“Tactical” is a common marketing phrase that means it is designed with combat (usually melee) in mind. It’s usually appended to otherwise mundane devices that have a primary purpose other than combat. So you have tactical canes and pens, as mentioned, but also flashlights, keychains and even articles of clothing, like gloves, vests, hoodies and coats. I’ve even seen shoelaces that imply they’re combat-capable.
For people in certain lines of work, or who live in fear (for legitimate of irrational reasons), they’re a way to be armed & protected without being immediately obviously so.
For people in certain lines of work, or who live in fear (for legitimate of irrational reasons), they’re a way to be armed & protected without being immediately obviously so.