Welcome back to the 55th installment of my blog, in which I don’t claim to be an expert, in fact, the opposite. I’m a new user of the AR platform and want to share my findings and experiences as I go through and build rifles as well as being the Operations Manager at Tyrant Designs.

“The pen is mightier than the sword” is a phrase you’ve probably heard before. It was originally coined by an English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton. The phrase has been interpreted to mean that communication in written language is a more effective tool than direct violence. A more modern interpretation would probably be something along the lines of the keyboard is mightier than the gun (which I’m sure many social justice warriors and keyboard commandos would agree with.)

There is now a pen that can be used not only for it’s writing capabilities, but a weapon as well. These are also known as “tactical pens”.

The Kubotan

Before we get into what is tactical pen we must learn the history of the Kubotan. The Kubotan is a very simple keychain weapon named after it’s inventor Soke Takayuki Kubota.

The Kubotan teaches you one important thing, simple objects that look relativity harmless can be effective self-defense weapons. When used correctly, the Kubotan is a cunning “diamond in the rough” type weapon.

What is a tactical pen?

Essentially, a tactical pen is a Kubotan disguised as a pen. They are made of hard materials, usually steel or aluminum. The metal is worked into shapes and grooves to improve the ergonomics when placed in your hand. The tip is hardened for the purpose of being used as something to strike your opponent with.

Why carry a tactical pen?

Like I mentioned in my tactical flashlight post, not everyone is allowed to and/or should carry firearms. A tactical pen is legal and can be carried by anyone. With that being said, it’s a great backup if something goes wrong with your primary carry firearm. Police officers carry a firearm, stun gun, baton, and pepper spray. They are always prepared for whatever the situation calls for and I think there is no reason why you shouldn’t be too.

I like tactical pens because they are discrete and can be an effective self-defense tool to someone who is inexperienced with hand to hand combat. Put in the right person’s hands and you have a very dangerous weapon. Their conceal-ability is great and the chances of it getting confiscated in a pat-down are very slim. For these reasons, I think the tactical pen is a must-have when it comes to your everyday carry items.

Who here carries a tactical pen? Do you think it's worth it? Who saw this movie?