body of this pen is made out of 6061 Aluminum which is also aircraft grade. This metal is very tough and also lightweight. This pen also has a non-reflective black finish which will make it stand out less.
- Can be used for self-protection and also to break glass windows. At the other end of the pen, you will find a sharp hardened point that can cause physical damage depending on the amount of force being used. This point can also break through the glass window of a car for when you are stuck inside.
- The pocket clip can be removed. The pocket clip of this pen can be used to be attached to almost any type of pocket. This clip can also be removed if it’s in the way.
Overall, I think this is a great pen that might lack some of the other features available in this article. So if you do not want or need a flashlight then this pen is best suited for you.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
#7 Benchmade
The next pen on the list is the Benchmade which are very similar to the CRKT Williams Tactical Pen when it comes to the features but is of higher quality and also more expensive. If you want a tactical pen that you can use to somewhat protect yourself and if you would like to have a large array of colors to choose from then you might want to look at this pen from Benchmade.
This pen is also 5.33 inches long and weighs between 1.30 and 3.20 ounces (depending on the type of material used). When it comes to the price then all I can say is that it is more than $100 per pen which is also the most expensive pen in this article.
You will see later why it is so expensive.
Some of its features:
- Made to have superior quality. There are 4 types of metals available which include Titanium, Aluminium, Stainless Steel and also Damascus steel. The 2 lightest pens are those made of Titanium and Aluminum which weighs 1.30 and 1.89 oz while the Stainless steel and Damascus steel are heavier with a weight of 3.2oz. All of these metals are of high quality.
- Have 7 colors to choose from. The ink only comes in Black or Blue while the actual color of the pens will vary between 7 colors. These colors will include Silver, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Gold, Damascus (which is not really a color) and Blue.
- Can break through a glass window or be used for self-defense. At the other end of the writing tip, you will find a carbon tip. This tip is very sharp and can easily break through a glass window or puncture a person. This point can also be covered with the cap for when you are writing.
- They have a Damascus pen as well. This is probably my favorite part. Damascus steel will show a clear dark and a light pattern that will resemble 2 different types of metals fused to one another. These 2 metals (lighter and darker) will be fused together into a slap and then folded multiple times to give it this appearance.
The only thing that I could find that might make people not interested in this pen is its price. It might just be too expensive for a large majority of people that are interested in tactical pens.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
#8 Smith & Wesson
If the Benchmade and the CRKT Williams tactical pen was too expensive for you and you would still like to have a tactical pen that also has a simple design then I would highly recommend this pen from Smith & Wesson.
This pen come in 4 colors which include Black, Olive, Grey, and Silver. The pen is also 6.5 inches long and has a weight of 1.44 ounces. Regarding the price, I would say that this pen less expensive than the Benchmade and the CRKT and is also in the same price class as the Under Control and the Bellfyd pen.
Some of its features:
- Made from good quality materials. This pen is made from T6061 aircraft grade aluminum which is both lightweight and strong.
- It can also be used for self-defense. At the back of the pen, you will also find a sharp point that can be used to protect yourself. This point can also be hidden by putting on the cap.
- The pen can also be attached to your pockets. The cap of the pen will also have a pocket clip which can be used to attach the pen to one of your pockets.
The only minor problem that I had was that the sharp point at the back was not that sharp. Other than that, I think this is a good pen.
What we liked
What We Didn’t Like
Comparing the Tactical Pens
| Product Name | Length | Weight | Price |
| 1. WUBEN (Top Pick) | 6.06″ | 4 oz | $$ |
| 2. QPAU Tactical Pen (Least Expensive) | 5.7″ | 2.4 oz | $ |
| 3. Under Control Tactical Pen | 8″ | 3.2 oz | $$ |
| 4. Gerber Impromptu | 9.5″ | 2.24 oz | $$$ |
| 5. Invictus | 5.8″ | 3.5 oz | $$ |
| 6. CRKT Williams Tactical Pen | 6″ | 1.2 oz | $$$ |
| 7. Benchmade | 5.33″ | 1.30-3.20oz | $$$$ |
| 8. Smith & Wesson | 6.5″ | 1.44 oz | $$ |
Conclusion
And that is it for today.
Choosing the right pen for tactical use does not need to be that difficult. In this article, I discussed pens that have additional features such as an LED flashlight, glass breakers and some even have multitool capabilities such a bottle opener.
If you still could not decide which pen was the best for you, then I would personally recommend the Wuben Tactical Pen as it was not that expensive for all of the nice features that you get.
When I have to compare all of the other pens with this one, then it will beat them all when it comes to the price.
If you think that there is a pen that I did not include which is worth mentioning, then please submit the name in the comment section below. If you are not interested in tactical pens and you would like to learn about kits and other gear, then please visit this page.
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