Long gone are the days when you could actually carry a pocket knife, or multi-tool on a commercial airline. I remember the day, when you could walk onto a plane, and if you hand a handgun (cased) just hand it to the pilot, who would secure it in the cockpit. When you got to your destination, the pilot would hand your case handgun back to you.
So-called “security” measures started sneaking up on us, at airports, ever so slowly. They started limiting us to pocket knives of a certain blade length and no longer. Then they started banning multi-tools altogether, as well as pocket knives, nail clippers and even nail files. For the most part, when you get on a plane, you are left without much in the way of a self-defense weapon of any sort.
Enter Columbia River Knife & Tool with a collaboration with my friend, Allen Elishewitz, a very talented knife maker and martial artist. I’ve reviewed Allen’s custom knives in the past, and found them to not only be expertly crafted, but a thing of art as well. My good friend (don’t tell him I called him my friend – it’ll go to his head) Rod Bremer, who owns and operates CRKT. I’ve known Rod almost since he started CRKT and have probably reviewed more of their knives than any other writer out there. There’s a reason for this. As most SurvivalBlog readers know, I look for value for my money, and quality, as well. CRKT delivers on both counts.
Rod Bremer is always on the lookout for something new, different and unique. And, he has asked me to keep my eyes open for something different in the way of knives, and I’ve alerted Bremer on several occasions, and CRKT picked-up those designs in a collaboration between themselves and the custom knife makers. Over the past few years, CRKT has really brought out some neat new stuff. One of the best, in my humble opinion is their collaboration between themselves and Allen Elishewitz, in the Tao Pen.
To be sure, the Tao Pen isn’t just any ordinary pen. Besides being a high-quality writing instrument, it can also be used as an impact weapon, as well as a lethal weapon, in dire situations. The Tao Pen is brutally strong, as it’s made out of 6061 aluminum, that is precision-machined and hard anodized – in several different colors.
The idea behind the Tao Pen, as a self-defense tool, is three-fold. At the lowest threat level, the impact crown can be used to strike an assailant on the head or hands in a raking and thrusting movement. This is the lowest level of self-defense use, and it might just end any further violence aimed at a person. The Tao Pen, in my humble opinion, as a life-long martial artist myself, is best employed in an over-head striking motion to the top of an assailant’s head. This would cause considerable pain and could end a confrontation with one blow.
However, if the second level of use with the Tao Pen is called for, you can use the more pointed butt of the pen to thrust towards the pressure point behind the ears, armpit or even the throat. Be advised, that any blow to the throat can lead to death – so be careful here on the level of force you need to end an attack. One can also jab an attacker in the eyes with the Tao Pen – if they can’t see you, they can’t hurt you.
The third level of defense, if the attacker persists, is that the point of the pen can be used in a thrusting move for penetration into soft tissue of the throat, chest, stomach or other areas of the body. My only problem with this technique is that, the cap of the pen has to be removed to get to the point of the pen – this takes time. However, you might buy this time, if you’ve used the other techniques, and the assailant has broken-off the attack for a moment. My suggestion would be to have the pen’s point already exposed if you feel an attack is coming – don’t be caught in Condition White – where you have no idea what is going on around you. Stay in Condition Yellow – be aware of your surroundings and what is going on, so you’ll be prepared should an attack happen.
Many SurvivalBlog readers live in areas where pocket knives aren’t allowed to be carried. And, in some areas, the laws are written as to how long a blade length you can have on a folding knife – not good! I refuse to live in a Communist state that has these kinds of laws. I carry concealed on a daily basis, and the only time I’m out and about, without a handgun on my person, is if I’m entering a public building, like a court house – where firearms are forbidden – as well as knives. In cases like this, the Tao Pen can come in handy. I’m not aware of any place where you can’t take a pen with you – even on airplanes. This is where the Tao Pen really shines – it’s not only a pen, but a well-made weapon, in sheep’s clothing.
I refuse to fly any more. I don’t want to submit myself to having my rights violated by getting searched, or having an x-ray taken at the airport. So, I simply don’t fly any more. However, were I to fly, I would have a Tao Pen in my pocket – you never know when you might need something more than your hands to stop an attack on a plane these days – every advantage is needed!
My oldest daughter works plain clothes security in a large retail store – they are not allowed to carry any weapons – not even pepper spray or handcuffs. What she does carry and use everyday is a CRKT Tao Pen – it’s there for report writing, as well as use as a last-ditch self-defense impact weapon if needed. The store she works at doesn’t even allow their security personnel to run after shoplifters – so many get away. However, every now and then, they have a “fighter” and must wrestle the person down if they elect to attack the security personnel. The Tao Pen is there – if needed.
Over the years, I’ve taught my martial arts students to use any sort of improvised weapon they can lay their hands on – and to use their hands, feet, elbows and knees as a last resort – it’s better to strike someone with some sort of “weapon” in your hands, instead of empty hands – whenever possible. You’d be amazed at the many types of “weapons” my martial arts students have come up with over the years – even if one is shopping in a grocery store, there is a plethora of weapons there – not counting the knives in the kitchen cutlery aisle – there are all manner of canned fruits and veggies that can be held in your hand and used to strike an attacker with. However, if you have the Tao Pen on your person – you already have a very effective weapon to use.
The Tao Pen isn’t inexpensive, then again, quality never comes cheap – it retails for $69.99–but they can often be found available for much less, through Amazon or eBay. The thing is built like a tank, so it should last your a lifetime. And, should the ink cartridge run dry, CRKT has Fisher refills for it. Check out the Tao Pen, you’ll be impressed. – Pat Cascio, SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor
Pat’s Product Review: CRKT Tao Pen
