Comments on: The fun, exciting, potentially deadly world of Tactical Pens http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sun, 19 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Mark Crummett http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027072 Mark Crummett Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027072 I don't doubt for a second that these would sell, and for top dollar, too! I don’t doubt for a second that these would sell, and for top dollar, too!

]]> By: shadowfirebird http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027328 shadowfirebird Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027328 I obviously have a much broader definition of the word "tactical" than these pen manufacturers do. "Tactical" <> "for killing". Also, why are they all ball points? Outdated, crappy technology. I can't write worth a damn with a ball point. Now, a "tactical" gel pen -- that would be useful... I obviously have a much broader definition of the word “tactical” than these pen manufacturers do. “Tactical” <> “for killing”.

Also, why are they all ball points? Outdated, crappy technology. I can’t write worth a damn with a ball point. Now, a “tactical” gel pen — that would be useful…

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1080066 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1080066 You mean I can not do this with any other pen from now on? Geez! You mean I can not do this with any other pen from now on? Geez!

]]> By: Mister44 http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027077 Mister44 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027077 I see your tactical pens and raise you a tactical coffee mug. http://shop.hero-gear.com/browse.cfm/battlemug/4,358.html I would love this thing - but not for that price. Although the milling on it looks nice. I see your tactical pens and raise you a tactical coffee mug.

http://shop.hero-gear.com/browse.cfm/battlemug/4,358.html

I would love this thing – but not for that price. Although the milling on it looks nice.

]]> By: FF3300 http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027333 FF3300 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027333 Far, far better than the Space pen by Fisher is the Uni-Ball PowerTank. It's made in brittle plastic and it's ugly as sin, but its cartridge is the best in the world, with a far better flow than Kanye West's, an incredible writing comfort and the ability to write in any human circumstance. http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/240_599 http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/240_965 And by the way, http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp Far, far better than the Space pen by Fisher is the Uni-Ball PowerTank. It’s made in brittle plastic and it’s ugly as sin, but its cartridge is the best in the world, with a far better flow than Kanye West’s, an incredible writing comfort and the ability to write in any human circumstance.

http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/240_599
http://www.jetpens.com/index.php/cPath/240_965

And by the way, http://www.snopes.com/business/genius/spacepen.asp

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027079 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027079 I remember using my BIC pen as a weapon in Middle School. Doing so made me appear just insane enough to deter a certain low level of bully. Using a pencil got me in trouble though because the teachers worried about lead poisoning. (They didn't know the truth about pencil leads back then.) I remember using my BIC pen as a weapon in Middle School. Doing so made me appear just insane enough to deter a certain low level of bully. Using a pencil got me in trouble though because the teachers worried about lead poisoning. (They didn’t know the truth about pencil leads back then.)

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027591 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027591 I'm really looking forward to the new Call of Duty: Black Ops "special weapon" the balistic tactical pen in the upcomming downloadable content. Now you can poke the eye out of that dude with the M60 as he's commin round the corner. No more need to the lunge with your balistic knife, now you've got something shorter, and duller! Nice round hole, better to bleed out your enemy. Watch out for that "Second Chance Pro" perk, as it seems to take much longer for them to bleed out. I’m really looking forward to the new Call of Duty: Black Ops “special weapon” the balistic tactical pen in the upcomming downloadable content. Now you can poke the eye out of that dude with the M60 as he’s commin round the corner. No more need to the lunge with your balistic knife, now you’ve got something shorter, and duller! Nice round hole, better to bleed out your enemy. Watch out for that “Second Chance Pro” perk, as it seems to take much longer for them to bleed out.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027084 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027084 The Joker knows how to use a pencil tactically. The Joker knows how to use a pencil tactically.

]]> By: m0nkyman http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027089 m0nkyman Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027089 I always joked that my old style Rotring trio 600 was a tactical pen.... I thought it was funny. I always joked that my old style Rotring trio 600 was a tactical pen…. I thought it was funny.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026841 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026841 Actually, the first tactical pen I can remember was actually a Sharpie, but made with fiberglass, and with a screw on cap. They called it the Sharkie. Actually, the first tactical pen I can remember was actually a Sharpie, but made with fiberglass, and with a screw on cap. They called it the Sharkie.

]]> By: nexusheli http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026843 nexusheli Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026843 I own 2 County Comm Embassy pens (1 of the elites pictured and a red-ano aluminum version). I LOVE these pens. You have to know what writing with the Fisher pen fills are like (I've been using them in my Retro 51 pens forever) and if you can deal with them, the pens are solid, feel good in the hand and are quite substantial pens (especially in the case of the stainless). The aluminum version feels like any high-quality pen you might find in terms of weight, the balance is good though slightly heavy on the rear end. I keep this one at work as it's not finished quite to the same standard as the stainless pen and I expect the anodizing to wear off rather quickly (it's pretty thin). The stainless version is a beast. The balance is similar to the alu version, but the material is just so much heavier. If you're not used to writing with a fine instrument, this pen will definitely be too much for you to write with on a regular basis or for any period of time. But the finish on this pen is also just exquisite; I keep this one at home so it stays nice. I highly recommend these pens as writing instruments, and the stainless version as a collectors piece. They're also offering a short run of Ti and Copper pens right now that I wish I could justify buying... I own 2 County Comm Embassy pens (1 of the elites pictured and a red-ano aluminum version). I LOVE these pens.

You have to know what writing with the Fisher pen fills are like (I’ve been using them in my Retro 51 pens forever) and if you can deal with them, the pens are solid, feel good in the hand and are quite substantial pens (especially in the case of the stainless).

The aluminum version feels like any high-quality pen you might find in terms of weight, the balance is good though slightly heavy on the rear end. I keep this one at work as it’s not finished quite to the same standard as the stainless pen and I expect the anodizing to wear off rather quickly (it’s pretty thin).

The stainless version is a beast. The balance is similar to the alu version, but the material is just so much heavier. If you’re not used to writing with a fine instrument, this pen will definitely be too much for you to write with on a regular basis or for any period of time. But the finish on this pen is also just exquisite; I keep this one at home so it stays nice.

I highly recommend these pens as writing instruments, and the stainless version as a collectors piece. They’re also offering a short run of Ti and Copper pens right now that I wish I could justify buying…

]]> By: caseyd http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026844 caseyd Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026844 the Ventilator is probably intended for collapsed lungs and emergency aspiration. the Ventilator is probably intended for collapsed lungs and emergency aspiration.

]]> By: Avram / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026845 Avram / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026845 But do you also carry a metallic silver Sharpie, in case you need to scribble down some vital information on a beer bottle? But do you also carry a metallic silver Sharpie, in case you need to scribble down some vital information on a beer bottle?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027359 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027359 I own a Sharkie and I carry it everywhere. I have (almost) no idea how to use it as a weapon, but it's a blunt-ended cylinder of nigh-unbreakable ceramic -- that thing is all kinds of useful. I own a Sharkie and I carry it everywhere. I have (almost) no idea how to use it as a weapon, but it’s a blunt-ended cylinder of nigh-unbreakable ceramic — that thing is all kinds of useful.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026848 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026848 http://pengun.com http://pengun.com

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026850 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026850 can i ask.. why? you never really explained why you bought any of them, i'm curious! can i ask.. why?

you never really explained why you bought any of them, i’m curious!

]]> By: ROSSINDETROIT http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026851 ROSSINDETROIT Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026851 Sharpies rule. I feel naked without one. the Fine Point that dangles from my ID badge lanyard gets used 10+ times/day. For writing. But it's nice to know if I have to fight my way out of a meeting the Sharpie is there for me. Sharpies rule. I feel naked without one. the Fine Point that dangles from my ID badge lanyard gets used 10+ times/day. For writing. But it’s nice to know if I have to fight my way out of a meeting the Sharpie is there for me.

]]> By: angusm http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026856 angusm Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026856 I hadn't realized the cop/soldier-wannabe market was large enough to support this kind of thing, but now I know, I'm going to be bringing some products to market. For a start, there's my Tactical Stapler, in milled aircraft aluminum, with rapid reload functionality and an extended magazine. If that doesn't get you going, there's also the Tactical Hole Punch (mild steel frame and tension springs, with Kevlar grips for more reliable control), which can make precision holes in up to 1/8" of solid paper. Our tactical ring binders are covered with hard-wearing ballistic nylon (colors available: black, battleship gray and olive drab) and feature steel-reinforced edges for close combat advantage. The deluxe model also includes a pocket that accepts ceramic plates for personal protection. (In independent tests conducted by a former Navy SEAL master armorer, a fully-configured tactical ring binder stopped 9mm rounds fired from a distance of 40 feet). "Tactical Office Supplies - because when business is war, your workplace is the battlefield. Don't get caught unprepared." I hadn’t realized the cop/soldier-wannabe market was large enough to support this kind of thing, but now I know, I’m going to be bringing some products to market. For a start, there’s my Tactical Stapler, in milled aircraft aluminum, with rapid reload functionality and an extended magazine. If that doesn’t get you going, there’s also the Tactical Hole Punch (mild steel frame and tension springs, with Kevlar grips for more reliable control), which can make precision holes in up to 1/8″ of solid paper.

Our tactical ring binders are covered with hard-wearing ballistic nylon (colors available: black, battleship gray and olive drab) and feature steel-reinforced edges for close combat advantage. The deluxe model also includes a pocket that accepts ceramic plates for personal protection. (In independent tests conducted by a former Navy SEAL master armorer, a fully-configured tactical ring binder stopped 9mm rounds fired from a distance of 40 feet).

“Tactical Office Supplies – because when business is war, your workplace is the battlefield. Don’t get caught unprepared.”

]]> By: Mister44 http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1028393 Mister44 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1028393 What myth did I repeat? I guess I lacked a few additional details - but I don't think anything I said was incorrect. I guess I did make it sound like a NASA ordered it, vs Fisher taking the initiative. If it was an allusion that NASA paid to develop it, I knew they did not. Many things we use that came from the space race weren't made expressly FOR NASA, but were created/discovered while working on projects for the space race, like WD-40. PS I am aware Tang wasn't made for NASA either. What myth did I repeat? I guess I lacked a few additional details – but I don’t think anything I said was incorrect. I guess I did make it sound like a NASA ordered it, vs Fisher taking the initiative.

If it was an allusion that NASA paid to develop it, I knew they did not. Many things we use that came from the space race weren’t made expressly FOR NASA, but were created/discovered while working on projects for the space race, like WD-40.

PS I am aware Tang wasn’t made for NASA either.

]]> By: Muse http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026859 Muse Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026859 I was expecting a lot more carnage from a Tactical Pen Review. I don't know if I am more disappointed or relieved. I was expecting a lot more carnage from a Tactical Pen Review.

I don’t know if I am more disappointed or relieved.

]]> By: starbugtwo http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026861 starbugtwo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026861 Just wondering if you tried a Fisher space pen. Some of them are thinner, but they're usually made solid and could definately get the job done. They make a bunch that are made from bullets. Just wondering if you tried a Fisher space pen. Some of them are thinner, but they’re usually made solid and could definately get the job done. They make a bunch that are made from bullets.

]]> By: bolivar13 http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026862 bolivar13 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026862 Not sure if you were aware, but sharpie does actually make a stainless one: http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Stainless-Permanent-Marker-1747388/dp/B001V9LQLG Not sure if you were aware, but sharpie does actually make a stainless one: http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Stainless-Permanent-Marker-1747388/dp/B001V9LQLG

]]> By: mudpup http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026863 mudpup Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026863 WTF ... You would need some serious training to use a tactical pen in a fight. If you have that kind of training and skills, poking someone with a finger sized stick is way down the list of action plans. ;-) WTF … You would need some serious training to use a tactical pen in a fight. If you have that kind of training and skills, poking someone with a finger sized stick is way down the list of action plans.
;-)

]]> By: Jim O'Connell http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026866 Jim O'Connell Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026866 Not being much of a mall ninja, I can't comment on the "tactical" pens, but I'll give you a tip for the Sharpie, since I know you're a photographer as well, Sean: Get some good gaffer's tape like PermaCel and wrap the body of the Sharpie with it. The idea is to have easy access to the tape, not to improve the grip of the pen or anything. You'll be surprised how often it will come in handy. As for going all stabby on someone, if the need arose, I'd probably just uncap my silver Parker 75 fountain pen and use that to do a nice Joe Pesci impersonation. Sure, it would probably ruin the pen, but how often do you wind up needing to do that in life? Not being much of a mall ninja, I can’t comment on the “tactical” pens, but I’ll give you a tip for the Sharpie, since I know you’re a photographer as well, Sean:
Get some good gaffer’s tape like PermaCel and wrap the body of the Sharpie with it. The idea is to have easy access to the tape, not to improve the grip of the pen or anything. You’ll be surprised how often it will come in handy.

As for going all stabby on someone, if the need arose, I’d probably just uncap my silver Parker 75 fountain pen and use that to do a nice Joe Pesci impersonation. Sure, it would probably ruin the pen, but how often do you wind up needing to do that in life?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026870 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026870 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UHNTkVqWpQ">Any pen is tactical</a> when Joe Peschi is holding it. Any pen is tactical when Joe Peschi is holding it.

]]> By: Prufrock451 http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026871 Prufrock451 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026871 Someone now needs to create a Tactical Pocket Protector to hold these pens, which is positioned over your heart and is constructed from triple-weave Kevlar. You could put a signal mirror on the underside of the flap! I hereby declare this idea Creative Commons, but it would be common courtesy to send me a copy of the prototype. Someone now needs to create a Tactical Pocket Protector to hold these pens, which is positioned over your heart and is constructed from triple-weave Kevlar. You could put a signal mirror on the underside of the flap!

I hereby declare this idea Creative Commons, but it would be common courtesy to send me a copy of the prototype.

]]> By: IWood http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026878 IWood Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026878 I read Xeni's tweet as "Tactical pets." I came here expecting to see poisonous jumping frogs or something... I read Xeni’s tweet as “Tactical pets.”

I came here expecting to see poisonous jumping frogs or something…

]]> By: skabob http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1026880 skabob Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1026880 Triple weave kevlar, ues. Hopefully you'd also add a Faraday weave and the back should be stainless steel polished for emergency mirror use, and with a serrated edge for post-tactical-pen-use amputations. I agree, common courtesy ro provide me a prototype. Triple weave kevlar, ues. Hopefully you’d also add a Faraday weave and the back should be stainless steel polished for emergency mirror use, and with a serrated edge for post-tactical-pen-use amputations.

I agree, common courtesy ro provide me a prototype.

]]> By: Major Variola (ret) http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027136 Major Variola (ret) Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027136 And then there are pen-knives. Not good in x-rays but fine for walking about. And then there are pen-knives. Not good in x-rays but fine for walking about.

]]> By: Baldhead http://boingboing.net/2011/02/14/the-fun-and-exciting.html#comment-1027649 Baldhead Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-1027649 Having just watched Rocknrolla the other night, and fondly recalling Gross Pointe Blank, I wonder at what makes these pens better as a weapon than the writing implements used to for bodily harm in those films. Having just watched Rocknrolla the other night, and fondly recalling Gross Pointe Blank, I wonder at what makes these pens better as a weapon than the writing implements used to for bodily harm in those films.

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