The proverb “the pen is mightier than the sword” was coined by English writer Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 and refers to the written word’s superior effectiveness over physical force in conveying ideas. Edward was onto something when he brought this saying to life. With that, we are exploring the best edc pen you can arm yourself with for any and all occasions.
Quick take
- Top Pick – Gerber Impromptu Tactical
- Runner Up – Smith & Wesson
- Upgrade Pick – Ridge Bolt Action Ballpoint Pen
- Bes Style – Bastion Bolt Action
- Most Affordable – SMOOTHERPRO Tactical
Table of Contents
What is an EDC pen?
An EDC pen is a tool you carry with you every day. It’s a pen you can rely on. A pen whose ink doesn’t run dry when you need it most. A pen whose material and craftsmanship are durable and precise. These are the qualities you should look for in an EDC pen.
Should I Carry a Pen Everyday?
Yes, you should carry a pen every day. Pens are excellent tools to have at your disposal, whether at work or in your personal life. It is better to have one and not need it, than to need one and not have it.
What makes a good EDC pen?
Price
Price is going to factor into an EDC pen. The adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to pens. However, at a certain point, higher cost doesn’t always mean a better pen. You can find exceptional choices to add to your EDC collection at reasonable prices.
Material
Material and price somewhat go hand-in-hand. Typically, the higher the quality of the material, the more costly the pen. Make sure the writing tool you buy is made from material that will stand up to wear and tear. Stainless steel, titanium, and various metals such as copper are all generally good choices.
Ink
How many times have you used a pen and the ink doesn’t work? We have too many to count. Ink is the most critical part of the pen. Without it, the pen cannot write. That is what makes it one of the most important components to look at when choosing your EDC pen.
Style
Let’s face it, if you’re carrying it with you every day, it has to look good. While style takes a backseat to practicality and reliability, it no doubt influences the purchase.
Comfort
Anytime you use a tool frequently, it is important to feel familiar and comfortable with it. When you hold your pen, you need to feel as comfortable wielding it as Hugh Hefner (RIP) did wearing a robe.
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Let’s get into our top picks for the best EDC pens you can purchase right now.
Best EDC Pen [Top 5]
1. Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Gerber is a brand known for its well-made knives. They take that craftsmanship and seamlessly transfer it to the rugged, machine-steel Impromptu Tactical pen. Made in the United States, this pen weighs in at 2.4 ounces, so it has some size to it. On top of that, the “Rite in the Rain” ink cartridge is designed to work in wet and dry conditions, making this bad boy a heavy-duty tactical tool you can depend on. To provide grip assurance, the outer layer is coated with Cerakote. Gerber backs all of their products with a limited lifetime warranty.
2. Smith & Wesson SWPENMP2BK
Similar to Gerber above, Smith and Wesson are known for their weapons, particularly their firearms. But they also make an awesome pen. The SWPENMP2BK is constructed with T6061 aircraft aluminum for durability that rivals theirs. It is very ergonomic and easy to hold. With a weight of 1.4 ounces, it feels heavy enough to feel solid. The Smith & Wesson pen offers a convenient pocket clip, making everyday carry easy.
3. Ridge Bolt Action Pen
At 5.3′′, the Ridge Bolt Action Pen is small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack. You can keep it at your desk or take it on your next excursion. The pressurized ballpoint writes without the aid of gravity. This implies that you can write smoothly and easily wherever you are without fear of wasted ink or leakage. A 100-year shelf life internal pressurized refill is used in our original design. The materials are equally dispersed over the length of the pen, ensuring a fluid, effortless writing experience. The bolt action pen has a manganese steel clip and a handle with CNC lathe knurling for simple everyday use.
4. BASTION Aluminum Bolt Action
The BASTION bolt action is a sleek, aluminum blue finish pen. The BASTION is one of the more affordable pens on this list at $30. It’s very stylish and is an easy conversation starter. Style aside, this pen is functional. It is easy to grip, and at 2.68 ounces, you’ll have no trouble using it for as long as you need. It’s capless, but the bolt action feature is very smooth, delivering a satisfying click. It is made with a CNC machine, so it is built to last. Easily refill the BASTION’s metal cartridge with gel or standard ink.
5. SMOOTHERPRO Tactical
Built with unbreakable aircraft aluminum metal alloy 6061-T6, the SMOOTHERPRO Tactical is a great choice and, at under $15, it is the most affordable on our list. Don’t let that fool you into thinking it doesn’t deliver. This pen is bolt action and has an extra strong pocket clip so it stays secure. The surface is treated so it is relatively scratch-resistant and the finish is smooth. On top of the pen, you will find a tungsten tip glass breaker should you encounter a dire situation. Overall, the SMOOTHERPRO is a reliable tool you can count on when you need it.
Takeaway
As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword. As such, it’s worth taking time to find the best EDC pen you can. Each pen on this list has its own unique qualities that make it suitable depending on what you’re after.
