Tactical Pens
Given recent events on the TTC, and having personally witnessed an individual pulling a knife on an unsuspecting rider back in December 2022, a week later a woman getting stabbed to death at High Park station and things seemingly only deteriorating further since then, I started teaching Knife Evasion Tactics on the lower Student Grade Programs in April 2023.
As an add-on to Knife Defense Tactics (Student Grade 11), I have added a tactical pen to my own tools.
Originally designed for military and law enforcement use, tactical pens have evolved into everyday carry tools that can be used in a variety of situations. Here are some of the benefits of tactical pens:
1. Self-defense: One of the primary benefits of a tactical pen is its ability to be used as a self-defense tool. With a sturdy and sharp tip (originally designed to break car windows, in case of an emergency), a tactical pen can be used to strike an attacker and cause enough damage to give you time to escape.
2. Writing tool: Tactical pens are (mostly) still pens at their core. They can be used to write in all types of situations and are often designed with durable materials that can withstand extreme conditions.
3. Multi-functional: Many tactical pens come with additional features beyond just being a pen and a self-defense tool. The pen I use includes a built-in flashlight, screwdriver, bottle opener, wrench and an element that can be used for cutting or fraying (not usable for self-defense purposes). These additional features make the tactical pen a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of situations. It’s the reason I chose this one: http://bitly.ws/DyWH.
4. Concealable: You can carry a tactical pen with you wherever you go without drawing unwanted attention. Additionally, many tactical pens come with a clip that can be attached to a pocket or a bag for easy access.
Tactical pens are versatile, practical, and multi-functional tools that can be used in a variety of situations. They provide a sense of security and preparedness, as well as a reliable writing tool that can withstand extreme conditions.
Tactical pens are legal in Ontario, Kubotans for example, are not. Leave it at home when you are flying, though. It will be confiscated. Also keep in mind, that if you end up using your tactical pen as a weapon, you may get criminally charged. My personal choice, I’ll prefer getting “judged by 12 than carried by 6”. This is my back-up if someone pulls a knife on me and I can’t get away.