Reasonable Tactical Pen Evaluation

3Guardsmen

3Guardsmen

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Mar 16, 2005
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A recent thread that was locked by the OP got me thinking about how to go about conducting a reasonable evaluation of a 'tactical pen', and what a 'tactical pen' should be able to do. It seems that, as knife legislation slowly increases, more 'tactical pens' are being introduced by knife manufacturers. Timberline, Cold Steel, and Benchmade are three production knife companies, not to mention several custom knife makers, who have recently brought 'tactical pens' to market. What I aim to find out is what the general consensus here is as it relates to what a 'tactical pen' should be able to do, and how to go about reasonably evaluating it.

From what I've seen so far, none of the manufacturers of these 'tactical pens' have anything in their warranties that state that their pens are limited in function solely to use as a writing instruments, so what type of testing, besides that of a simple writing instrument, do the members here think a 'tactical pen' should be subject to, in order to determine its usefulness for a 'tactical' application? How does their marketing relate to how you think they should be tested and evaluated, reasonable of course?

Here are some examples 'tactical pens':
http://www.gatcosharpeners.com/product/tactical/combat_pen.mgi?mgiToken=41D30B03210D6FA508E

http://www.coldsteel.com/pocketshark.html

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=1100

Thank you in advance for your input and suggestions.

Regards,
3G
 
Since they are being marketed as tough and mighty, I think the only reasonable way to evaluate them is to find out how well they write and how good they feel in your hand. After all they are pens and everyone knows that the intended use of a pen is for writing. Always use the right tool for the job :thumbup:
 
It should always appear like a writing instrument.
There is no point constructing something terribly awesome and attention grabbing.
CS's Pocket Shark shines here.
Next, it would be nice if a technical/mechanical pencil varient is also added to the series.
Most important point is that whilst deployed in defensive use it must never ever tear or puncture skin.
However, a screwed on "glass/wind shield breaker" adapter to excute a puncture on oil drums and the like would definately brighten my day.
I can't decide if it should have a tip up or tip down carry clip... maybe a multi fit clip anchoring point would resolve that.
 
I've always thought that this type pen is considered as a "last ditch" weapon, and I hesitate to say weapon, but that is how, I think, it is perceived. I've also seen where people planned to use it as a control tool, as far as getting a person under control by using the pen to apply pressure to pressure points in the body. I really think it is considered a writing instrument last. I like pens and I like a heavy pen as it just has a more solid feel in my hand. I would like to see screw on caps though. From a testing standpoint, I would think that soft tissue testing would be what the pen is most likely to see. Good post 3G!:thumbup:
 
my understanding is that a "tactical pen" is just a metal pen designed to be used as a kubaton. So I think it's reasonable to expect it to withstand some hard impacts, and other kinds of stress it would experience in that use.

I don't know why they necessarily have to be so expensive. I have a metal pen made by Zebra that only cost a few bucks, and seems plenty strong enough to use as a kubaton.
 
In the context of a self-defense implement, the assumption is that this is a device to be used on or against human beings. Human beings are relatively soft, apart from their bones. Using the pen as a pressure point or striking tool against a volunteer would be reasonable (if a bit dangerous); thrusting it into animal bone to see what would happen would also be reasonable; Hammering it through a cinder block would not.
 
it should be able to write through your enemy without resharpening, possible even write through steel in an emergency. the cap should be tanto shaped, and have a matte finish. a pen that opens automatically can be helpful if one hand is disabled, but it might frighten the sheeple if you address an envelope in the office or something like that, so be careful about using it unless your life depends on it.
 
Sharp Phil said:
In the context of a self-defense implement, the assumption is that this is a device to be used on or against human beings. Human beings are relatively soft, apart from their bones. Using the pen as a pressure point or striking tool against a volunteer would be reasonable (if a bit dangerous); thrusting it into animal bone to see what would happen would also be reasonable; Hammering it through a cinder block would not.
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No Phil,
A tactical pen must be able to be pounded through cinderblock and hammered through steel pipe to prove its worth.

While we’re at it, why not test knives, and tactical pens, by shooting them with rifle rounds, .223 at least, and then using them as weenie roasters until they glow red hot and then bashing the sh*t out of them. No knife or pen can be called tough until they pass these tests too. I don’t understand why we don’t do more than just the steel pipe/cinderblock tests. Shoot, a little C4 pasted to the blade and ignited would be a real ‘test’ too.

Just using a knife or pen for their intended purposes is for responsible, non-wasteful, intelligent, anti-Neanderthal type guys who use their head instead of their brains. Common sense? Phsawww! Don’t need it! Real men like to destroy things ‘cause our Mommy and Daddy’s always bought us more toys when we broke the ones we had. Now we have a government who’s gonna bail us out too! It’s GOOD to destroy things!

I gotta go make a video, see ya!
 
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bearcut said:
Just using a knife or pen for their intended purposes is for responsible, non-wasteful, intelligent, anti-Neanderthal type guys who use their head instead of their brains.
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Exactly, pens were made for writing not stabbing. Pretty soon all the uninformed pen users out there will see this and start stabbing things and breaking their pens :eek: If you want to stab things you should use something like this, much sturdier and a better stabber. Use the right tool for the job :thumbup:

istockphoto_397201_ice_pick_awl.jpg
 
If you bought a pen not explicitly marketed as a stabbing implement, broke it by stabbing someone, and then complained that it was a lousy pen for that reason, you would indeed be guilty of the same behavior that some knife evaluators exhibit.

Extended metaphors are only clever if they support your implied point.
 
And hard use, survival knives shouldn't be expected to survive rough batoning and contacts with materials other than wood. :rolleyes:
 
Why does the expression of my opinion upset you so much that you feel the need to point out that, by definition, any statement I make is my opinion? You want to abuse your knives, that's fine with me. I don't think it makes much sense to complain when they break as a result.
 
My thought is that "tactical' (anyone else hate that word?) pens are covert defensive weapons that write so that they will pass security screens. Anything that carries a knife or tacti cool logo on it is out by definition. That said a tactical pen IMO should
A) Be cable of repeatedly penetrating soft tissue
B) Cause pain on pressure points
C) Have a non slip grip
D) Should not set off metal detectors
E) Should have a screw on cap
F) Be a decent writing instrument
 
Doesn't upset me at all Phil. Nor does getting a rough idea of comparative levels of knife toughness using backyard techniques, which for some reason infuriates so many here :confused:
 
The above three devices fail the first test of any such device. Will it get you arrested? Since they are all marketed as weapons, if you're caught with one it could be a felony concealed weapon. You are better off going to a pen store and buying a real pen that would meet your needs. You'd may be suprised at what some people can do with a common pencil.

As far as destruction testing, this type of weapon really is needed only for onetime use, so any destruction testing should take that into account.
 
Any of my pens would be fine for "last ditch" soft tissue stabbing or pressure point work. Prices range from <$3- $30. None would get a second look going through security. I would guess that more pens than not would work fine- even your typical BIC stick.

Long Rider- Why the screw on cap?
 
MVF said:
Long Rider- Why the screw on cap?
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Just so I don't lose it stuck in someone. BG get enough of my tax dollars. No reason to give them a free pen cap to plug up a hole at my expense. If they want or need a pen cap they should get a job and buy their own
 
One thing it should do is actually look like a writing instrument. The Benchmade pen, for example looks like some sort of medieval torture probe.

Brownshoe is right on another opinion as well: it shouldn't get you arrested. If you buy a pen that is explicitly marketed as a 'tactical' device then it's hard for you to claim ignorance when TSA detains you for carrying a weapon through a security checkpoint.

There are a number of companies that make real pens which could withstand an 'off-label' usage. I think I would much rather carry one of those onto a plane than a purpose built tactical pen. Plus, they write better and probably cost less.
 
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