Tactical Pens... ?

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:30 pm

Is a tactical type pen worthwhile or not?
I was thinking the kind with the automotive glass breaking end could
actually come in handy one day.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:56 pm

In all my experience as a warrior, spy, and bodyguard, I've never had to use one. . .

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:04 pm

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:09 pm

.

AJMD429 wrote:In all my experience as a warrior, spy, and bodyguard, I've never had to use one. . .

And here all this time I thought you were Dr. Jason Bourne

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:15 pm

I do have one, and I have carried it, sometimes. It might give you an edge, and somehow seems less offensive then a gun or knife. it could help in a lower threat situation, when one needed a little more then his fists and bare hands, although it can be lethal.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:32 pm

Lastmohecken wrote:I do have one, and I have carried it, sometimes. It might give you an edge, and somehow seems less offensive then a gun or knife. it could help in a lower threat situation, when one needed a little more then his fists and bare hands, although it can be lethal.

Just out of curiosity have you gotten through airport security with it placed in
the tray with your keys and wallet? It is actually a usable pen.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:41 pm

Actually, a hard-pointy-thing to break out of a car after an accident could be useful, and anything like that could be used as a fist-enhancer in a fight (but might require some training to use effectively).

Any 'edge' could be helpful in a crisis.

Plus, things like that are just cool tools and touch the most basic of our male instincts by providing symbols of status and power, and in many cases, could indeed prove themselves useful.

A ways back someone posted on the 'Tactical Umbrella', too - and even though I've not had to do hand-to-hand combat with an enemy spy in the past year or so, it looked cool enough to tempt me...

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:26 pm

A sturdy, mainstream pen is better.....A Parker Jotter, for example...

samb · Post by **samb** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:34 pm

AJMD429 wrote:In all my experience as a warrior, spy, and bodyguard, I've never had to use one. . .

Thanks for the chuckle. I have often wondered about buying one.

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:03 pm

If you are regularly in nonpermissive enviroments, it's better than bare hands.

Some of them are better than others, and some look more 'weapon' than others.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:30 pm

MrMurphy wrote:If you are regularly in nonpermissive enviroments, it's better than bare hands.

Some of them are better than others, and some look more 'weapon' than others.

One of the better ones, the Cold Steel Shark, is clearly labeled as such

H_Talon · Post by **H_Talon** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:16 am

I carry on of these ..

http://darkmetal-design.com/uploads/2/8 ... 1_orig.jpg
top one

btw I also have their muzzle break on my long distance shooter ..

http://darkmetal-design.com/uploads/2/8 ... 6_orig.jpg

a little pricey for a pen but It's bolt action is different and I like it ...

now if they only made a lever

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:25 am

I have a couple. I fly with them. They make a useful weapon, and should be used as a surprise weapon to be most effective.

One I have is polymer, which is nice as it looks less weapon-like.

This is handy too:

http://www.7-62precision.com/gotcha-hat ... ense-tool/

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 8:42 am

I have long carried solid-metal-barrel ink pens whilst flying. You use them with Kubotan techniques.

I'm not hugely keen on the "tactical" pens as marketed because, since they are marketed as weapons, SOME TSA goons have figured it out and are more than happy to confiscate a nice S&W or Glock "tactical pen" on that pretext. Saw it happen at DIA.

Here's what I usually carry, next to my FOP #1 Kubotan:

The ways around "security" are only as varied as one's imagination... just don't make it obvious for them.

cshold · Post by **cshold** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 9:18 am

A good tac pen review.

http://www.tacticalpens.org/

Bill in Oregon · Post by **Bill in Oregon** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 9:26 am

Flying tomorrow, was wondering about these.
I have one of those old tear gas pens and five rounds of ammo for it ...

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 9:38 am

I've always carried a Surefire light (everywhere, every day) even on aircraft.

Kubotan techniques work, they're exceedingly bright (in case of a crash) and if the TSA decides to get stupid about it, tell them you're afraid of the dark. It's not a banned item.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 9:46 am

MrMurphy wrote:I've always carried a Surefire light (everywhere, every day) even on aircraft.

Kubotan techniques work, they're exceedingly bright (in case of a crash) and if the TSA decides to get stupid about it, tell them you're afraid of the dark. It's not a banned item.

Yeah, forgot about that. I have a AAA Streamlight (Stylus Pro) that always goes with me past "no weapons security" too.

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:49 pm

Bill in Oregon wrote:Flying tomorrow, was wondering about these.
I have one of those old tear gas pens and five rounds of ammo for it ...

Yeah . . . . TSA would not be so amused by that.

There is very much uptightness about tear gas or pepper spray on planes.

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 5:42 pm

Bill in Oregon wrote:Flying tomorrow, was wondering about these.
I have one of those old tear gas pens and five rounds of ammo for it ...

I just saw an ad for those in August 59 GUNS mag. $5.95 with one shell, additional shells 50c each.
How well do those things work?

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 9:47 pm

I'm with Blaine on this, I carry a Pentel RSVP. With the cap on the butt it will penetrate 5 inches into the brain thru the eye or ear. It will also open the jugular. It writes well and doesn't glob ink. Carrying a pen shaped weapon isn't as stealthy as carrying a weapon shaped pen. I often twirl one in my hand at the mall. Makes a decent push dagger.

And, just in case, every seat cushion is a perfect defensive weapon against the common bg attacks on airplanes. Box cutters or even bic pens cannot get past the seat.

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 9:53 pm

casastahle wrote:
Lastmohecken wrote:I do have one, and I have carried it, sometimes. It might give you an edge, and somehow seems less offensive then a gun or knife. it could help in a lower threat situation, when one needed a little more then his fists and bare hands, although it can be lethal.
Just out of curiosity have you gotten through airport security with it placed in
the tray with your keys and wallet? It is actually a usable pen.

I don't fly much, and have never tried it. However, If I get the chance, I think I will try it just to see if I can get on the plane with it. It didn't cost that much anyway.

JB · Post by JB » Fri Apr 25, 2014 10:08 am

AJMD429 wrote:In all my experience as a warrior, spy, and bodyguard, I've never had to use one. . .

I asked my cousin, the internet special ops guy, and he agreed. He is a firm believer in a paracord bracelet though. He said it's handy for strangling people, repelling off buildings, constructing bamboo huts, and various forms of ninja combat.

Twodot · Post by **Twodot** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 12:45 pm

AJMD429 wrote:In all my experience as a warrior, spy, and bodyguard, I've never had to use one. . .

adding "Mall Ninja" would sure spruce up your resume...
..

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 1:40 pm

Grizz wrote:I'm with Blaine on this, I carry a Pentel RSVP. With the cap on the butt it will penetrate 5 inches into the brain thru the eye or ear. It will also open the jugular. It writes well and doesn't glob ink. Carrying a pen shaped weapon isn't as stealthy as carrying a weapon shaped pen. I often twirl one in my hand at the mall. Makes a decent push dagger.

And, just in case, every seat cushion is a perfect defensive weapon against the common bg attacks on airplanes. Box cutters or even bic pens cannot get past the seat.

I never thought of the seat cushion....

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 2:12 pm

The ones I use are real pens that are designed just a bit fatter, pointed, but not any really outrageous shape and no "tactical" logos. I just put them in my carry-on bag.

I used to use the mount pin for an M2 machine gun mount on a tank for a keychain. It is a big heavy QR pin, not really pointed at the end, and they get lost - it seems one tanker or another was occasionally looking for one, so having one on my keychain, I could give them one when they needed it.

This was pre-9/11 when I used to carry a sheath knife on planes, but that pin drove the security guys crazy - I had to start checking it. Never had an issue with a pen.

I have carried polymer self-defense tools in my bag as well, just because I was transporting them, but I don't usually, because I can give no justification to TSA for them, while they don't think twice about a pen. I would not even consider taking any kind of pepper/CS spray on a plane.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 2:15 pm

I have carried polymer self-defense tools in my bag as well

I just got a new Visa.....I might sharpen the edge, and corner of the old one

piller · Post by **piller** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 11:34 am

I have a Parker ball point pen that the barrel is all stainless steel. I have kept it since 1983, and it goes on airplanes with me.

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 1:22 pm

BlaineG wrote:
I have carried polymer self-defense tools in my bag as well
I just got a new Visa.....I might sharpen the edge, and corner of the old one

Steven Segal has one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbRMqd3n3-o

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 6:56 pm

Well, you'll never get one on an airliner. But, no one has ever questioned my nice, bright, stainless steel Cross ballpoint. Then again, I do my crossword puzzles in pen, so that pen stuck in a book of crosswords looks pretty harmless.

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 7:09 pm

White Oak seasoned wooden cane.(XL size,thick)
Last section at bottom end spear pointed. This point fits into last detached 2" section that has been hollowed out to accept spear tip.
Over that section fits a tight HD rubber gripping boot. Note: because of its design when boot is on appearing as regular cane caution to be used in regards to amount of actual down force on cane when walking.

When rubber boot removed in a second you have a think oak spear. No metal involved.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 7:09 pm

JB wrote:
AJMD429 wrote:In all my experience as a warrior, spy, and bodyguard, I've never had to use one. . .
I asked my cousin, the internet special ops guy, and he agreed. He is a firm believer in a paracord bracelet though. He said it's handy for strangling people, repelling off buildings, constructing bamboo huts, and various forms of ninja combat.

Paracord bracelets are OK I guess...

But if you like playing with garottes and snares, a much better method is to use a non-metallic 150+lb test fishing leader (the kind with eyes on each end) as a lanyard for your oh-so-necessary (especially on puddle jumpers) earplugs...

madman4570 · Post by **madman4570** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 7:15 pm

Old Ironsights wrote:
JB wrote:
AJMD429 wrote:In all my experience as a warrior, spy, and bodyguard, I've never had to use one. . .
I asked my cousin, the internet special ops guy, and he agreed. He is a firm believer in a paracord bracelet though. He said it's handy for strangling people, repelling off buildings, constructing bamboo huts, and various forms of ninja combat.
Paracord bracelets are OK I guess...

But if you like playing with garottes and snares, a much better method is to use a non-metallic 150+lb test fishing leader (the kind with eyes on each end) as a lanyard for your oh-so-necessary (especially on puddle jumpers) earplugs...

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 7:44 pm

A locking carabiner on your bag is also an instant brass knuckle. Lot of rock climbers aren't dumb.....and keep a couple more around than absolutely necessary.

I generally travel with a cane in case my knees stiffen up (it happens). Which also gives me a legal 3' long riot baton. And I'm trained in both fencing, swordfighting and actual baton use (Monadnock and ASP schools both). Might not hit quite as hard as a metal baton, but you'll know you got smacked.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 8:56 pm

Chopsticks (hardwood) are good too... and there is a whole fighting style designed around their use.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 9:10 pm

MrMurphy wrote:A locking carabiner on your bag is also an instant brass knuckle. Lot of rock climbers aren't dumb.....and keep a couple more around than absolutely necessary.

I generally travel with a cane in case my knees stiffen up (it happens). Which also gives me a legal 3' long riot baton. And I'm trained in both fencing, swordfighting and actual baton use (Monadnock and ASP schools both). Might not hit quite as hard as a metal baton, but you'll know you got smacked.

Every time you post, you become a little more deadly

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:22 am

MrMurphy

a fencer eh? I fenced foil, epee, and saber for 4 years in Az h.s. did we cross blades?

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 2:33 pm

No we didn't...

I learned epee from a member of the Polish 1980 Olympic team (the only time we ever actually hit him, he let us. Which was humbling). I've been a member of the SCA on and off for 16 years and have both worn and fought in a variety of armor styles (mail, plate, coat of plates) with both live (real) blades and the rattan simulators the SCA uses for safety. Then I got into their light-fighting (fencing) side, which emphasizes original historical fencing styles with rapiers. With a background in epee, it helped.

That means it's not strip fencing (Olympic)....maneuvering, dirty tricks and multiple weapons are allowed, as are melees. I generally fought in the Italian (dirty tricks) style, which is the closest to 'fighting like you mean it'. The French style is more conservative and what Olympic fencing is based off of. The Spanish school is the 'mental' school that likes to mess with your mind. The first Zorro movie with Antonio Banderas is a good representation of their thought if you see the part where he's being trained. All the circles on the floor.

Toss in taking some Phillipine knife fighting classes from a friend (15 years training under a Filipino master) and some stick fighting (escrima) from one of my troops (12 years training from a master). Not particularly great at either, but every little bit helps.

As much as I have trained with the variety of old school stuff, I've been shooting, training and learning on firearms for most of my life and they're still my preference. I need to work on my hand to hand stuff more.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 4:35 pm

Tactical Pens... ?

... have INK. For writing "letters to the editor" and your elected representatives. Those other things are just "pokers"!

Combat Diver · Post by **Combat Diver** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 3:11 am

I have a S&W tactical pen that was given to me. Took it on a few flights last year but never used it or carried. Always have a Surefire flashlight in my carryon (Camelback-3 day assault pack with laptop, camera and days worth of clothes). I feel better just carrying a regular screwdriver (has to be less then 7") with me and its permitted. You can carry knitting needles and yarn, LOL (forgot the length but carry ninja 1000 lb razor yarn)Still check guns and knives in my checked baggage. Fly back home this weekend from Thailand so 26 hrs of flying to look forward too.

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 3:40 am

Combat Diver wrote:I feel better just carrying a regular screwdriver (has to be less then 7") with me and its permitted.

I've not gotten a tool through yet. They nail me if I forget a little screwdriver tip in my bag.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:22 pm

Combat Diver wrote:I have a S&W tactical pen that was given to me. Took it on a few flights last year but never used it or carried. Always have a Surefire flashlight in my carryon (Camelback-3 day assault pack with laptop, camera and days worth of clothes). I feel better just carrying a regular screwdriver (has to be less then 7") with me and its permitted. You can carry knitting needles and yarn, LOL (forgot the length but carry ninja 1000 lb razor yarn)Still check guns and knives in my checked baggage. Fly back home this weekend from Thailand so 26 hrs of flying to look forward too.

TSA won't allow knitting needles....they are afraid you might knit an Afghan