There are times when you just can’t carry a gun. It might be because you’re in a place where it’s not legal, such as when flying or in a public building, but sometimes it’s just a matter of inconvenience.

At those times, it’s beneficial to have something to defend yourself that’s easy to carry, doesn’t cause suspicion and is legal no matter what. I often bash movies for lack of reality in life and death situations, such as the hero standing straight up in the middle of a firefight or racking the slide to provide the element of danger (oh my, it’s now loaded). But every now and then, the movies do provide tips that can be useful to self-defense advocates, such as when Matt Damon used a pen to defend against a bad guy in the “Borne Identity”, especially now that manufacturers make tactical pens designed around self-defense.

The Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT Tao Pen from Cheaper Than Dirt is made of 6061 aluminum, and is hard-anodized and grooved for a sure grip and to provide a strong striking force when necessary. It measures 5.75 inches in length and weighs a mere 1.7 ounces, allowing it to be easily carried. If truly called for, the top can be removed for stabbing into soft tissue. The pen is good looking with a brown finish and bright aluminum colored grooves for only $36.

Using a pen for self-defense doesn’t require a lot of training, it is advisable to at least practice with it a little bit, primarily drawing it and flicking the top off to revel the point. And while a pen will never have capabilities of a handgun, it’s hard to sign your name with a pistol.