Home tools Buyer's Guides from tech enthusiast who loves technology and clever solutions for better living.
Best tactical pen 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated June 1, 2023
Hi, I’m Roger Barnett. After 49 hours of research including speaking with consultants and experts, and plenty of parents and 21 hours spent testing 10 tactical pen, I believe that I found the best tactical pen of 2018.
Eventually, I found something that would suit my needs but it occurred to me that I wasn’t the only one who might be having the same problems I did. Now I’m going to recommend a few tactical pen you can pick from to get started quickly and easily.
Let’s get to it!
Best tactical pen of 2018
Following is the list of top three tactical pen of 2018. The rating is based on multiple factors: The 3 metrics ‐ Design, Materials, Performance, and other indicators such as: Popularity, Opinions, Brand, Reputation and more.
Customers need to be careful on how they spend their money on these products. The table below summarizes features, and below you’ll find more detailed reviews of each good.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
 |
 |
| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Ease of use |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Versatility |
4 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Performance |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Quality |
5 points
|
5 points
|
5 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the tactical pen by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Best Under Control TACTICAL PEN for Self Defense with Built-In LED Flashlight
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this tactical pen win the first place?
The material is stylish, but it smells for the first couple of days. I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch!
5
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
№2 – Chaos Ready Tactical Pen – Self Defense Tool – with LED Light
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this tactical pen come in second place?
I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. Seems that the material is good. It has a very beautiful color but I don’t really like the texture. I really liked it. It is amazing in every aspect. It did even exceed my expectations for a bit, considering the affordable price.
4
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
№3 – Tactical Pen – Self Defense Weapon + Double Tip Tungsten Window Glass Breakers + LED Flashlight | Military
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this tactical pen take third place?
I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. A very convenient model. It is affordable and made of high-quality materials. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time.
4
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
tactical pen Buyer’s Guide
Cold Steel Pocket Shark
The Alias or Charlie’s Angels of pens, the Cold Steel Pocket Shark is designed to look like your typical permanent marker, but is made with high impact plastic and features walls that are times thicker than your average marker. The look-a-like can also be effectively used as a Yawara stick, a Japanese weapon used in various martial arts.
Schrade Tactical Fountain Pen
The Tactical Fountain Pen by Schrade is pure class and kick ass. The pen offers two options: a standard rollerball pen, and the much more refined, fountain pen. Complete with a black aircraft-grade aluminum body and ribs for added grip, this German-made fountain pen will serve as both a functional and whimsical writing tool; but also an instrument that could viciously tear through someone’s abdomen.
Smith & Wesson Military and Police Tactical Pen
Besides writing and murdering the occasional civilian (kidding!), this in pen and its personal protection tip is perfect for the tablet and eReader user. Which nowadays is just about everyone. The Smith & Wesson brand is synonymous with quality and the logo is laser engraved so it won’t get scuffed. The pen is also available in pink, just in case your girl wants to get her delicate hands on one as well.
CRKT Tao Tactical Pen
This pen was designed by award-winning knife designer Allen Elishewitz. Its many lethal qualities were designed in to protect its handler in three levels. One: the impact crown on the cap can be used to strike the assailant on the head or hands by raking or thrusting. Two: the more pointed butt of the pen may be used to thrust or provide a disabling pressure point behind the ears, at the armpit or throat. And three: the pen point may be thrust for penetration in soft tissues of the throat, chest or abdomen with potentially lethal results. So, yeah. It’s pretty hardcore.
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Made alongside law enforcement professionals, the Impormpu Tactical pen can smash glass like the Uzi, but has much less complexity to it, making this option much easier to store and carry around without people thinking you’re some kind of white-collar Survivorman.
Tuff Writer Tactical Pen
First off, the pen labels you a “tuff writer” which is badass in and of itself. The pen also grants users the unnecessary ability to write in temperatures of -30 to 250 degrees Farenheit, in the slight chance you’re in a near-deadly circumstance (either frozen or completely melted) with the sudden urge to write your memoirs.
Mil-Tac Tactical Defense Pen
This pen is made from aircraft grade anodized aluminum, for crying out loud. If that’s not enough to secure your purchase, it’s also one of the more understated tactical pens on the market—meaning nobody will know this little tool could peel the flesh off anyone in the boardroom (again, not recommended). The pen comes in an assortment of colors as well, just in case you like your deadly weapons a little more personalized.
Surefire IV Tactical Pen
If you’re more in the market for a good-looking pen that writes well, but can also kick some ass when times get shady, your best bet is the SureFire IV Tactical Pen. The pen is slim and sleek, but heavy duty as well, made with high-strength aerospace aluminum.
Weight and Ergonomics
If you’re going to select a tactical pen, choose one that is lightweight. However, make sure that this lightweight feature does not affect its other abilities.
But why lightweight? Well, you’re not going to enjoy a pen that weighs down your pocket, would you? A lightweight tactical pen is best to carry around and have in your pocket. More importantly, you’re going to find it easier to write with a lightweight pen in hand.
As for ergonomics, of course, we want a tactical pen that allows us to write quickly and fluidly. Stay away from pens that have chunky or uncomfortable-looking designs, as it can give you hand fatigue when you have to write a lot of things. Instead, select a tactical pen that can reduce hand fatigue, improve your grip, and fits perfectly between your fingers.
Special Features
Tactical pens come with dual-features. The first one is for writing, and the other features are what make it a tactical pen, such as glass breaker features, whistle, seat belt cutter, and firestarters.
Among the many different options, select a tactical pen that you can utilize as much as possible. If you’re constantly driving, you may want a glass breaker or seat belt cutter tactical pen that can get you out of a sticky situation in case of emergencies. If you work in the law enforcement field, you may want a pen that you can use as a secondary weapon.
If you want an affordable pen that offers good quality and with a lot of good features, the Sminiker pen can be the one to suit your needs. It’s lightweight, heavy-duty, and can cut glass in case of emergency.
However, if you’re an avid user of the tactical pen, I’m afraid that this particular product won’t last. But if you’re going to store this pen for emergencies, then this product can do the job.
Features
There’s no question about this pen’s writing ability. It provides a nice writing tool with high performance for easier and more beautiful writing.
If you’re writing for long periods of time, the ergonomic design and anti-slip feature of this pen can let you do so without getting too tired. Moreover, it’s made of aircraft aluminum, which makes it a lightweight product that you can carry anywhere.
Machined pens
The line between machined pens and tactical pens is blurry. However, machined pens usually have a minimalistic design. These pens are made from steel, aluminum and other metals. They are tough, utilitarian, and don’t have too many bells and whistles.
Tactical pens
Tactical pens could be a mainstay in survival gears. They often come with multi tools, flashlights, and feature multiple working parts in a single body. These pens tend to have more parts and are good for people who want more out of EDC pens.
Noteworthy Tactical Pen Brands
When you think of Smith & Wesson, the first thing that probably pops up in your mind is a handgun. The gun maker also crafts other self-defense accessories, though, including tactical pens. Smith & Wesson has been around since the 1840s and is very reputable brand. Their products are of superior quality and well-loved all over the world.
The Smith & Wesson SWPEN3BK Stylus Tactical pen is an excellent product. Not only is it good for self defense, but the (replaceable) stylus tip makes it great for use with touch screen devices. You can also use it for regular writing.
Machine Era Co.
Machine Era Co. is a small company based in Richmond, Virginia. They create solid everyday carry products like wallets, desk organizers and pens. Their products are well liked and all feature a high level of craftsmanship.
It’s hard to get a pen to write in space, thanks to the zero gravity there. Paul Fisher came up with an invention that works as well in space as it does on earth: a space pen. The Fisher Space pen is now commercially produced and is very popular all over the world.
While it’s not a tactical pen, the Fisher Space Pen Men’s Cap-O-Matic Space pen is still a great EDC item. You can write with it in all kinds of environment, even in places with sub-zero temperatures. The pen is affordably priced, writes well and looks good. It’s made from sturdy brass and steel.
Construction
Some tactical pens, especially the cheaper ones, are built with plastic as well as steel. They don’t last very long, if so. Always look for strong aluminum, carbide or stainless steel builds. Also, check the clip’s quality, so that it doesn’t fall off after a few months of use.
Tactical Pen Basics
Most tactical pens are made of hardened metals such as aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel with a protective layer of coating. Often times they will be manufactured with deep grooves in it to allow for a firm grip.
This portion of the pen also typically doubles as a knife-like weapon. Should an attacker approach you, it would be a nightmare for him to encounter this tool. The design is intended to protect you, the user, by offering the ability to puncture the assailants’ skin and cause potentially fatal injuries.
In short, a tactical pen is a deadly weapon with an under-the-radar appearance that has the potential to provide you with some enticing utility features.
Tactical gear is for those who are always prepared no matter what they encounter. A quality tactical pen could be just what you need in a time of distress.
Tactical Pen Uses
We want you to have the ability to extract as much use as possible from your purchase. These are the three most common uses of a tactical ink pen.
Writing
This is the most practical and common use of a tactical pen. Admittedly, these pens are usually not flawless in the writing department. With that said, don’t expect a smooth and effortless motion when using these. However, to quickly jot down a note or two, consider your problem solved.
Self-Defense
With your safety on the line, going hand-to-hand with an attacker seems daunting. If you have a tactical pen, at least you have something to use to protect yourself. As a warning, you won’t scare anyone off when you pull out your pen. But at least this daunting task will seem a little less intimidating if you have a little extra help.
How to Use a Tactical Pen
Tactical pens that are contoured for your hand to be gripped around it are a must. Losing grip on your pen, your only weapon, could prove to be fatal. While flailing arms with a tactical pen in hand could certainly do plenty of harm, it isn’t ideal. You want your movements to be quick and decisive. If your life is on the line, always aim for vital portions of the body to truly debilitate your attacker (chest, neck, stomach, head).
Of course, it would be easier to understand if you were shown directions rather than reading directions. So take a look around the Internet and find some videos out there that put the basic techniques into action! And remember, you should not underestimate how important it can be to be competent using your tactical pen.
Construction
Keep an eye on the general construction of the product. Is it big and bulky, or small and discreet? Is the pen contoured enough for you to feel comfortable gripping it? Maybe you want a clip on it so it will stay secured in your pocket. Paying attention to the smaller details can help you make a smart purchase.
Features
There are tons of special features available with your tactical pen. Some may have the fire starter like we mentioned above. Others may have special ink that will write in just about any condition, or carabiners that allow you to clip the pen together with other tools. Identify your need and be sure to match it with the product.
CRKT Tao Pen
The CRKT Tao tactical pen, designed by Allen Elishewitz who is an award-winning knife designer, is awesome on three different levels. Integrated in the design of this aluminum body is the ability to fend off an attacker at a non-lethal level with the impact crown in the cap. Should your enemy continue to assault you, the highest defense level is achieved by using the pen point itself, which is made of tungsten carbide, to puncture the opponent. This pen, chosen by yours truly, is a legitimate combat pen that poses a legitimate threat to your opponent. Oh, and it happens to write in any condition, whether you are freezing or boiling. If for some reason you get a sudden itch to write underwater, you are covered for that also.
Thrunite TI4T
The Thrunite TI4T is hands down the best penlight for professionals on the market. One of the most outstanding features of the Thrunite TI4T is the fact it starts up in firefly mode each and every time you turn it on. Starting at such a low lumen makes it the perfect tool for professionals, such as doctors, nurses and dentists because they can use it for a variety of tasks without having to turn down the settings. Professionals also enjoy the TI4T because its compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry and handle for a variety of tasks. Just because this penlight starts in firefly mode does not mean it can not really pump out the lumens though. The Ti4T is equipped with a Cree XP-L Vemitter and can produce up to 300 lumens. The Thrunite TI4T is one of the most durable penlights on the market, it comes with an IPX-rating and thanks to its titanium alloy body it can withstand impacts of up to ½ feet. The TI4T is easy to operate, and the stainless steel pocket clip makes it easy to securely store the light wherever you want. As an added bonus you can choose one of three different methods to change between modes.
Brite-Strike EPLI
The Brite-Strike EPLI was made by Brite-Strike technologies to become the conference room equivalent of the Tactical Blue Dot, and we have to say it has done the job quite well. The Brite-Strike EPLI is powered by two AAA batteries that allow the light to put out as much as 160 lumens for 30 minutes or 80 lumens for up to six hours. The beauty of the 160 lumens is the color is quite close to natural daylight making it an excellent choice in professional settings. The low setting of 80 lumens provides enough light to allow you to easily read fine print in a low light room, but the best surprise is the strobe mode that allows this penlight to be used to help disorient a potential attacker. The Brite-Strike EPLI doesn’t look much like a penlight; it’s made from aircraft grade aluminum that has a graphite anodized finish, while the bezel is brass and polished stainless steel. Many people, upon first glance, mistake the EPLI for a writing utensil rather than a flashlight. They also sell three different color filters that will fit over the top. Red is for night vision, green is for map reading, and blue is for forensics or hunting (makes blood stand out).
EagleTac PN20A2
The Nitecore MT0offers people a low profile pen design that fits easily in the palm of your hand for a price that won’t hurt your wallet. The CREE XQ-E RLED provides a more focused beam than other reflectors of the same size and the best part is that it is only ¼ of the size of the CREE XP-G. The LED is powered by AAA batteries that are strong enough to emit 16lumens for around 4minutes. The MT0only comes with two brightness modes, low and high, both of which are accessed via the tail switch. The tail switch gives users the option of being able to use the light with just one hand. The stainless steel pocket clip makes the MT0quite portable, which means you will always have it when you need it most.
The Hoffman Richter Stinger is another great choice for an EDC tactical pen. This pen has a unique design that is much narrower near the tip that makes it easy to grip when you actually want to write with it.
At the opposite end it’s much more substantial and the whole body is made from impact resistant aircraft grade aluminum.
This is a sturdy pen that’s ideal as a backup in tense situations or as a simple writing tool. A tactical pen shouldn’t standout as anything unique and that’s one of the best features of this particular model.
It looks like any other standard pen you’d pick up at the local stationary store. With a glass breaker tip that can also be used as a weapon in an emergency this is anything but a normal pen though.
Refills can also be purchased for this pen when your ink runs out and by all accounts it writes very well.
It doesn’t matter whether you are using it as a pen, a tool, or a weapon – this pen does a fantastic job in all situations. The Stinger is also backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Durable Construction
A quality tactical pen is constructed of solid machined steel – not a cheap plastic material that most pens are made from today. That makes them difficult to break and that’s the idea.
Tactical pens are normally made with the intention of being perfect improvised weapons for Special Forces and police tactical units. They’re also great for protection if you happen to be out hiking on the trail by yourself.
There’s nothing more important than the element of surprise in a dangerous situation and few would be attackers are expecting you to defend yourself with a pen.
In order to be effective the pen has to be able to withstand an attack without breaking and that’s why they’re typically made from some type of steel or aircraft grade aluminum.
All Weather Ready
Tactical pens are usually designed to work in all kinds of conditions. This is of key importance if they’re going to be used in tactical situations as these don’t normally take place in a nice comfortable office.
When you’re looking for a tactical pen you want to find one that works in both wet and dry conditions. A little bit of rain shouldn’t slow you or your pen down.
Almost all tactical pens are waterproof and if you’re looking at one that isn’t it’s best to keep looking as there are plenty of options available to you that are.
Works in Any Position
I remember watching a documentary on astronauts and being absolutely amazed at the pens they used that seemed to work no matter what position they were writing in – upside down, right side up, it didn’t matter.
I’m not sure if they were using a tactical pen, but it must have been a similar type of technology that was being employed.
Good tactical pens are also designed to work no matter what position you’re using them in. If you really wanted to, you could write with one while hanging upside down in a tree, although I wouldn’t recommend it.
Clips that Don’t Break
There aren’t too many pens that don’t have clips as part of their design, but most of us probably don’t find them that useful. Part of the problem with clips on regular pens is that they tend to break far too easily – that’s not a good thing for a tactical pen.
Fortunately, manufacturers of tactical pens have put a lot of thought into the design of the clips as well. They are generally made from a durable steel material and will not break as easily as standard ones.
The last thing you need is to reach for your tactical pen in an emergency only to realize you’ve lost it because the clip broke.
Glass Breakers
A common feature of a tactical pen is a sharp steel tip that can be used to break glass in an emergency. This is a perfect tool for first responders that sometimes have to make split second decisions to save lives.
For example, the first emergency personnel to arrive on site after an accident can use their tactical pen to break a car window and apply potentially lifesaving procedures to a victim inside a car.
Impromptu Knife
A tactical pen typically has a sharp impact resistant tip that can easily double as a knife in a tense situation. When there’s no other weapon around these are designed to be your best lifesaving option.
They may not be the ideal replacement, but they are convenient to carry around at all times and that makes them the perfect every day carry item that can also potentially save your life from an attacker.
Some may just want a high-quality pen that looks good and matches other gear they may have, like a folding knife or other tactical equipment.
The main reason people carry tactical pens is to have a reliable self-defense tool that can be hidden in plain sight.
UPDATE: A reader has sent this article to show that some of the more aggressive style pens do get confiscated at airport checkpoints. Consider this when choosing your pen if you plan on traveling with it.
With some basic training, tactical pen carriers are more readily able to protect themselves wherever they go.
Others may just be looking to lighten their kit by combining their self-defense tool with their writing instrument into one small multipurpose item. A tactical pen is perfect for this.
Tactical pens are a robust, low key, self-defense option.
It comes out of the box with a Rite In The Rain ink cartridge, so you will be able to confidently take notes, mark maps, and more in any conditions.
It also has a low profile glass breaker integrated into the tip to assist in emergency evacuations from vehicles of buildings.
Overall the machined steel body is extremely strong and will hold up to the roughest applications. Its various ridges and indentations ensure a positive grip should it be required to discourage aggressive behavior.
These features have all been added thoughtfully and executed flawlessly.
There is no excess on this tactical pen, and it strives to meet your daily needs at every turn.
As a tactical pen if both writes well and is strong enough to be a functional self-defense item.
The narrow taper at the writing end serves well as a force multiplier if you ever needed to deter an attacker with it.
This tactical pen has a rather inconspicuous profile to it, unlike some other pens that have an obvious weaponized appearance.
Its ordinary appearance will help it avoid scrutiny from security checkpoints, ensuring that you will be able to defend yourself pretty much anywhere.
The Schrade Survival Tactical Pen is a solid mid-range tactical pen that will not disappoint.
Self-Defense Features
Once you have a good writing tool, it is time to look at the defensive features to find the best tactical pen for your personal protection.
First, decide how you would want to use your tactical pen as a defensive tool.
A smaller woman, for example, may struggle to inflict damage with one of the blunt ended tactical pens and a tactical pen with a pointier end may be more suitable.
In addition to being comfortable in your hand for writing, having a good grip is key to using the pen as a defensive tool.
In a self-defense scenario, you will likely be swinging it with velocity you will want to make sure the tactical pen stays put in your hand upon impact.
The best tactical pen you can choose will have ridges or grooves for your fingers to sit in and knurling to aid grip retention.
Attachment Clip
The best tactical pens on the market will have a robust pocket clip for attaching the pen to a pocket, bag, or belt.
Many pens also have additional attachment options for keyrings, carabiners, and paracord.
Make sure the tactical pen you choose has an attachment option that matches the way you intend to carry it.
Extra Features
A common point of differentiation to look for when finding the right tactical pen is to keep an eye out for unique features.
Keep an eye out for special features such as these when choosing your tactical pen.
And then there’s using a fountain pen.
Putting aside one’s ballpoint and picking up a fountain pen is akin to making the switch from shaving with a cartridge razor to using a safety or straight razor. The nature of the tool requires more skill and attention on your part, but the experience is richer and the result sharper.
If you’ve always wanted to see what it’s like to literally get the ink flowing, this article offers an accessible primer on the basics you need to know to get started.
A Brief History of Fountain Pens
While the earliest record of a fountain-like pen dates from the 10th century, fountain pens as we know them today didn’t exist until the late 19th century. In 1884, an American named Lewis Waterman patented the first practical model after supposedly having a sales contract ruined by a leaky precursor. Before Waterman’s version, fountain pens were plagued with ink spills and blots, and were unreliable and inconvenient.
Waterman solved this airflow issue by cutting a series of three fissures in the pen’s feed. This created a capillary-esque mechanism that functioned by drawing ink into these small channels at the same time that air came back in over the fissures and entered the reservoir. The modern fountain pen was born.
Though Waterman’s innovation made fountain pens much more effective and convenient to write with, filling the pen remained a messy and tedious affair. You had to unscrew a portion of the barrel and use an eyedropper to fill the reservoir drop by drop. At the turn of the 20th century, companies began introducing self-filling reservoirs that allowed users to put the nib in the inkbottle and fill the reservoir by pulling a lever or twisting the barrel.
Despite the introduction of the ballpoint pen in the early 1900s, fountain pens maintained their dominance as the go-to writing instrument up until the mid-point of the century. It was not until the 1960s, when the ballpoint pen’s reliability increased, and its price decreased, that fountain pen sales began their long and steady decline in the United States. While they’re still widely used by students in private schools in England and the rest of Europe, in America the fountain pen is largely seen as more of a collector’s item, a status symbol, or the focus of a twee hobby. However, thanks to the internet’s ability to connect enthusiasts, the fountain pen has seen something of a resurgence in the U.S. Today you can find countless forums and blogs dedicated to the virtues of this classic writing instrument.
Why Write With a Fountain Pen
It feels better. Because you don’t have to press down as hard to write as you do with a ballpoint pen, writing with the fountain variety is much easier on the hand. It allows for extended periods of writing without fatigue. It’s easier to get in the flow, when using something that truly flows.
It’s better for the environment. With a ballpoint pen, once you use up all the ink, you toss it into the trash. While you can buy disposable fountain pens, most fountain pens aren’t meant to be thrown away. When you run out of ink, just refill the reservoir and you’re back in business.
More economical in the long run. I don’t want to think about the amount of money I’ve thrown away or lost in the form of half-used ballpoint pens. Because of their disposable nature, I’m pretty careless with them. If I lose one, oh well, I can buy a whole new pack of ‘em.
There’s something about a fountain pen that inspires you to take care of it. The hefty price tag of some models certainly has something to do with that. But the fountain pen’s storied tradition provides an aura of timelessness and permanence that encourages the owner to safeguard it; it may even become a family heirloom.
The result is that, besides the initial investment of the pen, the only recurring expense you’ll accrue is just buying more ink every now and then. Consequently, you save money in the long run with a fountain pen compared to a ballpoint.
It makes cursive handwriting look better. Besides reducing fatigue, the light touch and flowing hand movements that are necessitated by a fountain pen make your handwriting look better.
Notice the slit down the middle and the breather hole.
The nib is the metal tip of the fountain pen that touches the paper. Early fountain pen nibs were fashioned from gold due to the element’s flexibility and resistance to corrosion. However, most modern nibs are made with stainless steel or gold alloys because of their strength and durability.
If a nib is made from pure gold, it’s usually tipped with a hard-wearing metal like iridium or some metal from the platinum family. Steel nibs already have a hard tip, so tipping them with another metal isn’t necessary.
Along the center of the nib runs a small slit that helps bring ink down the tip by way of the aforementioned capillary action. You’ll also find a “breather hole” bored into the top of the nib to help bring air back into the reservoir to prevent a vacuum from forming. The breather hole also serves a structural purpose by acting as a stress-relieving point, which helps prevent the nib from cracking with the repeated flexing that occurs during use.
Nibs come in varying tip shapes and grades. The three basic shapes are round, stub, and italic. Round is the most common shape and provides a fairly uniform-looking line on the paper. Stub and italic nibs are typically used in calligraphy.
Nib grades designate the size of the tip. Five basic grades exist: extra fine (XF), fine (F), medium (M), broad (B), and double broad (BB). The most common nib grades are fine and extra fine.
Reservoir or Filling Systems
Cartridge. This is the most common type of reservoir in fountain pens today. A cartridge is a small, sealed disposable plastic tube that holds the fountain pen ink. When a cartridge runs out of ink, you simply remove the old cartridge and put in a new one. The main benefit of cartridge reservoirs is the convenience. The downside is that you often have to rely on the propriety cartridge made for your particular pen. Consequently, your choices of ink will be more limited. Also, there’s the cost factor. While cartridges aren’t too expensive, refilling your pen yourself can save you money in the long run.
Converter. If you don’t like the idea of having to buy new cartridges every time you run out of ink, consider buying a cartridge converter for your fountain pen. A cartridge converter looks pretty much like a cartridge and can fit most cartridge pens, but it has a filling mechanism that allows you to refill it with ink whenever you run out. The upside is that you open yourself up to a variety of inks to use, the downside is convenience; while it’s not hard to fill your cartridge converter, it’s certainly more of a hassle than simply throwing away an old cartridge and installing a new one. Here’s how to fill a cartridge converter.
How to Write With a Fountain Pen
Post your cap (or not). Posting your cap means putting the cap on the end of your pen while you’re writing. The pen usually feels more balanced in the hand when you have it posted. Of course, some folks prefer to write with the cap set aside. Experiment and find what works for you.
Hold it at the correct angle. The pen should make a 40 to 55-degree angle with your writing surface. A fountain pen’s “sweet spot” is usually in this range, as ink flows more easily at these angles. The exception is a pen with a round nib; in this case, you want the nib’s top to point straight up and not be rotated to either side.
Use less pressure. You don’t need to press down to get the ink to flow like you do with a ballpoint pen. In fact, too much pressure can prevent the ink from flowing properly or can damage the nib. Keep your strokes light.
Use your arm. Most people are “finger writers,” meaning that they just move their fingers to write. Finger writing has a tendency to cause you to apply too much pressure to the pen, which rotates it and in turn causes ink flow problems. Instead, focus on using your shoulder and arm more while you’re writing. It will feel weird at first, but this style of writing keeps your nib steady and helps reduce the pressure on it.
How to Take Care of Your Fountain Pen
Don’t let others borrow your pen. As you use your pen, the nib will adapt to your writing style. If you let someone else borrow it for extended periods and apply their own style to it, the nib can get out of whack. If they just need to sign something, let them borrow it; it’s a gentlemanly gesture. If they need to write an essay, lend them a cheap-o ballpoint.
Give your pen a regular flush. It’s recommended that you give your fountain pen a flush once a month. It ensures proper ink flow by removing any build-up in the nib or feed. Here’s how you do it.
In addition to flushing, you might consider soaking your nib in a cup of cool water overnight to remove any stubborn ink build-up.
The Fountain Pen Network.
A forum dedicated to fountain pens. The folks there are super helpful with beginners, so if you have a question, ask. They also have lists of groups, meetings and events dedicated to fountain penning (yeah, I just used fountain pen as a verb), as well as a marketplace where you can buy or trade new fountain pens.
I could write a whole glossary just on the terms and terminology used in the fountain pen world, but that’s not my goal here. My goal is simply to give you the most basic definitions you’ll need to understand the rest of this article. I want to focus on things that someone who doesn’t know much about fountain pens wouldn’t know, while not getting into details that are unnecessary for someone just getting started.
The nib
The nib is the part of the pen that touches the paper, and that the ink comes out of. On most pens it will be stainless steel, and on higher end pens it will be gold. By changing a nib, you can completely change the experience of writing with a pen. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when buying a fountain pen is the size of the nib’s tip.
On most standard fountain pens, nibs can come in various points from extra fine to bold. The tip of the nib will determine just how much ink is released, and the thickness of the lines that you will put down. In addition to extra fine to bold, there are also a variety of other nib types like a cursive italic, or a stub. These special grinds are best suited for specific handwriting styles.
To further complicate matters, nib sizes aren’t standard. A “fine” nib on a Japanese pen, will tend to be finer than a “fine” nib on a German pen.
Certain nibs work better with certain inks, and certain handwriting styles.
Nibs made of softer materials, like gold, will wear in such a way as to adapt to the handwriting of the person using it. As such, if you have a very soft nib on a pen, and you lend it to someone else, the ink flow will seem strange to them, because the pen will have literally adapted itself to you.
Converter
A converter changes a cartridge filling system into refillable solution. There are various types of converters and filling systems, but the main purpose remains the same: a refillable reservoir that holds the ink that your pen uses to write. Some pens come with converters, others need to be ordered. For instance, a Pilot Metropolitan comes with both a cartridge and an empty converter, whereas a Lamy Safari comes only with a cartridge. If you want to refill a Safari, you either need to buy more cartridges, or you need to buy a converter plus ink.
Get Used to Writing With It
The day I got my Lamy Safari, I started using it immediately. Admittedly, my first impression was less than stellar. I found the pen scratchy to write with, and found that it was skipping. I began to wonder if I was doing something wrong, and then questioned whether getting a fine nib might have been a mistake.
This was my first fountain pen lesson. The way a fountain pen works is different from the way a ballpoint or a gel ink pen works. Pen doesn’t just start flowing automatically. The ink needs to work its way through the entire nib. In addition, if ink has been sitting in the pen for a while, it may have dried slightly, which will give you a less smooth writing experience. In general, using it will allow you to get through the drier ink and then it will start to flow.
As I continued to write with my fountain pen, the more I found I liked it.
Try it on Different Papers
As I started using my new pen, I began to notice something that I had never really taken stock of using my old ballpoints or gel pens: paper quality. I soon found that some papers worked great with my pen, while others made it feel scratchy, or caused the ink to bleed.
You can read exhaustive articles on which paper is the best to try with what ink and pen combination. However, my best advice is to try a bunch of different things.
Write on whatever plain pad of paper you have lying around the office. Write on post-it notes. Write in your favourite notebook. Write on scraps of paper.
You’ll soon get a feel for the difference that paper can make.
Brad recently wrote a great piece for Rhodia about how paper is like the tires on a car, and it’s true. You don’t really notice what kind of tires are on your car until you have a high performance car that can take advantage of them. The fountain pen is a little bit like the high performance car.
Returning to my car analogy, it’s kind of like having your every day tires for the commute to work, and saving your performance tires for the track on weekends.
Notice the Colours
One of the great things about fountain pens, and refilling them is the sheer variety of different colours. It’s not unusual for a single ink company to produce a few dozen colours. And before you think that after a few primary colours, all other inks are just variations of the same thing, you are missing a huge part of the ink experience. It is only when I started using fountain pens that I started to truly understand what it meant to appreciate an ink’s texture and depth of colour.
Even the standard blue that came with my Lamy Safari had more variation and depth than any other ink I’d ever written with before.
The moment you start getting excited about watching the ink of your pen dry, that’s when you know you’re hooked. So, at this point, I would suggest that you buy at least one ink refill.
Try Different Inks
Before you spend a fortune on a Nakaya or some other crazy expensive pen, realize just how much fun you can have just by trying different inks.
In my mind, inks are a seriously under-appreciated part of the fountain pen experience. Most articles you will read about fountain pens focus on the pens (with good reason, it is what you’re using to write!). However, changing the ink in your pens is a more affordable way to get a great variety of experiences with your fountain pen.
Closing Words
At this point, you’re probably thinking to yourself, this all seems like a lot just to buy a pen. And you’re right. It is. However, if you just want a pen that you can pull out at any time and it just works, then I’d suggest grabbing a roller ball or a gel pen. There’s a ton of great ones out there, and you can read through Brad’s reviews to find the best of the best. If you’re looking for a utilitarian tool, that’s the way to go.
However, if you’re approaching fountain pens as a piece of art, a hobby, or worse, a potential addiction, I think it’s worth taking the time to understand the basics with a few of the cheaper options before diving head first into the vast selection of premium pens that exist out there.
Tactical Pen Features
One of the main buying points of tactical style pens is that the have clips that are way tougher than their standard pen cousins. Your typical pen has a clip that can be easily snapped by accident. This is not the case with the tactical ones, the clips are made of metal that is break resistant.
There are a few other benefits that some of these products have. One is that they sometimes include fire starters, glass breakers, and a tip that has the ability to catch DNA.
I’ve compiled all my knowledge below with my tactical pen reviews of the top products on the market.
Schrade SCPENBK
If you want a tough pen then the Schrade SCPENBK lives up to this. It is made of aircraft aluminum that can survive a lot of abuse. Durability and toughness is not all that this pen offers. It also has a smooth black matte coating, sleek design and a screw cap.
The one downside is that the cartridge that is supplied is not the greatest quality. This isn’t a huge issue though, as you can just replace it with a better one very easily.
Smith and Wesson SWPENMP2G M
Coming in at 5.inches long the Smith and Wesson SWPENMP2G M is a tactical pen that is a great choice if you’re looking for something that can be used very well for self defense. It looks the tactical part with a sleek design that has a high tech feel to it.
It has a grip with grooves in it to help stop hands from slipping and I think that it’s a good option for self defense, as well as writing of course.
Schrade SCPEN4BK
The Schrade SCPEN4BK is a tough pen that is built with anodized aluminum. It’s the upgraded version of the Schrade SCPENBK if you are familiar with the brand.
This particular pen is designed more for survival and self defense than writing. This is evidenced by all the features that it has, like a glass breaker, whistle and firestarter. This is not to say that you can’t write with it, you can of course still write it’s just a heavy duty pen that is not meant for comfortably writing.
Color Chart Pen writes in Blue, Black, Green, and Red ink. pieces total. Perfect for nurses and medical professionals.
Nurse Stick Pens
The response from the experts was unanimous: when it comes to a great pen for every day and everybody, you should get the uni-ball Jetstream.
The uni-ball Jetstream.
When vapour pens were first launched, e-juice vaporizer pens were the earliest products on the market. These pens feature an atomiser which vaporises e-liquid which is made up from common solvents, food flavourings and, quite often, nicotine. When the user presses a button, the current flows through the coil and heats it to vaporise the e-juice.
Different in style from e-liquid vape sticks, herbal vapes feature a chamber which is filled with the chosen herb and which is then heated to a constant temperature once it is switched on. Herbal vape pens stay hot for a session which can vary from up to minutes.
Avoid Overcharging
While manufacturers always try to design their vape pens so that they cannot be overcharged, it is still a sensible idea to unplug your device once it is fully recharged. Usually, this will be indicated when the LED changes colour or the fire button light switches off.
Do take it slow!
This entry was posted in Guides, Productivity, Technique and tagged best handwriting grip, best pens for exams, desk posture, exam writing, gel grip, grip, guide, hand fatigue, hand pain, handwriting, how to, how to hold a pen, how to use a pen, pen guide, pens, school pens, writing, writing fatigue, writing grip, writing pain, writing posture by jono. Bookmark the permalink.
Sakura 30066-Piece Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set
Whether you are seeking to buy some pens for use at home, office, or school, you should select this brand. This package contains pieces of pens with line size of 0.20mm, 0.25mm, 0.30mm, 0.35mm, 0.45mm and 0.50mm respectively. This is an ideal type for writing and drawing due to its chemical stability with waterproof and fade resistant capacity.
Pilot MR Animal Collection Fountain Pen
Let’s have a smooth skip-free feeling for writing with this ink color pen that will lead you to note a consistent lettering and line every time. MR Fountain Pen is designed as the refillable pen with Pilot or Namiki brand inks so that you can keep using the pen for a very long time. Moreover, this standard of Pilot Fountain craftsmanship is well-known for being a sophisticated premium quality which reflects the fresh modern style to you.
Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen
Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pen features a latex-free comfort zone grip for providing extraordinary balance when you write with this instrument. Likewise, the stainless steel tip of this pen will assure for long lasting durability with full comfort and control. You will conveniently produce your smooth writing lines of consistency with this dark vivid ink color without a single problem.
Uni-ball Stick Micro Point Roller Ball Pens
To write as smoothly as a fountain pen for helping you taking notes during the meetings or singing other office documents, let be confident by using this Lamy Safari pen. In addition, to helping to deliver to you the neat and accurate lines of your writing, its stainless steel material proofs the strength and durability made for this pen as well.
Dip nibs
The Yoga Book, at first glance, looks like every other Lenovo Yoga laptop – only smaller. The impressive, gorgeous watchband hinge first introduced with the Yoga is present and correct, and the insanely thin device is wrapped in a smooth, luxurious magnesium alloy shell like so many Yoga devices before it.
The Android version of the Yoga Book, which we guess Lenovo expects to sell more of, comes in Champagne Gold, Gunmetal Gray and Carbon Black finishes. The Windows version comes in just Carbon Black – though all of these finishes look downright premium.
A power button and volume rocker on the device’s right side are edged in chrome, and speakers sit behind dotted grilles on either side of the keyboard deck. The speakers pump out suitable range and volume despite their size, thanks to Dolby Atmos technology inside.
Another impressive feature about the Yoga Book despite its size is the 10.1-inch, 1,920 x 1,200 resolution screen. With 400 nits of brightness and the capability to display a range of 16.million colors, HD movies look excellent on the Yoga Book, and in-plane switching (IPS) means wide angles for screen sharing.
The Wacom digitizer is wonderful
It’s fine enough that the Yoga Book is the first laptop or tablet to include a keyboard that doubles as a full-blown Wacom digitizer. It’s even better that the tool is a joy to use, not to mention that it has one super-neat trick up its sleeve.
Pressing and holding a capacitive button above the keyboard with a pen icon switches the tool from displaying the keys to displaying, well, nothing but an illuminated pen icon. This means you can now use the surface to draw or write with the included Real Pen stylus.
Lenovo calls this the Create Pad, a layer of electromagnetic resonance (EMR) film beneath the keyboard that’s powered by Wacom Feel technology. This means that the Real Pen needs nothing inside to operate, with the Create Pad doing all of the work – even the 2,04levels of pressure sensitivity.
The Create Pad offers the supreme palm detection artists have come to expect from the brand, and has differing levels of support from the Yoga Book depending on the version. The Windows version supports the Create Pad in all apps that would support stylus control, like Windows Ink, but specifically calls up OneNote when activated.
On Android, however, Lenovo seems to have enjoyed a lot more freedom in custom-tailoring software for the OS, with Lenovo’s home-grown Note Saver app for note-taking and drawing.
Regardless, both versions of the Yoga Book are capable of one aforementioned, seriously cool trick: taking scrawlings in pen on paper and digitizing them for later access, editing and backup. This is made possible through an included magnetic notepad that attaches itself to the Create Pad’s surface, and included (office-standard) real-ink ballpoint tips for the Real Pen.
Now, this is where the EMR comes into play. As soon as the Real Pen touches the notepad – when attached to the Create Pad surface – whatever’s written is picked up by the electromagnetic response given off by the contact of pen to paper through the notepad’s magnetic rear surface, to be translated onto the screen via the Create Pad. The accuracy with which this is achieved is incredible, and it’s something you simply have to see in action yourself to believe.
With this feature, you can even fold the tablet in the reverse direction to use it simply as a traditional paper notepad with a digital backup. Using the tablet in this way even shuts the screen off, saving precious battery life – though, the Yoga Book already has gobs of that.
But, beyond note-taking, we could see this feature being a boon for artists that feel more at home drawing on paper with ink than a glass surface with a stylus, with the option to alter their work digitally later. Of course, this assumes a lot on the front of app and file compatibility.
What to Do If You Cant get Ink Stains Out
It can be heartbreaking to see something stain your leather couch, especially since leather is so resistant to staining.
Whether it be your comfy sofa or the sleek leather seats in your car, ink always seems to find its way onto your leather. You sign a check at the bank and forget to put the cap back on the pen and the next thing you know that pen has found its way under your bottom leaking ink all over your seats.
The number one cause of ballpoint pen ink getting on leather upholstery would probably be children. Many young children will blatantly scribble on the walls, the furniture, their skin, everything but paper. Perhaps your three year old has discovered that drawing on the sofa is fun and has managed to scribble his way from one end of the couch to the next. So learning to remove ink from leather is a handy skill for leather-loving parents of small children.
When an ink stain forms on the surface of leather furniture then it is the leather that has been re-coloured.
The first thing to remember about ink stains is the fact that ink is a dye, and its purpose is to leave its mark. As with many stains therefore the best chance of removing ink stains from leather furniture is to deal with the stain as soon as possible, before it has a chance to change the colour of the leather. If you have leather products in the home, you should also have a LTT Ink Stick on hand for emergency cleaning. The earlier you get to an ink stain, the better chances you have of removing it.
When marked with ink, however, you will need to act quickly to remove the ink, for the drier the ink is, the harder it is to remove. If the ink is from a gel ink pen, you may have a harder time removing it.
If the ink spill is noticed immediately then a soft dry cloth should be used in an attempt to soak up as much of the ink as possible. This quick action could prevent the ink from penetrating into the leather.
If a pen exploded or a bottle of ink spilled on the couch, first try a dry cloth, cotton ball, sponge, or Q-tip. Next, moisten your cloth or cotton ball with lukewarm water, rub gently, and then dry with another soft cloth or a dry corner of the cloth you are already using.
For any minor ink staining left then an ink stick could be the solution. Many firms now produced ink sticks, specifically designed to deal with ink stains, although the type of leather furniture being treated does alter how successfully they might be.
If water alone does not help, there are also many leather cleaners available, including Leather Master and saddle soap. Always check the labels first to make sure you that are using the right product and that you are using it correctly. Avoid regular soaps and detergents unless they are specially made for leather.
Forward
The Schrade tactical pen is 5.inches long and made of CNC machined 606aircraft aluminum. It has a screw on and off cap. It comes with a Houser Parker ball point pen cartridge. The aluminum is covered with a matte black finish. It weighs only 1.ounces. Current owners say that it writes good and it is comfortable to hold. It is small enough to fit inside a pen pocket.
The Smith & Wesson Tactical Pen is the best tactical pen for those who want a great performing military grade pen that is durable and versatile enough to be used on a daily basis or in the wild. It strikes a perfect balance between performance and price. This tactical pen also has easily replaceable and cheap ink cartridges.
Research Process
Additional features are found in some tactical pens as well. These involve glass breakers, fire starters and even a tip in which DNA can be known. Your idea on where to utilize the pen tells what features you may need.
In order to know the top three graded tactical pens, we have hunted the web down and reviewed them beneath. Each of these pens is sturdy and could possibly be utilized for self-protection.
History Of The Tactical Pen
Tactical pens are extraordinary for survival circumstances, and they are much more a tough one who will stand up to a lot more than a typical one. Incredibly, you can utilize one to ensure yourself, as well as to try and break glass in the event that you have to. They are likewise intended to convey extraordinary constrain on pressure points on the human body; the best models are awesome as a hand-to-hand weapon.
The Cool Features
When you are searching for tactical pen, you are getting one that has a ton of additional components. It simply does not keep in touch with; it does as such significantly more. Normally, this implies it will cost more than an ordinary one, yet you are getting a great deal for it.
As this is a discreet weapon, it is the greatest advantage and the enormous selling feature. It gives you an advantage which nobody will realize that, what you convey serves as a weapon that you can use in a self-protection circumstance. You will and that gives you more trust in a circumstance, and a part of surprise if you are anytime attacked by anyone.
Most out there accompany a pocket clip in order to stop it from dropping out of your pocket and not being there. You will not need to stress over losing it as the pocket clip will not crack. In case you are searching for the best one you can purchase, ensure it contains a pocket clip.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the tactical pen by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your tactical pen wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of tactical pen
- №1 — Best Under Control TACTICAL PEN for Self Defense with Built-In LED Flashlight
- №2 — Chaos Ready Tactical Pen – Self Defense Tool – with LED Light
- №3 — Tactical Pen – Self Defense Weapon + Double Tip Tungsten Window Glass Breakers + LED Flashlight | Military
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about tactical pen is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!
