JJEH
Member
I blame society, PC, lazy parents and stupidity.
This would be a 3h rant, so I just shut up...
This would be a 3h rant, so I just shut up...
Old School Skills--A thing of the past?
- Thread starter Mule Packer
- Start date
DeathGrip
US Veteran
I joined the Scouts in Atlanta. It was about 1970.
My Grandma still had my uncles Scout stuff from the late '40s. She gave it to me. I still have his book around here somewhere. That manual has so much good stuff in it. I didn't even buy a new one in '70. They were already getting lame.
My Uncle died when he was 17. I bet he'd been a good uncle.
Oh yeah, He was a Sea Scout. Remember?
My Grandma still had my uncles Scout stuff from the late '40s. She gave it to me. I still have his book around here somewhere. That manual has so much good stuff in it. I didn't even buy a new one in '70. They were already getting lame.
My Uncle died when he was 17. I bet he'd been a good uncle.
Oh yeah, He was a Sea Scout. Remember?
Biginge
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Boys ole MP comes up with some good memory makers don't he? I gather up some of my stuff going back into the 1950's and perhaps earlier. Still have my Boy Scout cook kit (contains itself in the skillet). No, thats not Christmas decorations it is beef and chicken broth in the colored squares surrounding the candle (might need that too). My ole Buck skinner from the 60s, Zippo lighter, Jon E handwarmers, Swiss Army knife, Schrade steel, Herters waterproof match case (can't find my Marbles one). The Boy Scout Manual is my Sons (he lost mine so I took his). At 72 I doubt that I will have to fall back too many times on this little gathering of memories but if I do, I am prepared. After all "Be Prepared" is the Boys Scout motto. I have never forgotten that. Kind of a neat memory maker, Thanks Mule Packer, great thread. Thinking of going into teaching old time survival skills and sensitivity training to supplement retirement income Oh, that white ring around the inside of cook pot, surrounding broth cubes? It's toliet paper.
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just jim
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Education used to teach you how to handle life and get the most out of it. It wasn't just the schools that educated but the parents too. Yep back when one parent working could feed a family. Life is much different today.
Today's education is just indoctrination and you are told how you are going to live.
Today's education is just indoctrination and you are told how you are going to live.
Old Corp
Member
I'm always astounded that some grown men walk around without a pocket knife. I always considered having one a part of essential components for daily life, like having on pants.
My wife even carries one daily, which often surprises the men she works with. They're even more surprised that it's an auto-opener.
My wife even carries one daily, which often surprises the men she works with. They're even more surprised that it's an auto-opener.
MOONDAWG
US Veteran
Old Scholl Skills--A thing of the past?
"I've never been lost, but I was confused for 3 days once"
Davy Crockett
"I've never been lost, but I was confused for 3 days once"
Davy Crockett
reddogge
Member
I still have my old Boy Scout Handbook. I carry a pocketknife every day and am one of the few men I know personally who can tie knots, lash, improvise cooking tools, start a fire with flint and steel, carve, read a map and use a compass or any of those old skills we all took for granted.
Someone mentioned writing is cursive. I can't do that and I envy those who have beautiful handwriting. I'm left handed and write like ****.
Someone mentioned writing is cursive. I can't do that and I envy those who have beautiful handwriting. I'm left handed and write like ****.
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I not only NEVER leave my house without a Pocket Knife, but also have one in just about every room in the house, a few in the garage, work shop, cars and motorcycles. I used to always take a Leatherman tool with me when I travel but the TSA no longer allows that.
Well said, very sad and very true. Hunting has become a couch potato pursuit.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
I've carried at least one daily for almost seventy years. Nowadays it's two: a Victorinox Super Tinker or Pioneer for the tools, and a Spyderco Endura or SOG Flash II for cutting. Mostly the Super Tinker and Endura combo. I still like my old Schrades, Moore Maker and Queen pocketknives, too.
Not an outdoor skill, but certainly old school.
Sewing.
When is the last time someone went to the store, bought a pattern, and sewed clothes? Made a shirt, dress, pants?
Just finding someone with a sewing needle and thread is a rarity.
Sewing.
When is the last time someone went to the store, bought a pattern, and sewed clothes? Made a shirt, dress, pants?
Just finding someone with a sewing needle and thread is a rarity.
RudyN
Member
My wife has done a couple this year and I can sew buttons on my shirt. 
1morethan8
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
I have an old industrial Singer..
I've made tents, backpacks, and even a cover for a four-wheeler... but, I haven't made myself a dress yet!
1000 Denier Nylon Cordura cover for 4-wheeler...
12' X 16' wall tent, 12oz cotton duck...
Backpack.. one of several...
Before I was married I used to sew the patches on my uniforms. They never looked quite straight. Now I can sew on a button, but I usually lose the button before I get around to sewing it back on.
model70hunter
Member
My wife does it on a regular basis. For the grandkids, not me. I'd look funny in winnie the poo jammies.
If you don't know the pattern and material usually costs more than a store bought thing.
But she has made me A couple of the neatest fleece orange vests you've ever seen. Warms you up under your coat and works like a vest if the day warms up. Pockets and hand warmers built in.
Guess it depends on where you live? In Amish country sewing is an essential activity for the ladies. Multiple sewing shops, coat and jacket repairs including zipper replacement for the non-Amish, as well as quilting. Leather stitching of various kinds is available from Amish men, some fancy but typically practible is more common.
Frank46
US Veteran
Never had much money growing up. My first car was a 65 dodge coronet painted fire engine red. 150,000 miles on it and used the old style filter in a can. Did most of the repairs on almost all the vehicles I own. Hunted in three states NY,Pa,and La. Got lost once after that got a compass and learned how to use it. Always had a small backpack with my food,thermos of coffee and stuff to make a fire. was an operating mechanic for ten years and supervisor ( high paid mechanic) for 20. Cut and fitted pipe for steam use. Think a lot of the younger generation lack the skills the older generations grew up with. In my old neighborhood always saw the guys my age fooling with their cars. Haven't seen much of the young guys around here do the same. Frank
When I was growing up in the '60s we were always outside. My mom almost had to beat us to wear shoes. We made our own fun. We would tear junk apart and screw back together new stuff. Example, an old broken lawn mower (wheels and axles) and few pieces of wood turned into a downhill racer with rope steering. A few broken bicycles would always make at least one good one. Nuts and bolts and screws were our friends, not enemies. Always holding the flashlight for dad while he was fixing something taught me a lot. Hunting and fishing when we could was a real treat.
These things, these priceless things are what is missing today. I would never trade my poor but resourceful upbringing for rich and disposable...never.
These things, these priceless things are what is missing today. I would never trade my poor but resourceful upbringing for rich and disposable...never.
My wifes winter job is at a fabric store. They run hard from halloween to Easter with women who sew. Probably all year round, but she works for the State summers.
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