When you find a nifty gadget to carry around with you, it serves the dual purpose of being useful and also just fun. Many people have wondered what it would be like to carry around gadgets that wouldn’t be out of place with someone like James Bond, and tactical pens can help us get closer to that fantasy.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Overview of Tactical Pens with Flashlight
- The Importance of Carrying an EDC Tactical Pen with Flashlight
- How to use a Tactical Pen with Flashlight
- Features To Look for in an EDC Tactical Flashlight Pen
- Our Picks For Best Tactical Pens with Flashlight
- Rothco 7-in-1 Tactical Pen & Flashlight
- The Atomic Bear Multi-tool Tactical Pen
- Smith & Wesson M&P Delta Force Tactical Pen
- Anakaka Loaded 6-in-1
- Ansyper CC Compact Tactical Pen Light
- TakeFlight Self Defense Tool with LED
- Kilitn 10-in1 Tactical Pen
- Bell+Howell
- How We Chose Our List for Best EDC Tactical Pens With Flashlights
- Conclusion and Where to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not just about being cool, however, as these pens can be helpful in many different scenarios and can also be a lifesaver in certain situations. There are many great options to choose from, but it can be tricky to know which one is right for you.
That’s why we have created this review, as we will be looking at some of the best options to choose from so that you can decide which is the best for you. So let’s dive in and see what is on offer so that you can be more prepared no matter where you are.
Key Takeaways
- Tactical pens have many useful tools packed into a very small device, making them useful for many situations.
- Having an EDC tactical pen can get you out of some jams by giving you a multipurpose tool that can fit in your pocket.
- When choosing a tactical pen, you should consider various facets such as the size, weight, material it’s made of, and the features that are offered. This way you can ensure it will be right for your situation.
- We will then go over 7 different tactical pen options that you can choose from. Key benefits, specifications, and any drawbacks will be covered for each.
Overview of Tactical Pens with Flashlight
Tactical pens can come in many shapes and sizes with different features that will be unique to each one. Their uses can range between self-defense, survival situations, and everyday use. They will typically have some kind of knife attachment, and a flashlight will usually be included as well.
As we look at the various options on this list, you will have a better idea of the kinds of tools and functions these knives can serve.
This past article on emergency preparation can also show you more ways that you can keep yourself safer in general.
The Importance of Carrying an EDC Tactical Pen with Flashlight
The great thing about an EDC (everyday carry) tactical pen is just how versatile it can be. You may use it as a regular pen most days, but you never know when one of the other features could come in handy. In some circumstances, it could even get you out of a life-threatening situation.
As with any survival tool, the main purpose is to make you a bit more prepared for what life can throw at you, and you can carry it with you pretty much anywhere.
If you want to see a selection of other survival products, check out this list of survival products we compiled.
How to use a Tactical Pen with Flashlight
There is no single answer to what the best way to use a tactical pen is, as it can depend on the situation. It would also depend on the features and implements included with the pen, so you ideally want one that has as many features as possible.
They are most well suited to situations like camping, outdoor activities, crafts, and survival situations. A tactical pen’s uses could depend on how creative you can be with it, so it’s recommended to familiarize yourself with it and see what kinds of situations it could apply to.
Features To Look for in an EDC Tactical Flashlight Pen
Size
The size of a tactical pen is important to consider. You ideally want something small enough to carry around without inconveniencing yourself but large enough to have some useful features.
Utility
The whole point of a tactical pen is that it has useful features, so it’s important to choose one that has features that will make it useful in a wide variety of situations.
Material
A tactical pen should always be made of durable materials, as you don’t want it to snap with light use. Tactical pens will often be used for intensive tasks, so making sure it’s made of tough stuff is important.
Grip
The grip of a tactical pen can be important, as you need to be able to have a firm hold on the pen when using it.
Battery Life
If the pen has any kind of battery needs, such as for a flashlight, you should ensure that it has decent enough battery life to last through longer situations where you may need to see in the dark.
Durability
You will likely use your pen for some tough tasks, so the construction and material of the pen should be durable enough to withstand such tasks.
Ink
While a tactical pen may have some cool features, it’s still a pen at the end of the day. Therefore, you should ensure that the pen has decent ink and can be easily refilled if need be.
Our Picks For Best Tactical Pens with Flashlight
Rothco 7-in-1 Tactical Pen & Flashlight
Best Overall Tactical Pen with Flashlight
Our first pick for this list is the Rothco 7-in-1 Tactical Pen And Flashlight. This is one that we would consider one of, if not the best overall tactical pens, so let’s take a look at why we think that.
Key Features
- Knife Heads
The Rothco tactical pen features interchangeable knife heads with a serrated and straight edge for various uses. - Glass Breaker/Whistle Head
A glass breaker and whistle-head attachment are included if you need to break glass or signal for help in an emergency. - Ink Refills
The pen uses most standard Fisher ink refills so that you don’t need to worry about acquiring specialized cartridges. - Textured Body And Clip
The pen has a textured grip for easy handling and a clip to secure it to your clothing.
Design
The pen has a compact design in a sleek black color scheme. All the tools are easily accessible by disassembling the various sections to get to the tool that you need. The pen is 6.5 inches long, so it won’t take up a huge amount of space.
Material
The pen is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum durability.
Battery
The flashlight of the pen requires two button cell batteries, which are included.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and durable.
- Has different knife options.
- Glass breaker and whistle for added safety.
- Built-in flashlight.
Cons
- Could use a few more tools.
The Atomic Bear Multi-tool Tactical Pen
Next up, we have the Atomic Bear Multi-tool tactical pen. This is a great option for self-defense, survival, and general use.
Best EDC Tactical Pen With Flashlight
Key Features
- Multi-Mode Flashlight
The pen includes an 80-lumen flashlight with a strobe function. - Glass Breaker
A tungsten carbide breaker is included, and it can be used to break glass and can function as a self-defense tool. - Multi-Tool
A handy multitool attachment includes features such as a bottle opener and open pry screw. - Free Self-Defense Class
You will have access to a free self-defense video class.
Design
Much like the previous pen, this one is compact with a black color scheme, and the various tools are quick and easy to access.
Material
The pen is again made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum and is both water and drop-resistant.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of this pen come in at 6.5 x 0.69 x 0.59 inches and it weighs 91 grams.
Battery and Flashlight Specs
The battery of this pen has a brightness of 80 lumens and has a strobe setting for emergency signaling. It also comes with 4 sets of batteries included to keep it powered for a good while.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable build.
- Different flashlight settings.
- Comes with 3 spare ink cartridges.
Cons
- Once again, it could use a few more functions.
Smith & Wesson M&P Delta Force Tactical Pen
The name Smith & Wesson would make most people think of guns, but here we will be looking at another product from them with the Smith & Wesson M&P Delta Forse tactical pen. This is a simple yet effective tactical pen that has some handy features.
Best Tactical Pen for Self Defense
About the Brand
Smith & Wesson is one of the most iconic gun manufacturers in the world. They have been around since 1856 and have become synonymous with quality, reliable firearms. This reputation extends to their other products as well, as we will soon see.
Key Features
- Durable Design
Once again, the pen is constructed from durable aluminum that allows for drops of up to 1 meter. - Dependable
The included flashlight, clip, and simple design mean that the pen is reliable and quick to use. - Self Defense
It features a self-defense tip with DNA retention features allowing you to potentially identify your attacker.
Design
This particular pen has a slightly bulkier look than the previous ones, and it’s pretty simple with a textured grip and the flashlight on the end of the pen.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions and weight of the pen come in at 6.1 inches in overall length, a diameter of 0.57 inches, and a weight of 1.17 ounces.
Battery and Flashlight Specs
The flashlight on this pen is slightly brighter than the previous ones, featuring a brightness of 105 lumens. The flashlight requires a AAA battery, which is included with the pen.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brighter than normal flashlight.
- Durable build.
- Simple and accessible.
- DNA retention feature on self-defense tip.
Cons
- More limited in features than the previous pens.
Anakaka Loaded 6-in-1
Best Low Profile Tactical Pen with Flashlight
Our pick for one of the best low-profile tactical pens would have to be the Ankaka Loaded 6-in1 Tactical Pen. This one has a subtle design that makes it ideal for everyday carrying.
About the Brand
Ankaka is a company that specializes in tactical pens. They focus on making their pens discreet, easy to carry, and durable, and they aim to make them as ideal for everyday use as possible.
Key Features
- Durable
As has become expected, the pen is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for extra durability. - Low-Profile
The pen has a subtle design that most people might not even realize is a tactical pen. - Lightweight
The pen is lighter than some other tactical pens, making it more comfortable for writing. - Multi-Tool
A multitool with bottle opening and screw functions is included.
Design
You will notice that the pen has a rather rugged design with a textured grip, but it looks normal enough to pass as a regular pen for everyday use.
Material
It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum to make it durable and drop-resistant.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of this tactical pen come in at 7.09 x 2.24 x 0.7 inches, and it weighs 3.2 ounces.
Battery and Flashlight Specs
The flashlight is fairly bright at 130 lumens. The flashlight uses 6 small cell batteries.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The flashlight is one of the brightest we’ve seen yet.
- The pen is also lighter than most, making it more practical for everyday use.
- The self-defense tip is easily accessible
Cons
- As always, more features would have been nice, but this is an overall very impressive tactical pen.
Ansyper CC Compact Tactical Pen Light
Best Compact Tactical Pen
The Ansyper CC Compact Tactical Pen is a small but handy tactical pen that mainly functions as a flashlight in addition to being a writing tool.
About The Brand
Ansyper is another brand that focuses on tactical pens, and they focus on creating pens that are light and small with decent flashlight implements.
Key Features
- 3 Light Modes
The flashlight has 3 modes; high, low, and strobe for emergency signaling. - Small And Light
This is a highly compact tactical pen that makes it practical for everyday use. - Removable Clip
The removable clip makes it easy to clip it to clothing. - Durable Build
The pen is made of durable materials and is water resistant.
Design
The pen is very small and unobtrusive, making it one of the most subtle options on the list. This small size does come at the cost of some features, however.
Material
Like most of the pens on this list, it is made of aircraft aluminum for durability.
Battery and Flashlight Specs
The flashlight is the central feature of this pen, and it has a maximum brightness of 250 lumens. You also have three settings to choose from, making it more versatile. It requires a single AAA battery which is not included.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly compact.
- Easy to use the flashlight.
- Multiple light settings.
Cons
- Very limited features.
- Battery for the flashlight is not included.
TakeFlight Self Defense Tool with LED
Best Survival Tactical Pen
Our pick for one of the best survival tactical pens is the TakeFlight Self Defense Tool. This is another simple yet effective option for a versatile drawing and self-defense tool.
About The Brand
TakeFlight is a brand that not only features tactical pens but also multitools and even drink decanters. This variety has a consistent standard for quality no matter what you’re working with.
Key Features
- Durable Build
We once again have a pen made of durable aircraft aluminum so that it will withstand even the toughest situations. - Discreet
The subtle design of the pen means you can carry it everywhere and not draw too much attention to yourself. - LED Flashlight
The built-in flashlight will help you see in the dark, and it also comes with a spare battery. - Self Defense/Glass Breaker
A glass breaker tip can be used to break glass in emergencies or as a self-defense tool.
Design
As with many of the tactical pens we have seen, this one has been designed to be discreet with a simple black design that makes it look like a normal pen at first glance.
Material
It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum once again, meaning you can expect some high durability.
Dimensions and Weight
The dimensions of this tactical pen are 7.09 x 2.2 x 0.75 inches and it weighs 3.21 ounces.
Battery and Flashlight Specs
The pen has a tactical LED flashlight and it comes with a spare battery as well.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable Build
- Self-defense tip.
- Discreet design.
- Veteran-owned and operated business.
Cons
- Once again, it is a bit limited in tools and features.
Kilitn 10-in1 Tactical Pen
Most Versatile Tactical Pen with Flashlight
Some of the pens on this list were a bit spare when it came to features, but that is not the case with the Kilitn 10 In 1 Tactical Pen. This pen comes with some impressive features to behold, so let’s take a look at what these include.
About the Brand
As seen on the Kilitn Amazon product page, this company is very versatile in the products they offer. There are survival tools, clothing items, and many other products. This versatility is displayed with how many features this pen has.
Key Features
- Many Tools
This pen comes with an almost overwhelming selection of tools. These include an LED tactical flashlight, a premium glass breaking head, a rope cutter, a writing ballpoint pen, and 6 multi-tool heads. In addition, there is an emergency whistle, Magnesium fire rod, bottle opener, cross screwdriver, and a straight screwdriver. - Portable
Despite all of the tools and features, it’s still practical to use as an everyday pen option, - Durable
As you would hope, it’s made of some durable materials that can withstand some punishment.
Design
This pen has a more involved design than many of the other pens, which makes sense given how many tools it includes. It does make it a bit less discreet and some of the tools may be a bit fiddly to access, but it’s worth it to have the variety.
Material
You probably won’t be shocked to hear that the pen is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for durability.
Dimensions and Weight
The pen has dimensions of 7.6 x 2.68 x 0.94 inches and weighs 4.6 ounces, making it a bit bulkier than some other options.
Battery and Flashlight Specs
The flashlight built into this pen has an LED bulb that requires 9 LR44 batteries that are included.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Loaded with tools.
- Versatile usage scenarios.
- Durable build.
Cons
- While the many tools are great to have, it can make them fiddly to access in an emergency.
Bell+Howell
The final tactical pen we have to show you is the Bell+Howell Tac Pen Deluxe. This is another pen that has some impressive features and tools that we think will definitely be of interest to you.
About the Brand
Bell+Howell is another brand that has a wide range of products on their Amazon product page. These include many lighting products, which makes sense given the nature of this tactical pen with a flashlight.
Key Features
- 9 In 1 Design.
This pen features many different tools and functions, including a Flat Head and Phillips screwdriver & bottle opener, a flashlight, a strobe light for self-defense, a whistle, and an emergency escape tool for breaking glass. - Compact and Durable
The pen is made of durable materials and is as small as a regular pen. - Replaceable Ink and Battery
Both the pen and ink are replaceable once used up.
Design
This pen, in terms of looks, is not the most sleek of the pens on this list. It has a simple, bulky design that makes the pen a bit more conspicuous when carried, as it doesn’t look like a regular pen.
Material
It seems appropriate that the final pen on this list would also be made of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it another durable option.
Dimensions and Weight
The pen’s dimensions come in at 12 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches and it weighs 4.6 ounces.
Battery and Flashlight Specs
The flashlight uses an LED bulb and it needs four LR44 batteries that can be replaced.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many different functions.
- Compact despite all the tools included.
- Replaceable ink and batteries.
Cons
- Bulky, conspicuous design.
How We Chose Our List for Best EDC Tactical Pens With Flashlights
When making our list, the base features we made sure were included were that each product can function as a pen and a flashlight. Other than that, we wanted to include a good variety of pens that ranged from simple and uncomplicated to pens stacked with different features.
This way, you can choose a pen that’s as simple or as complicated as you want or need.
Conclusion and Where to Buy
As we have seen in this overview, there are many different tactical pens to choose from. Some are packed with features while others are more simple, and different pens will attract different people. Now that you have some to look at, you can decide which one would best suit your lifestyle and needs.
If any of the tactical pens on this list caught your eye, you can purchase one for yourself using the link included with each entry on the list. We hope that at least one of these pens will become an addition to your survival arsenal!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Carry a Tactical Pen
A tactical pen can be carried in your pocket or clipped to clothing in many cases.
How To Use a Tactical Pen for Self-Defense
If the pen includes a glass breaker or similar tool, it can be used to strike attackers to deter them.
Are Tactical Pens Legal?
Tactical pens should be legal in most places.
Can You Take a Tactical Pen Through TSA?
This will depend on what is included in the pen. It will also depend on the decision of the TSA agent inspecting it.
Is a Tactical Pen Good for Self-Defense?
A tactical pen can indeed be an effective self-defense tool. If you want some more suggestions for your self-defense toolkit, check out this list of self-defense products.
