Is anyone using or has used any of the "tactical pens" available? I was looking at the Benchmade, Timberline and Mil-Tac. Any feedback? They all seem available at roughly the same price. My primary requirement is that it must be comfortable to write with. Second, it has to fit in a standard uniform shirt pocket, so no Cold Steel Sharpies for me. Are there any others out there, or which have you used and find comfortable to write with? Thanks in advance.
I've been using the benchmade pen for a little over a month right now. Really nice overall, but I don't find it very comfortable for extended periods of writing. Both the knurling on the aluminum and the grooves on the barrel are issues for me in terms of comfort. The knurling also is bad for the pockets if you try to clip it in your pocket.
I cant really comment on those mentioned because I have never had one. I have been very attracted to the timberline pen, but simply cant justify buying one. In all honestly, I dont see that it would be any better for self defence than any other metal pen. As much as I would like to own one, I think they are all hype. Maybe I am wrong and someone else can jump in with some real info.
Well, I have been using the Mil-Tac pen for over a year now and it goes everywhere with me. I clip it on to my t-shirt (front of neck hole) or sometimes in my front pant pocket. The pen is smooth and screws apart, both to use and to change the refills. So far it has not damaged any of my clothing and has a little wear (the finish is rubbed off in parts) due to use. It is not as pointy and is more low key than the Benchmade. (there is no writing/marking on it at all) The cover/cap does not fit on the other end and you have to place it down when writing. It can use two different types of refills......That's about it......yes, my regular pen.....
Sorry for the wrong room choice, I didn't see the gadgets and gear sub-forum. I was thinking the same thing about the Benchmade, looks a little to "rough". Thats some good info about the Mil-Tac, thanks!
I agree that most metal pens and a lot fo plastic pens would serve the same purpose. Practical Tactical has discussions on these pens periodically. I own the Lightfoot, Mil-Tac Elishewitz, and Fred Perrin. The Perrin is an outstanding item, low price, takes the space pen or Parker Jotter refills, and looks like a normal capped ballpoint. I carry it almost every day. It is shaped sort of like a big Fisher bullet Pen with a fancy clip. The Mil-Tac is a great pen in its own right and the only drawback for me is that the cap won't fit on the back while I'm writing. Not a major problem; I keep it with a small notepad, using a rollerbal refill for light writing on the go. I find the Lightfoot a mistake. Not only does the cap not fit on the back, it doesn't even fit over the tip properly, and looks clunky, like it wasn't designed for the pen. Also, it's a very large pen, but takes a non-standard and very short refill which is not widely available. One more expensive possibility is a Rick Hinderer modular kubotan, which also comes with a space pen accessory. Many of us appreciate a "better" pen enough to pay the price. I have handled a few of these and I really like them. I haven't come off of the money yet, though!
Even though the Mil-Tac original refills are very nice to write with, I found that one of them has leaked on a few occasions so I switched to the Fisher space pen refills to avoid this. Another thing I like about the Mil-Tac is that it feels like one piece of smooth alloy and it does not come apart by accident, also there are no holes to block with dirt or other debris like on normal pens and the cap has a nice size flat top for the thumb to rest on for added security..........the Lightfoot has had a few bad reviews so I did not bother with it.
