Hybrid Skills

Blend primitive and modern tools and techniques to stay on the cutting edge.
 

- Dude Mclean

As a retired U.S. Marine, a member of team Dirttime (www.DirtTime.com) and CERT team member for the city of Los Angeles, I’ve been involved in survival skills for more than 50 years. I’ve learned to discard the things that are impractical. I have spent a great amount of time learning survival skills and honing those skills. I firmly believe you have to round out your skill set or pay the ultimate price.

The skill set includes the modern tools we have at our fingertips. Yes, these can add up on the dollar side of the margin (although you can find used tools cheaply). You will also find some are just not worth it and, in reality, are mostly hype. But those that do work can be lifesavers and add to your confidence level.

In my opinion, rounding out your skill set should include the “primitive” skills. I regard primitive skills as the foundation upon which you build with any modern skills. Remember, if the modern tools fail, you have the primitive skill set to fall back on.

PRIME PRIMITIVE SKILLS

Making fire with friction can be a life-saving skill. Learn how to make fire with a bow and drill, and then follow up by learning the hand drill. The bow and drill will take a while to learn: what wood to use, how to prepare the wood, etc. The best way to learn is with an instructor who can show you in person. Some people can get it in a day; others will take a week (or longer), working on it every day. Once you get it, do not let it rest. Make a fire once a week to keep your hand and head in the game. If you let it go too long, you will lose some of the nuances.