What a ninja uses...

[Grant Lamontagne]

... when he uses the last of the milk and needs to leave a note for his wife! 

I was taking a bunch of pics today while fiddling with my light tent and one of the things I took pictures of was this CRKT Elishewitz Tao pen.



It's a neat concept, and this one is pretty well made- at least as nice as some of the higher priced pens from other manufacturers.  That having been said I think these pens are fundamentally flawed- the concept is to have a self defense item that you can carry past checkpoints like banks, courthouses and possibly even airports.  However, rather than making them low key so they could theoretically be carried into such places, they are bulky and look like weapons, guaranteeing that any security person worth their minimum wage should spot it a mile away and ID it as a weapon.  Still, the thick barrels on these sure make me feel cool when I'm writing with them! 

The one I have is actually a promo item from last year's SHOT Show:



As neat as that is, I kind of wanted one from the year before, when a bunch of them were tossed at the last minute when someone discovered they were accidentally printed "SHOT Shot 2010."

Here's the Tao pen next to the Smith & Wesson Military and Police pen that I carried for a while:



It's sad, but I actually prefer the S&W, also marketed under the Schrade name (both owned by the cheap discount smurfs at Taylor Cutlery) since the cap comes off easier when you need it.  I like the feel of the Tao pen better, but screwing the cap off (you can see a significant number of threads in the picture) then screwing it on the back end, writing whatever you are going to write, then unscrewing the cap and screwing it back over the tip is more effort than I really want to put into making quick notes.

I also doubt this would make any better a weapon than my trusty Fisher Bullet, but it is a nice pen in it's own right, and a decent conversation starter.  If you are doing any significant amount of writing you may not be put off by the screw-on cap, but since I only make quick notes, it really isn't worth it to me.

Def

[Metropolicity]

does the cap screw on?

I haven't tried any other 'tactical' pen beyond my CC Embassy pen collection

[Grant Lamontagne]

does the cap screw on?

I haven't tried any other 'tactical' pen beyond my CC Embassy pen collection

Yup, and that's one of it's biggest drawbacks.

Def

[edcgear]

I have and like Tao a lot!! It's great design.... I just love it!!

That said, I must say I agree with Grant on issues, but again... I love darn thing, and it's a great ice breaker and conversation starter!! 

[Sazabi]

does the cap screw on?

I haven't tried any other 'tactical' pen beyond my CC Embassy pen collection

Grant:  I'm surprised it has threading on the end to attach the cap for when you want to write; I find it slightly annoying when some companies don't allow that provision.  

[Ashley]

With my job and taking quick notes of times are loactions this would not be the pen for me.

[dks]

I have the cold steel one and the threads are the same. The point being that when you are striking the cap does not come off.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yes, but if you are beating people with it more than you are writing things down then you'd be better to perhaps buy a small bat in addition to a pen! 

It seems more emphasis has been put on the occasional use than on the actual use.  It's like a car with 45 different adjustments to the seat but it has no wheels.

Def

[dks]

and if you see the cold steel one, because of its shape and size most men would be embarassed to be seen with one... Women? I do not know..


more here:
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,29148.msg500242.html#msg500242

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have handled the Sharkie but never went the distance to owning one.  I can't help but feel that if one is capable of using it then any pen, pencil, marker or spoon could be a decent weapon.  If one doesn't know how to use it then even a .357 may not be a weapon if you catch my meaning.

Def

[dks]

One of the funniest things I saw was a (solid but not huge) woman knock down a bloke unconsious, with a single punch. She did not need any tactical pens/sprays/knives to take care of herself...

The man was swiftly dragged out of the club by his embarassed mates, never to be seen again.

[Ashley]

I have the cold steel one and the threads are the same. The point being that when you are striking the cap does not come off.

Maybe I want the cap to come off so I can poke them in the eye.