This Sneaky EDC Pen Is Hiding a Very Sharp Secret

This Cobratec offering is a fully functional everyday carry writing utensil with a secondary feature that gives it a serious edge.

By Sean Tirman

Published May 8, 2025

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Updated May 8, 2025

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It’s easy for me to wax poetic about everyday carry pens. After all, I’m a writer; having a pen on me is practically a given. However, most other folks might need a reason or two, beyond the ability to scribble down notes and doodles, to carry one in their loadout.

For those folks, allow me to present Cobratec’s CNC OTF Pen Gen II. This sneaky writing utensil has a discreet feature that gives it a serious edge … literally.

Cobratec CNC OTF Pen Gen II blade out and in — Yes, this pen is secretly an OTF (out-the-front) knife in disguise.

Hidden blade

As you’ve likely surmised from the image above, the CNC OTF Pen Gen II isn’t a normal EDC pen; it has a knife blade hidden in its tail.

Measuring 1.75 inches long and crafted from D2 steel, it’s more than a novelty. This is a genuine cutting tool built by a genuine knifemaking brand from solid, sturdy, reliable materials.

The CNC OTF Pen Gen II isn’t a normal EDC pen; it has a knife blade hidden in its tail.

Hidden inside the pen’s tail are two mechanisms. First, there’s a twist lock that prevents the blade from deploying in your pocket unintentionally. Second, the titanium pocket clip doubles as the actuator for the blade’s OTF mechanism.

For those paying attention, yes, this is an automatic knife. Push the pocket clip toward the tail, and the blade springs forth. The same mechanism retracts it.

Cobratec CNC OTF Pen Gen II blade closeup — The pen’s blade is 1.75 inches and is crafted from D2 steel. TL;DR: It’s legit.

The pen is mightier

While its retractable blade might be enough to attract some attention, it’s far from the only thing this pen has going for it. Even without the blade, this is a solid everyday carry writing utensil.

The pen’s body is machined aluminum, offering strength and lightness. Furthermore, it measures 5.875 inches, making it long enough for comfortable usage — even in larger hands — but short enough for pocket carry.

It also boasts a twist deployment. When you give the grenade-pattered machined tip a twirl, its cartridge protrudes from the tip.

Sadly, Cobratec hasn’t revealed what types of ink cartridges this pen is compatible with. However, the indication that it is replaceable suggests it should work with readily available models.