Review: Tuff Writer Precision Press Pen

By Randall Chaney

Posted in
#Gear

In today’s article, Randall Chaney reviews the Tuff Writer Precision Press Pen. A tactical pen made of 6061-T6 aluminum, the precision writing tool doubles as a defensive tool for self defense. The author critically examines how the Tuff Writer tactical pen performs. Springfield Armory provided a pen to the author for evaluation.

While the ancient reed pen has existed for over 5,000 years, modern humans still need a mechanism that transfers information from the brain to the hand and onto paper. While a cheap plastic pen can get the job done, Springfield Armory can give you the writing instrument you deserve to own.

A sturdy pen can serve as an improvised defensive weapon in an emergency. Tuff Writer improved the concept with the ultra-durable Precision Press Pen.

The Tuff Writer Precision Press Pen with the Springfield Armory logo is a quality item that should find its way into your daily routine and provide you with years of rugged writing pleasure.

A Little Background

Bamboo styluses were the first writing implements invented by man. They were used in Mesopotamia around 3,200 BC to impress Cuneiform images of grain tallies and payments onto soft clay tablets. The clay was fired, or hardened, and “records retention” was born. Hmmm, a breakthrough or future curse?

Tuff Writer tactical pen review aluminum — More than simply a defensive tool, the Precision Press Pen is a high-quality writing instrument that uses replaceable ink cartridges.

Tuff Writer is a pen-manufacturing business based in Arizona, where they strive to make the best pen in the USA. The former owner and founder of Tuff Writer was Jack Roman. While he is no longer associated with the company, Roman was the driving force from concept to this product.

While attending self-defense training years ago, Roman discussed with a Scottsdale SWAT member about using a pen for protection. Roman stated, “He (the officer) said no, we tried that, but they break. It doesn’t work.” Roman thought, “Why doesn’t anyone make a better pen?” This led Roman on a personal mission to make a pen as mighty as the sword.

writing with the Tuff Writer tactical pen review — The Precision Press Pen has a half-inch diameter barrel that fills the hand and offers a great writing experience.

Current Tuff Writer owner Tom Leatham told me, “All Tuff Writer pens are made in Arizona. We do parts manufacturing, hand fitting and custom finishing in-house. All assembly, packaging and shipping are done at our shop in San Tan Valley. Any components that are not made in-house are made by manufacturing partners in Arizona, Illinois and Tennessee (apart from the ink refill because no U.S. manufacturer makes what they want).

Tuff Writer Tactical Pen Specifications

Length: 6″
Diameter: 0.5″
Weight: 1.8 oz.
Body Material: Aluminum (6061-T6 aerospace-grade)
Body Finish: Mil-A-8625 “F” anodized
Tip Material: 303 stainless
Tip Finish: Natural satin
Clip: TUFF “Split” Clip, cold-pressed spring steel
Mechanism: Machined 416SS “Press” pen advancing mechanism
Ink Cartridge Spacer: EXAKTFIT
Hardware: Stainless steel, black
O-Rings: Buna-N 70
Ink Cartridge: Custom black medium ballpoint
Cartridge Compatibility: Parker-style (Parker GEL or QuickFlow, Schmidt Easyflow 9000, Fisher Space Pen, Monteverde Soft Roll, and more)

Hands-On

I was sent a new Springfield Armory-branded Tuff Writer Precision Press Pen from the Springfield Armory Store by our editors. It shipped in a padded presentation-style box with a black nylon pouch encasing the pen. The flapped pouch had a hook-and-loop closure. I thought the packaging alone was extremely nice. The pen itself wrote well out of the box with its smooth medium black ink cartridge. Off to a good start.

author with Tuff Writer tactical pen review — The Tuff Writer tactical pen can be used as a stabbing weapon or as an alternative to a Kubotan. Since it is a pen, it can always be with you.

Tuff Writer Precision Press Pens begin with a modular design. All individual pieces can be replaced if needed. The number of parts has been kept to a minimum. While the entirety of the pen is built to be “waterproof, dirt proof and smash proof,” you can upgrade it.

One early durability test of the Tuff Writer pen was for them to hammer it through a wooden 2X4. I won’t need to do this with the nice pen I was sent. After examining its build, I believe it can take the pounding. I stabbed the Tuff Writer repeatedly into the thickest layers of cardboard I had. It had no trouble penetrating several inches into it.

The barrel of the Tuff Writer is its backbone, and it’s tooled from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum (titanium models are also available from Tuff Writer). The Springfield Armory pen has a durable satin black mil-spec anodization. For a positive grip, it has mid-body scallops that remind me of the bamboo stalks from which all modern pens owe their lineage.

The metal tip is constructed of 303 stainless steel and has a natural satin finish for a pleasing contrast. It is thick and screws securely to the body by a full 3/8 inch of threading. Both the barrel and tip have three grooves that host removable or replaceable O-rings to enhance one’s grip on the pen. The nitrile O-rings are impervious to gasoline and petroleum-based fluids and have an operating range between -40 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit.

size of Tuff Writer tactical pen — Tuff Writer uses 6061-T6 aluminum for the pen’s body. For the tip, the company opted for 303 stainless steel for even more strength.

So as not to lose the pen, the Tuff Writer has a cold-pressed, then heat-treated spring steel clip that allows the pen to ride at a medium height in the pocket for an easy draw, but with strong retention. The clip has a slightly crinkled black texture.

At 1.8 oz., the Precision Press Pen is solid but light, thanks to its aerospace aluminum core. The 6” length is ideal for potential duty as a self-defense stick as well as a writing instrument. Speaking to this, the Tuff Writer is compatible with Parker-style or Fisher Space Pen-sized refills. An EXAKTFIT insert is adjustable to the desired ink refill length.

testing the Tuff Writer tactical pen — The author put the pen to the test against some heavy-duty cardboard with very good results.

A proprietary 416 stainless steel advancing press mechanism operates the pen. It took six months to perfect. The designer felt the eponymous Schmidt pen mechanism used in most upscale pens at that time had durability issues. Not so with Tuff Writer’s bulletproof mechanism. Its smooth two-piece cam slides rather than clicks into battery.

The button at the top of the mechanism is wide and smooth. If the Tuff Writer is used in a defensive reverse grip, one’s thumb has a good surface from which to support a thrust. Inherent to its intent, the Tuff Writer pen can be used as a Kubotan for protective strikes, joint locks, or pressure point manipulations.

Sound Endorsement for Tuff Writer Pens

Renowned martial arts trainer Michael Janich has said of the Tuff Writer brand pen, “One of the greatest advantages of the tactical pen or any similar improvised weapon is that, unlike a knife, you can walk down the street with it in your hand without issue.” He continued, “That gives you an immediate in-hand response without the need for a draw stroke.

review of Tuff Writer pen — The pocket clip is made from spring steel and has a powder-coated finish. Black O-rings improve the grip on the pen, but are removable if you prefer to carry the pen without them.

Janich asserted, “Since most people really don’t have the skills they need to deploy their knives quickly and positively in response to a threat, using a pen as a bridging weapon is a huge advantage. When I go through security at the airport, my pocket isn’t even cold from the absence of my Yo(jimbo) 2 before it is replaced (on the other side of the X-ray) with a Tuff Writer.” Far out.

In sum, Leatham told me, “Support for the tactical community and real-world users is deep at the root of what our company does. This year, we are working on offering more variety of our existing pen models for more folks to enjoy, as well as developing a new model that will resonate with the tactical and everyday carry users alike.”

Conclusion

Military personnel, first responders and EDC enthusiasts require reliable, sturdy equipment on the job and in the field. A pen and paper are practical tools for nearly every profession or hobby, regardless of the presence of computer assistance. This Springfield Armory-Tuff Writer pen will complement your capabilities. At $99.00, you can afford this technologically modern item that is born of antiquity.

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