What Is a Tactical Sharpie?
The term “tactical sharpie” might sound like a joke—until you actually handle one. At first glance, it’s just a marker. But in the right hands, it’s a low-profile, non-metallic, and legally gray-zone self-defense tool. Think of it as the modern version of carrying a kubotan, except it also writes.
A tactical sharpie is usually a reinforced or modified permanent marker body made from materials like G10 composite, aluminum, or high-impact polymer. Some are purpose-built from scratch. Others are hacked together using real Sharpie caps and aftermarket bodies. The goal is the same: create a tool that flies under the radar, fits in your hand, and gives you something to work with in a worst-case scenario.
Why Carry One?
If you spend enough time traveling, working in restricted environments, or just looking for minimal carry options, there are times when a gun or knife isn’t an option. A tactical sharpie fills that gap. It’s legal in most places, doesn’t raise eyebrows in an admin bag or laptop case, and gives you a hard, reinforced striking tool that looks like a pen.
The average plastic marker is going to flex or crack on impact. A tactical version—especially one made from G10—won’t. That means it can handle pressure strikes, glass-breaking applications, and control techniques without folding in half. And it still writes, which is the whole point.
G10 Sharpie: The Tactical Sharpie Done Right
We make and carry a purpose-built version called the G10 Sharpie. It’s machined from layered G10 fiberglass laminate and designed to look, feel, and write like a normal marker. No branding. No clip. No attention. Just a clean, reinforced tool with a writing tip and capped design that blends in.
It’s non-metallic, which means it walks through most metal detectors without a beep. That makes it popular among frequent flyers, contractors, and security-conscious travelers. If you’re curious about how it does at the airport, we wrote about that here: Can You Bring a G10 Sharpie Through TSA?
In short: it’s a real marker that happens to be built for people who don’t like being completely unarmed.
What Tactical Sharpies Are Not
They’re not weapons, at least not legally. They don’t have blades. They don’t have spikes. They’re not marketed as tools for violence. What they are is durable. And in the right context, durability is capability. Whether that’s punching through plastic, controlling a wrist, or just giving you something solid in your hand when a situation turns, the usefulness is there.
They’re also not a replacement for a proper EDC setup. But they do shine in settings where you need plausible deniability or low-signature tools—like courthouse visits, travel days, or working in environments with strict policies.
Final Thoughts
A tactical sharpie isn’t just about looking cool or adding another gimmick to your kit. It’s about utility, discretion, and carrying something that serves multiple functions without drawing attention. In a world where you can’t always carry the tools you want, it’s smart to carry tools that work.
If you’re curious what it’s like to actually use one, check out our G10 Sharpie review. And if you’re ready to carry one, you can grab it here: Covert G10 Sharpie.
Legal note: This is not a weapon. It’s a marker made from strong material. Know your local laws and carry responsibly.