I love the concept of “tactical” just about anything (although that flashlight gun has to be an accident waiting to happen). So when manufacturers started making tactical pens, I thought “hey…cool…something I can I can carry on the plane since I can’t take my gun!” Um. Maybe. Maybe not.
The problem with a tactical pen is that ANY pen can be a tactical pen. I studied Filipino self -defense techniques. I know how to seriously disable/stop/defeat/hurt someone with something as cheap as a Bic pen. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. Theoretically, you can give an emergency, involuntary tracheotomy with a pen you get for free at any trade show. But I’ll admit, something that has a wee bit more heft to it strikes me as a much better idea. Unfortunately, I’ve heard the TSA has gotten wise to all things “tactical,” and have started (selectively) enforcing if they allow/deny anything “tactical” from getting on with you on a plane. Sigh…
Knifemaker Timberline offers the Timberline Tactical LCP, a handsom pen with a fairly wicked-looking point, a fluted shaft, and a clip that (unfortunately) has the word “Tactical” on it. Sigh again…
The Timberline rep swears he travels with his pen and has never been challenged or denied. I’m going to test that theory on my way back to Dallas.
I’m hoping I can get on with the pen, because I feel a lot better with something handy, in case some moron tries to re-enact 9/11. Do I think that will happen? Not really. But can it happen again? Of course it can. So I’d rather have something I can use for self-defense a little better than a rolled-up newspaper.