- Joined
- May 1, 2000
- Messages
- 2,259
Let me start by saying that I'm the kind of guy who likes gadgets, likes gear, and likes weapons. I always have a couple of pens on me, and if one can be used as a weapon, all the better. I'm also on somewhat of a budget and, while I wouldn't doubt the quality of something with the Surefire, Benchmade, or Hinderer label on it, spending $100-$200 on a pen is just a little bit outside of my cost/benefit ratio. Queue the inexpensive tactical pens. I ordered a few. So here, for your information, I'll describe them.
From left to right: Anderson Pen, United Pen, TDH-1, TDH-2, TDH-3, & Sharpie for size comparison
Tom Anderson Twister Tactical Pen (black)
5.5" long, .5" wide
Has rook type crenelation on back end, but not too sharp to thumbcap.
Main problem is that, the design of the twisty requires three full turns to get the pen tip out. This is not a quick, thoughtless, one handed operation. And when the tip is twisted in, there is an awkward 7/16" gap in the middle of the pen. As for how it writes, I'd say average black ballpoint. If you're into pens that write really nicely, you'll probably want a better insert for it, but it's perfectly functional with no significant complaints. It is a little bit uncomfortable for me to write with for extended periods because of its width. Clip is on the long side, secure enough, removable with torx screws. This pen could probably pass for a normal pen to untrained eyes.
United Cutlery Tactical Defense Pen (Black)
5.5" long, tapers from .5" at back to less than 3/8" near tip
Twisty with 1/2 turn to get the tip out. Very smooth and comfortable motion. Grooves in the body are smooth, comfortable to hold. Top end is flat. Clip is more of a pen type clip than a knife type clip. Will pop off, but not inadvertently. This pen could definitely pass for a normal pen unless someone recognizes it, or the United name on the clip. It writes in an unsatisfying average blue ballpoint. It's my favorite pen of the bunch, but I definitely want a fine point black rollerball cartridge for it. This is the only one that I'd recommend as a pen to those whose interests are not also in the weapon category.
The following three pens are all made by the same company. I don't know what that company is, there are no markings on the pens, and all the boxes say is the model# and "made in China." The caps pop off and are interchangeable, clips are the same, insert is the same, measurements are the same. Only difference between the three is the shape of the body, knurling, and design of tailcap. So to avoid repetition, I'll list their matching specs here:
6" long closed, 6.75" long open, .5" wide body, 3/8" wide part to hold onto when you hold it to write.
They're a little bit unwieldy size-wise as pens for me. Might not be an issue for someone with larger hands (mine are smaller than average). It's not the width, since they're narrower where you hold near the tip, but lengthwise, it's a lot of pen hanging out behind my hand. I'm not an experienced pen reviewer, so I don't know how to say much more than average black ballpoint insert with which to write. They seem sturdy and well made enough that I don't think I'd worry about them breaking while you're smashing someone, but haven't tested. The clips are sufficiently secure and appear to be washer type so might be removable, but I haven't been able to get the top end of the caps unscrewed to verify that. I don't know if this is standard for pens, but the part that you unscrew to replace the cartridge is lubed and sealed with an O-ring.
Tactical Pen Police Military Self Defense TDH-1
Looks the most weaponlike of the bunch, with its very aggressive point. I could definitely see this causing problems in restrictive environments (schools, airports, courthouses). Would also be a handy pocketable spike to distract someone from their previous dishonorable intentions. Tailcap is flat for easy thumbcapping.
Tactical Pen Police Military Self Defense TDH-2
Not as aggressive as TDH-1, duller point, but still pointed. Same flat tailcap.
Tactical Pen Police Military Self Defense TDH-3
More rounded end, not aggressive looking. But the tailcap has rook-like crenelations that are too sharp to comfortably thumbcap. You could switch this tailcap with one of the others to make one a better weapon and the other a less threatening (though still sturdy metal) pen.
From left to right: Anderson Pen, United Pen, TDH-1, TDH-2, TDH-3, & Sharpie for size comparison
Tom Anderson Twister Tactical Pen (black)
5.5" long, .5" wide
Has rook type crenelation on back end, but not too sharp to thumbcap.
Main problem is that, the design of the twisty requires three full turns to get the pen tip out. This is not a quick, thoughtless, one handed operation. And when the tip is twisted in, there is an awkward 7/16" gap in the middle of the pen. As for how it writes, I'd say average black ballpoint. If you're into pens that write really nicely, you'll probably want a better insert for it, but it's perfectly functional with no significant complaints. It is a little bit uncomfortable for me to write with for extended periods because of its width. Clip is on the long side, secure enough, removable with torx screws. This pen could probably pass for a normal pen to untrained eyes.
United Cutlery Tactical Defense Pen (Black)
5.5" long, tapers from .5" at back to less than 3/8" near tip
Twisty with 1/2 turn to get the tip out. Very smooth and comfortable motion. Grooves in the body are smooth, comfortable to hold. Top end is flat. Clip is more of a pen type clip than a knife type clip. Will pop off, but not inadvertently. This pen could definitely pass for a normal pen unless someone recognizes it, or the United name on the clip. It writes in an unsatisfying average blue ballpoint. It's my favorite pen of the bunch, but I definitely want a fine point black rollerball cartridge for it. This is the only one that I'd recommend as a pen to those whose interests are not also in the weapon category.
The following three pens are all made by the same company. I don't know what that company is, there are no markings on the pens, and all the boxes say is the model# and "made in China." The caps pop off and are interchangeable, clips are the same, insert is the same, measurements are the same. Only difference between the three is the shape of the body, knurling, and design of tailcap. So to avoid repetition, I'll list their matching specs here:
6" long closed, 6.75" long open, .5" wide body, 3/8" wide part to hold onto when you hold it to write.
They're a little bit unwieldy size-wise as pens for me. Might not be an issue for someone with larger hands (mine are smaller than average). It's not the width, since they're narrower where you hold near the tip, but lengthwise, it's a lot of pen hanging out behind my hand. I'm not an experienced pen reviewer, so I don't know how to say much more than average black ballpoint insert with which to write. They seem sturdy and well made enough that I don't think I'd worry about them breaking while you're smashing someone, but haven't tested. The clips are sufficiently secure and appear to be washer type so might be removable, but I haven't been able to get the top end of the caps unscrewed to verify that. I don't know if this is standard for pens, but the part that you unscrew to replace the cartridge is lubed and sealed with an O-ring.
Tactical Pen Police Military Self Defense TDH-1
Looks the most weaponlike of the bunch, with its very aggressive point. I could definitely see this causing problems in restrictive environments (schools, airports, courthouses). Would also be a handy pocketable spike to distract someone from their previous dishonorable intentions. Tailcap is flat for easy thumbcapping.
Tactical Pen Police Military Self Defense TDH-2
Not as aggressive as TDH-1, duller point, but still pointed. Same flat tailcap.
Tactical Pen Police Military Self Defense TDH-3
More rounded end, not aggressive looking. But the tailcap has rook-like crenelations that are too sharp to comfortably thumbcap. You could switch this tailcap with one of the others to make one a better weapon and the other a less threatening (though still sturdy metal) pen.
