11 Best EDC Pens That Are Multifunctional And Portable, 2024
wedetso chirhah poulami nag vaswati chatterjee Vaswati holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Rabindra Bharati University. She was an academic researcher before stepping into the web content world, where she has covered subjects including linguistics, administrative and international law, and human resources.
Read full bio of Vaswati Chatterjee
In This Article
are indispensable objects in our lives. And, the best EDC pen makes life easy since they are durable, rugged and comes with a host of features that make everyday writing more convenient.
Pens help write almost anything, such as a prescription, taking notes, or preparing a to-do or grocery list. And more often than not, we find ourselves looking for a pen at least once in some part of our day.
EDC pens, or Everyday Carry Pens, have great utility since they can also be used as self-defense tools and flashlights. Plus, with handles, you can easily clip them onto your pocket. If you are looking for the best in the market, keep reading to find one from our list below.
Top Picks
11 Best EDC Pens
1. Best Compact: Rite In The Rain All-Weather EDC Pen
The Rite in Rain All-Weather pocket pen comes as a pack of two and is suitable for outdoor activities. This pen is fairly reliable for writing in wet conditions, can withstand extreme temperatures, and resist fading over time. You can use this pen to write through grease, mud, and water without smearing or clumping. It is a reliable tool to take on any adventure.
Pros
- Ink does not skip
- Writes upside down
- Lightweight
- Durable cap and barrel
Cons
- May not be refillable
- Ink cartridge may be smaller than expected
2. Best Multipurpose: Hongred Multitool EDC Pen
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 13,199 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Hongred’s six-in-one multipurpose pen is designed to offer great functional utility in everyday tasks. Apart from being a pen that writes, it also has a printed ruler that measures in scales of four inches and ten centimeters. This becomes extremely handy when attempting to make a mark for hanging a picture on the wall. The user-friendly pen is equipped with a stylus on one end, allowing users to use it for all touchscreen devices, and under the stylus is a screwdriver tip. Pulling out the screwdriver tip reveals a slotted screwdriver. Besides, the pen has a clip that attaches to pockets.
Pros
- Hexagonal shape prevents it from rolling away
- Durable aluminum casing
- Includes four refills
- Comes in a transparent gift box for gifting
- Available in five colors
Cons
- May not be easy to replace refills
"My son got this for me for Christmas, and it has been quite useful for day-to-day tasks. It includes a stylus and a pen that meet my digital and traditional needs, and the added screwdriver is a thoughtful touch."
Quick tip3. Best For Self-Defense: The Atomic Bear EDC SWAT Pen
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 4,553 rave reviews on Amazon.
The rugged body of the pen is visible at first glance. This pen by Atomic Bear is not only sleek, stunning, and elegant, but also features a self-defense mode. The sturdy body is made of aircraft-grade aluminum with two mm thick walls. Thanks to the pen body, it features an anti-skid design. The unique thumb rest offers more grip and comfort for strong strikes. The high-precision ink cartridge pen is smooth to write with, ensuring an even flow of ink in pure black. The ingeniously designed cap covers either end of the pen when not in use. This video review, showcasing a tester’s experience, will provide you with added insights about this EDC pen with a glass breaker.
Pros
- Easy to switch between pen and glass breaker
- Compatible with refills of major brands
- Hardened tungsten for self-defense
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Cap may become loose over time
- Ring of the pen may not stay intact for long
"While it is a decent writing device, it is also a useful defense tool and is easy to carry discreetly. The solid clip keeps it secure, but I'd advise careful use to prevent fabric snagging."
Rite In The Rain All-Weather EDC Pen Best Compact | Hongred Multitool EDC Pen Best Multipurpose | The Atomic Bear EDC SWAT Pen Best For Self-Defense | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | - | 24 Grams | 80 Grams |
| Material | - | Aluminum | Metal |
| Color | - | Orange | Black |
| Ink Color | - | Black | - |
| Dimensions LxWxH | - | - | 7.87 x 1.97 x 0.98 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 13,199 | 4,553 |
| Price | $12.95 | $12.99 | $15.99 |
4. Best Rugged: Smith & Wesson EDC Pen For Survival – SWPENMP2BK
Crafted from reliable aircraft aluminum, this EDC pen with a clip attachment from Smith & Wesson has a durable design. The pen has a length of 5.8in and a weight of 1.4oz. Its rugged and cleverly designed exterior and ergonomic grip make it comfortable to hold and prevent slippage. The hard, rounded nib serves the dual purpose of writing and self-defense, and it can be used as a weapon to fight off attackers. It is one of the best refillable EDC pens and features a screw-off cap design. Take a look at this product testing video to learn more about the pen.
Pros
- Thumb grip for added support during self-defense
- Sleek look for professional settings
- Lightweight build at just 0.1lb
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some may find the clip a bit too tight
- Ink flow may not be consistent
"After several months of everyday use, I can confirm that its writing performance and the resilience it shows with regular use are commendable. The screw-on cap stays secure, and it has a good grip that aids easy handling."
5. Best Minimalist: Everyman Luxury Grafton Pen
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,635 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
This multi-function pen by Everyman is a work of brilliance in terms of its design and durability. The clean design makes it ideal for informal settings. The pen is constructed from 100% anodized aluminum that protects it from rust, and the pen nib is fine and enables smooth, comfortable writing. The grooved grip at the point of the pen provides a comfortable rest for the fingers. It makes use of a single seven-millimeter black cartridge. It weighs one ounce and is 5.7in in length, and the heavy-duty bolt-on clip easily attaches to shirt and pant pockets. This fine-point pen is available in black, crimson, gold, gunmetal, military, rose gold, and silver.
Pros
- Designed for easy portability
- Compatible with different types of refills
- Expertly made for a strong feel
- Available in four variants
Cons
- Click pen action may not be efficient
- Finish may wear off with time
"This pen writes smoothly and has proven to be quite durable, enduring weather changes seamlessly. Its versatility in accepting various refills is a plus, as the original ink runs out quickly. I also like it for its pocket-friendly size."
6. Best Durable: Bastion Black Carbon Fiber EDC Pen
The entire body of the pen is crafted using high-grade stainless steel to make it durable. The carbon fiber-coated exterior adds charm and class to the pen. One striking feature of this stainless steel pen is its click-down action. This is controlled by a switch that is neatly carved into the top of the pen. The writing tool makes use of its proprietary cartridge, so check before purchasing refills. Like most other pens, this one also has a clip attached to it.
Pros
- Has a machined CNC precision design
- Suitable for both students and professionals
- Exquisite box makes it ready for gifting
- Available in two colors
Cons
- May be slightly heavy
- May not be easy to change refills
"I am particularly impressed with the balanced weight and smoothness of writing this pen offers. The build quality lends a sense of durability and a premium feel. It has been a satisfactory purchase."
7. Best Lightweight: CRKT Williams Tactical EDC Pen
This CRKT pen is a blend of strength and sleekness. In addition to this, the pen is lightweight and comfortable to hold for prolonged periods. It is a trusted choice to write anytime anywhere as the ink is built to last under any weather conditions. The pen has an aluminum handle that clips onto almost anything you can think of. The pocket clip handle is also removable. The ballpoint pen writes well and doubles as a survival tool.
Pros
- Ink withstands extreme conditions
- Anodized aluminum with a hard coat color
- Bead blast finish gives it a matte look
- Made with grip support for the fingers
Cons
- May not be weighted enough for self-defense
- Clip may not be highly durable
"It is a fantastic pen, offering remarkable utility. With a comfortable heft and a sturdy build, it writes smoothly, and I like that it doubles as a reliable glass breaker. It looks elegant too."
Trivia8. Best Refill-Friendly: Big Idea Design Ti Pocket Pro: The Auto Adjusting EDC Pen
The Big Idea Design Ti Pocket Pro is an appropriate pocket-sized pen for those who are always on the go. This pen is made from titanium which may last a long time. It also has an EDC-friendly design that provides a smooth writing experience. Additionally, its unique design makes it eye-catching and user-friendly. This pen is available in a variety of colors and can accommodate more than 80 refills without spaces, tip wiggles, and other issues.
Pros
- Firm grip
- Can transform in length
- Easy to hold
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some may find it smaller than expected
- Pocket clip may be loose
9. Best With LED Flashlight: Olight Open USB Rechargeable EDC Pen
This aluminum EDC pen is unlike any other pen on our list of the best EDC pens. This is because of its dual function of writing and serving as a flashlight. The ballpoint EDC pen with LED light requires minimal effort for smooth and neat writing, while the flashlight shines bright at 120 lumens. This combination makes it reliable for writing under poor lighting conditions. Powering this brightly lit flashlight is a 110 mAh rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C.
The pen also has a charging light indicator that informs you when it is in a state of charging. One of the additional features is its L-type bolt action design. This mechanism is used for extending and retracting the pen. While the exterior of the pen is crafted from aluminum, the clip is made of stainless steel.
Pros
- LED charges fully in 55 minutes
- LED functions up to ten hours
- Light can be separated from pen for nighttime use
- Retractable EDC pen
- Comes with a user manual for easy usage
Cons
- Pen may run out of ink quickly
- Additional cartridges may leak easily
"This robust pen doubles as a portable light for walking my dog during late hours, and the aluminum body is holding up well. The writing is mostly smooth, and the light’s intensity is impressive, though a lock feature would enhance its overall value."
10. Best Fine-Point Nib: Elizo Fancy Pens
The sophisticated EDC pens are made from sturdy brass and come with a fine tip for a crisp writing experience. Its textured body provides a firm grip and gives a formal look to the pen. In addition, these writing tools with a durable design also have an electroplated, scratch-and-chip-proof finish that keeps them safe during accidental falls. The combination of stainless steel and tungsten carbide used in the pen’s nib provides a smooth writing experience regardless of the paper quality. The best part is that the set comes with two different pens: a rollerball and a ballpoint pen.
Pros
- Made using SCHMIDT technology
- Resistant to abrasion and corrosion
- Available in two shades
- Gloss lacquer finish
Cons
- Caps may come loose
- Might be on the heavier side
11. Best Travel-Friendly: MecArmy TPX8 Mini Tactical Pen
The heavy-duty tactical pen features a key ring and a bolt mechanism to make it travel-friendly. Apart from making the pen look rugged, the circular texture also helps avoid cracks and tears. It also has a sturdy and non-slip titanium ring that is compatible with different kinds of chains. This bolt-action pen is highly durable, wear-resistant, strong and reliable, and it would not deform easily. The advanced feature of this pen is its multi-color glow bars that can also function like a torch.
Pros
- Compact pen design
- Easy to disassemble
- Rust-resistant
- Option to choose from three metal bodies
Cons
- May be smaller than expected for some
- Writing may not be smooth
How To Choose The Best EDC Pen?
- Construction
Since most EDC pens are made out of metals, they are heavy and can be cumbersome to carry around. Lighter EDC pens make it easy for users to carry them around daily. However, the weight of the pen is influenced by several factors, including pen height and metals used in construction. Heavy EDC pens are used by those who require them as a tool for defense.
- Grip
Since the primary purpose of an EDC pen is to write and one needs a good hold of a pen to write, the grip becomes a major factor. Most EDC pens have grooves close to the pen’s nib, where the fingers rest to provide a non-slip design. This allows one to write quickly and effectively with the grip-enhanced pens.
- Versatility
While the primary purpose of an EDC pen remains the same, it has revolutionized over the years. Most newly manufactured EDC pens are not only pens that can write smoothly. Many manufacturers have begun including other features that might be useful in our day-to-day lives. This includes hardpoints made from tungsten to serve as a weapon, measuring rulers, or even a flashlight. Do consider purchasing an EDC pen that has at least one of these features.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do EDC pens last?
EDC pens are made with shatterproof heavy metals and can last for many years. The batteries of the pen’s flashlight are replaceable, and you can use ink refills to keep using the same EDC pen.
2. Are EDC pens waterproof?
Metals like steel and tungsten used in EDC pens can make the pens water-resistant. However, the ink used in the EDC pen varies and may or may not be waterproof. It’s best to check the features when looking for waterproof pens.
3. Does the EDC pen write fast?
You can choose a lightweight EDC pen if you want one that can help you write faster. However, standard EDC pens can be heavy to write with as they come with add-ons such as flashlights, different grips, and a stylus.
4. Is the EDC pen suitable for students?
The EDC pen can suit students as the pen’s grip comes in different shapes and sizes to support the different ways of holding a pen. Students can also use the sturdy and multi-featured EDC pen for self-defense.
The Bottom Line
EDC pens are great alternatives to conventional pens. They are quite stylish and offer multiple benefits. Most EDC pens have a built-in flashlight and a sharp form, making them great self-defense tools. Some of these pens can also double as a measuring ruler. While most EDC pens are made using metal to make them durable, you can also find relatively lightweight EDC pens. Since these pens are meant to be carried around, ensure they have a good grip and feature grooves. You may choose the Rite In The Rain’s All-Weather EDC Pen designed for outdoor use and the Smith & Wesson EDC Pen For Survival – SWPENMP2BK with an aircraft-grade aluminum body for self-defense. The Bastion Black Carbon Fibre EDC Pen stands out for its distinctive click-down mechanism.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using EDC Pens?
EDC pens are the epitome of portable writing instruments as they seamlessly combine functionality and style in compact designs for everyday use. With versatile features and durable construction, they make perfect companions for jotting down notes on the go. Explore the infographic below to uncover the merits of incorporating these pens as a part of your EDC list of items.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have compiled this list of the best EDC pens available in the market that will make a handy gift for your loved ones. These pens are not only durable but come with a wide range of features, including flashlights and self-defense tools. We have put together this list after conducting extensive research on product features and user reviews on numerous trustworthy websites.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
Read full bio of Vaswati Chatterjee
