Of all the multi-tools used by survivalists, none is more interesting – or more useful – than the tactical pen.

But why would you need one?

Because the world has a way of throwing things at you that you would never, ever expect. This is especially true of people who attack others, often at night and in isolated locations. And if something like that happens, you want to be as ready as you can be – which means thinking outside the box.

What are Tactical Pens?

Once only seen in spy movies, widespread use of tactical pens is a relatively new phenomenon. But the pens themselves have been around in one form or another for a long time. They are often used by people who do not wish to carry a gun for self-defense.

They also are popular because they can be hidden in plain sight. The big advantage of tactical pens is that they don’t appear to be a weapon to others. But, if used properly, they can save your life it you find yourself in a tricky situation. Small and easy to carry, a tactical pen is a resourceful multi-tool.

They also, of course, can be used to write your grocery list. A typical tactical pen is a functioning pen with pressurized cartridges. But unlike a regular pen, tactical pens have:

  • An extra-sharp ballpoint that can be used against an attacker.
  • A blunt end that can be used to break through barriers, even glass
  • A machined steel or aircraft-grade aluminum body that gives the pen extra weight and makes it useful as a weapon.
  • Some also come with extra features such as lights, lasers and a handcuff key.

The KRUBATON Tactical Pen

One example of an excellent tactical pen is the KRUBATON from Krudo Knives. This pen goes beyond what most tactical pens offer in both construction and use.

The pen is made of titanium and functions as a regular, Parker-style refillable ink pen. But with the caps on at both ends, the pen functions as a small baton that can be used as a “pain compliance tool,” according the pen’s creator, Louis Krudo.

He named the pen after the kubaton, a self-defense key chain developed by Takayuki Kubota in the 1960s.

“If I have to defend myself and all I want is to cause a little bit of pain, I would use a KRUBATON to inflict that by hammering certain parts of a body,” said Krudo in a video on the Krudo Knives website. “That will give you the space to run away, or scream, or call the police.”

When the caps are off, the pen has the regular ink pen on one end, but on the other has a glass breaker.

Whatever pen you choose, getting a tactical pen is a smart step for people who are interested in increasing their level of self-defense. Small but powerful, a tactical pen can give you the advantage when life hands you a dangerous situation.