One of the most common questions we get asked is “what weapon for self-defense do you recommend?” Among the most common tools and weapons that come to mind for most people is either a firearm, knife, stun gun/taser or O.C. spray. Of course all of those defensive tools have their uses depending on the circumstance, so I would never discourage carrying one from the other with proper training for a specific situation. However; what’s one tool that can be carried pretty much everywhere you go? or can be viewed by the general public but not seen as a threat? Also can be used in multiple situations?
Here is the defensive tool/weapon that is most recommended by not only SDG, but many other companies and trainers around the world. It’s called a Tactical Pen (Tac-Pen for short). A Tac-Pen is usually a real pen with writing ability that is preferably encased in a aircraft aluminum (or similar) casing with one end of the pen having a very hard and very strong steel tip that can break through windows, car doors, thin plywood and particle board. Needless to say that a tool which is capable of that should be effective against a person if need be in a serious situation. Keep in mind, that although most Tac-Pens have a real pen hidden inside, some do not and are only shaped like a pen. Either style can be effective in a self-defense, survival or even an escape situation.
Lets go through a quick breakdown on what to look for in a Tac-Pen, or at least my personal recommended traits when shopping for a Tac-Pen. First: size and shape; finding one that fits your hand comfortably and securely is a very important aspect. A grip texture or at least a molded grip is preferable. Second: The impact end; is the striking tip solid steel? if so – what kind of steel? How sharp is it? That last thing you need to to strike with a Tac-Pen, whether its against a window or a hostile individual and have the striking tip break, fall off or not even do anything that you intended, or having the impact tip not being sharp enough to break through a window or go through clothing. Having a Tungsten steel tip is highly recommended for strength and reliability. Third: Functionality; There are many items on the market that have been called “Tac-Pens” but have no real business being in that class. Why? Because some companies try to incorporate too much into a single product. An example would be a product that marketed as a Tac-Pen but will have too many additional features such as: flashlight, can opener, whistle, fire starter, pen, strobe light, knife, etc. When you try adding more functions to a single small product like a Tac-Pen this takes away from the durability and reliability of the main function of what that Tac-Pen is suppose to be: A simple and effective defensive tool or weapon that you can depend on with your life. If you’re buying a Tac-Pen with all of those additional functionality; then you have to consider that particular Tac-Pen as a multi-function tool, nothing more.
SDG has finally found a manufacture that makes very reliable, useful and PRACTICAL Tac-Pens to partner with. Knowing how SDG values practicality and reliability it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we recommend such a brand with those three concepts in mind. Check out The Atomic Bear using the link below. I will be writing a short post later on regarding which three Tac-Pens made by this company that I recommend most for self-defense as well as other uses for the Tac-Pen that you may not have considered and why you should carry one.