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alongside the hinge pin, so the blade is tip down. That lets me
draw the knife to a spine pick position. For a strong side carry
folder, the knife has to like being opened using the thumb. But
an alternate drive like the Emerson Wave can be really handy,
especially during rescue situations where space is limited.
Regarding fixed blades I am more comfortable carrying the
knife concealed. I still like edge forward/reverse grip especially
if it’s placed on the belt just behind a spare magazine pouch.
But no matter which side a fixed blade is belt carried I prefer
a medium to high ride, so it is comfortable to sit down. This
usually means a custom-made sheath with the knife turned
slightly outward, so it doesn’t rub on my rib cage. As far as
brands go, your small, deep pocket work knife can range from
a traditional Case to a small-serrated Cold Steel. With so many
choices it might break down to which you can open and close
with one hand. Overall, Emerson, Spyderco and some of the
smaller shops favored by spec-ops guys like Grayman, would
be my first place to look.
PMCI: What does your Every Day Carry (EDC) include?
Roger: I favor a Springfield Armory XDM compact 9mm.
In terms of knives I carry a combat folder with 3.5 - 4 inch
blade plus a small locking folder with serrated edge blade. I
also carry a RATS tourniquet, a small packet of Celox and about
5 tablets of aspirin. Believe it or not the aspirin has been the
most valuable lifesaver. In the last 12 months alone I’ve used
it to revive 2 dogs from stroke and according to the ER doc
that admitted me for a heart attack downing aspirin before I
collapsed was what saved my own life.
PMCI: Roger, we are certainly glad you made it through
your medical emergency and now healthy enough to continue
writing more books! Can you please share with our readers
what inspired you to write your books?
Roger: When you write a magazine article it’s usually to
evaluate a single product or offer a technique. When someone
asks you to write a book it’s a chance to stretch out and make
a huge statement. In the case of The Shooter’s Bible Guide
to Knives (followed by The Shooter’s Bible Guide to Home
Defense) it was the publisher’s first attempt at books other
than the Shooter’s Bible Guide to Firearms. That Jay Cassell at
Skyhorse Publishing was able to give me free rein to redefine
the brand was most inspiring.
PMCI: Favorite home defense platform? Rifle, shotgun,
handgun? Briefly why?
Roger: Shot-gunning can be pretty tough on the body so
I try not to think about how much I miss trapshooting, which
for me is the ultimate quick-draw game. Overall the rifle is the
most effective and versatile but let’s face it, the handgun is the
firearm you’re most likely to have with you when you need it. I
think you owe it to yourself to put in the most training with the
handgun above all.
PMCI: Roger, being a respected elder statesman in both
the firearms and knife communities, do you mind sharing your
opinion on what dangers they both face?
Roger: The obvious answer is elect pro-gun, pro-personal
responsibility leaders to government. I’ve had Democratic/
Socialist supporters actually tell me “we pay the taxes and it’s
the government’s job is to take care of us”. I think it follows
that such reasoning separates you from the responsibility of
defending your life or the lives of others. As if a private citizen
is inherently incapable or innately irresponsible. From what I’ve
seen the right to carry potentially deadly weapons has made
individuals more responsible, not more reckless as the anti-
gunners would have you believe.
PMCI: what steps the industry could take to be stronger?
Roger: Its been said that shares of Sturm Ruger have
outperformed the price of gold. The annual Shooting Hunting
and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT SHOW) continues to expand
exponentially. When people buy guns and ammo, they are
voting with their dollars. Even the 10-round limit that is being
addressed by offerings such as the Glock 48 and Sig 365
wherein the overall package is imminently concealable. So long
as the makers continue to offer better ways to carry concealed
and promote responsible ownership the firearms industry will
continue to be a force both financially and politically.
PMCI: Moving forward into 2019, what sort of projects do
you have lined up for the future?
Roger: Based primarily on my book “Watch Your Back, How
to Avoid the Most Dangerous Moments in Daily Life”, I’m seeing
an increasing demand for speaking engagements that offer
specific protocol to protect employees that are overexposed,
such as Real Estate agents. Road rage, carjacking and home
invasion are other hot topics.
PMCI: Roger, I again want to thank you for sharing your
thoughts with us. I know you are regularly on the road all year
long and carry your EDC religiously, so before we close out,
could you offer any advice for the professional and civilian alike
who carry a firearm daily while out and about in this crazy
modern society?
Roger: Practice safe handling for you will need to control
your weapons in peace thousands of times more than in “war”.
Holster carefully and remember it is not only the reverse but
also the reflection of your draw stroke. Bear in mind that every
time you touch a firearm or knife you are training yourself. If
every shot hits something, then every shot is a bullseye. Just
make sure you have the right target.
During the times I am fortunate enough to spend with
Roger Eckstine, he always has a warm, friendly southern charm
and while retaining a consummate professional demeanour.
My generation may have missed getting to
know Col. Cooper and others of that era, but I am
thankful to be able to have Roger as a friend and
mentor during this generation. If you appreciate a
straight shooter who will always be honest, damn
your ego or not, I suggest learning more about
Roger Eckstine and his work through his books and