The Best Tactical Pens in 2022

A tactical pen can be one of your best options as a weapon when you are in areas that forbid weapons. Serving as an actual pen as well, this tool is also mightily handy for unfortunate events such as car crashes where you may need to break glass, etc. However, for most, having a tactical pen is a great way to be prepared for the worst. So, what are the best tactical pens for the money?

We have used our expertise in the field to analyze the tactical pens available on the market. In doing so, we have created a comprehensive list comparing the top features of various models; features such as anti-slip gripping, whether or not the ink cartridge is refillable, weight, etc. Read below to find out which tactical pen is best for your needs!

Best Tactical Pens:

The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen – Tactical Pen – Pen With Window Breaker – Used in Police and Military Gear

First up on the best budget tactical pen review list is the Atomic Bear Tactical Pen. This tactical pen model comes with a sleek black finish and a normal pen clip for carrying the pen around. As a bit of an added bonus, this model comes with a tactical pen sheath that hooks onto your belt.

Consumers love the Atomic Bear Tactical Pen. They note that the durability is top class and that the pen’s grip is phenomenal either way you hold it and whether or not the pen or glass-breaker tip is deployed.

The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen is one of the absolute best models on the market. It has simple functionality and a great grip for those tense, chaotic moments you are preparing for.

KEPEAK Military Tactical Pen

The next model up on the self-defense pen review list is the KEPEAK Military Tactical Pen. Unlike the Atomic Bear pen previously reviewed, this tactical pen has an anti-slip, diamond grip on the upper pen for added control. Additionally, this model comes with six refillable ink cartridges so that your pen can be used for a long time without maintenance.

Consumers are generally satisfied with this tactical pen. Some note the pen as being durable and constructed well. Others note that the pen is slightly weighty but that this helps with pen control.

The KEPEAK Military Tactical Pen is a similar pen in function to the Bear Atomic model but this model comes with refillable cartridges that you can take on the move; in other words, there is added value.

Schrade SCPEN4BK 5.9in Aluminum Refillable Screw-Off Tactical Pen for Outdoor Survival

The next best writing tactical pen in review is the Schrade SCPEN4BK 5.9″ Aluminum Refillable Screw-Off Tactical Pen for Outdoor Survival. This pen is unique thus far on the list because this pen unscrews into four parts, making transportation and carrying while not using extremely simple and convenient.

Consumer reviews are quite mixed in response to this tactical pen. Some note that the pen is convenient and durable but others have more negative feedback. Some consider the un-screwable nature of the pen to weaken its effectiveness overall.

The Schrade SCPEN4BK 5.9″ Aluminum Refillable Screw-Off Tactical Pen for Outdoor Survival is a great tactical pen for those who know they are going to need the ability to compact the pen for safe-keeping/transporting.

Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen – Tactical Grey

The fourth best tactical defense pen in the review is from the trusty brand of Gerber. The Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen is a straightforward pen to a tactical pen device.

For this model, converting from pen to glass-breaker is as simple as pressing the ballpoint pen deployment button mechanism. When not in ballpoint pen mode, the glass-breaker tip is always exposed and ready.

Consumers are head over heels for this Gerber tactical pen. Unlike other pens, its use is highly simple, and converting between pen and glass-breaker is a breeze. Others even note its grand ability as a normal pen.

The Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen is one of the most straightforward tactical pens on the market. Unlike its counterparts, this pen easily switches between pen and glass-break mode; convenient for times of panic and danger.

Boker Tactical Pen Rocket Brass

At the fifth spot is a good tactical pen on the budget, the Boker Tactical Pen Rocket Brass. This tactical pen is the simplest variation of the tactical pen in review thus far. There is no special gripping, which is not great, but the pen itself is uniform and sleek. The bolt action slider for converting between pen and glass-breaker is simple to use as well.

Consumers have zero negative feedback to relay about this pen. It is noted as being built like a bull and ready to take hits. Its sleek nature makes it discrete for a tactical pen as well.

The Boker Tactical Pen Rocket Brass is the best tactical pen for those looking for a discrete form a tactical pen and a way to keep your pen inconspicuous.

Smith & Wesson 6.1in Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Pull Cap Pen

Next in review on the list is a model from the well-known Smith & Wesson brand. The best tactical pen for actually writing but also defending yourself, the Smith & Wesson 6.1″ Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Pull Cap Pen is a sturdy, well-built pen.

The function of the pen is straightforward in that it is a pen and glass-breaker. As with other true tactical models, this pen has anti-slip, diamond grips.

Consumers are generally happy with this tactical pen. The pen is noted as being of high-quality material and easy to conceal and carry around. The only poor feedback is about the pen cap actually staying on.

The Smith & Wesson 6.1″ Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Pull Cap Pen is a great tactical pen for those looking to use the tactical pen exactly how it is meant to. Additionally, it never hurts to get your defense gear from a brand like Smith & Wesson.

Uzi Tactical Pen UZI-TACPEN2-GM Aircraft Aluminum Tactical Pen

The next ballpoint tactical pen in review is the Camp Co UZI Tactical Pen. This model from Camp Co unscrews into three parts for easy carrying and ink refilling.

As with many of the legitimate models on the market, this tactical pen employs anti-slip, diamond-cut grips for ensured stable handling. Additionally, the glass-breaker is on the head of the pen rather than needing to rotate the pen end or unscrew and flip parts.

Consumers are mixed in their reviews of this tactical pen from Camp Co. Some note that they received an entirely different tactical pen than the one here listed. Others find that it is a sturdy pen and great for self-defense. Another complaint is the inability to cover the pen cap and conceal the glass-breaker.

The Camp Co UZI Tactical Pen is the most simple tactical pen on the list in terms of function. This may actually do damage to this model’s aesthetic, however, making the pen less concealable.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Tactical Pen

Mode of Conversion

The first factor to consider when buying a tactical pen is the mode of conversion from pen to glass-breaker (and to other tools for the multi-functional models).

For a military tactical pen, it would be ideal to have no conversion between the tools as you need to be prepared at all times to defend.

However, for those looking for added security in our normal home and work environments, a tactical pen model with a concealed, or concealable, glass-breaker tip is ideal.

There is no standard as to what you should buy though; if you want to be able to conceal the glass-breaker, opt for one of the retractable tip versions.

Multi-Functionality

Whether or not the pen is multi-functional is another factor to consider when buying a tactical pen. Some folks prefer to buy a tactical pen for reasons alone of self-defense and writing.

However, for some, if you are going to buy a pen that serves as a tool, you may as well buy the one with the most tools built-in, right? Whether or not you can turn this deadly writing utensil into a flashlight at a moment’s notice is up to the person buying the pen.

Style of Grip

Another factor to consider, and one of the more important ones at that, is the style of grip employed by the pen. Many of the pens on the list employ the anti-slip, diamond grip constantly referred to here in the reviews.

However, a few models have a simple grip design, with different levels of protruding material creating rings and crevices by which you can grip the pen. However, the pens with the anti-slip, diamond grips are the most reliable for stable handling and striking.

Style of Design

The style of design is the final factor to consider when buying a tactical pen. Tactical pens are intended to be used for writing and self-defense, and thus should be comfortable to hold and handle.

The design style of the pen should be one that jives with you. As can be seen from the reviews, some of the pens look more like writing utensils than weapons, while others look like weapons and not writing utensils.

The type of design that you choose to go with will depend on your desired level of concealment and expectations for self-defense.

Tactical Pen FAQ

What does refillable via (brand name) mean?

Refillable via a specific brand name cartridge simply means that the pen can take refillable cartridges from those brands or the one brand.

This has to do entirely with the pen’s design and whether or not certain ink cartridges will fit into its form.

While this is not too big of a deal-breaker between models, you do want to be sure your pen is refillable via multiple brand cartridges. Having a pen that is compatible with multiple brand cartridges will add versatility to your ability to fill your pen in a more timely fashion.

What does anti-slip, diamond grip mean and why is it good?

Anti-slip, diamond grip is a gripping created by the crisscrossing hatch lines in the material.

As we can see from the many examples in the list, these criss-cross hatchings create what looks like a series of diamonds stacked on one another.

Each criss-cross hatch creates another point of friction for your hand on the pen.

When these anti-slip, diamond grips cover larger swaths of the material, there is a higher probability of your strongly gripping the pen (thanks to loaded up pockets of friction). Models without these anti-slip grips will indubitably be harder to grip and strike with.

What is an EDC tactical pen?

EDC quite literally means “everyday carry.” So an EDC tactical pen would be a tactical pen intended to easily accompany you daily via your EDC bag, whether that be a backpack, purse, drawstring, etc.

Most of the models mentioned in the review here are plenty capable of being carried in your EDC. Most, if not all, have pen clips allowing you to clip the pen to any lips or bits of fabric in your EDC or on your person.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 10 best tactical pens are those listed here in the review. Although, we suggest the best model, as a whole package, to be the Atomic Bear Tactical Pen.

The Atomic Bear Tactical Pen comes with all of the basic requirements of a tactical pen, the ease of writing, a strong glass-breaker tip, anti-slip, diamond grip, and raving consumer reviews.

However, the Atomic Bear Tactical Pen may not appeal to you for whatever reason. There are plenty of other viable options of the market, such as the other nine in review here.

Now that you are equipped with insider knowledge, you are more than prepared to venture out into the market and find the right tactical pen for your needs and comfort!