It's frustrating to start off with hand-drill and not know if your kit will work. Is it the kit that's bad, or have I just not gotten the technique correct yet? We recommend learning with a kit you know will work.
Official PWS Bow Drill Kit
Bow drill Kit essentials special
Our official bow drill kit is made entirely primitively.
Primal Blade
Primal Blade
The PWS "Primal" Blade - Handcrafted by Phillip himself, right in Texas. These blades are used in the Primal Hunting Adventure.
PWS Multipurpose Cloth
Multi-purpose Cloth
This is probably the most versatile piece of gear on the planet!
This cloth can be a thin blanket, a scarf, a way to create shade, a way to carry gear, a shelter building tool, a belt and so much more!
I use these cloths more than almost any other piece of gear I own.
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Woods Trekker (Feb 11-12, 2023)
$200.00
The woods trekker course is the second step in your journey to self reliance. This class builds on top of our basic class and we will continue to expand on the skills that you have learned as well as introducing some new skills. In this class we will begin to transition more towards a minimalist approach and we will learn to get many of our resources from the landscape. you will learn some more advanced navigation techniques using a map and compass, learn to identify many wild edible and medicinal plants, learn to make bowdrill from the landscape, and some primitive food procurement methods… all while travelling and exploring the region. This will be a fun class with some new challenges and adventures. You must bring your own food but water will be provided.
Antler handled ferro rod
$15.00
These antler handled ferro rods not only look great but they can save your life as well! These ferro rods are 5/16″ thick and 3″ long (not including the handle). They throw sparks amazingly well and are the perfect companion for any bug out bag, survival bag, EDC, or just for those family camping trips.
Atlatl
$50.00
The atlatl is a tool that changed the history of man. With its invention, primitive man were able to throw spears MUCH further and much harder. This opened up a lot of extra hunting opportunities and boosted our ability to survive tremendously.
PWS Bandana
$10.00
Bandanas are on of the most useful and versatile pieces of gear you can have in your survival kit. These are great to pre-filter water, soak with water to cool down, improvised tourniquet or bandage, make char cloth, use for cordage, carry materials, collect water, or even just as a face mask during this COVID pandemic. However you choose to wear it, there’s no doubt that you’ll look good doing so!
Basket Maker Stone Knife
$100.00
One of the coolest and most functional knife designs we’ve found. These blades are knapped by Phillip himself and glued into a cottonwood root handle using pine pitch glue. These replica knives are made the same way they would have been thousands of years ago. They are cool to look at but they are perfectly functional as well They will come with a brain tanned buckskin sheath and you can choose between flint or obsidian.
Basket Maker Steel Knife w/ sheath
$200.00
Invest in your next wilderness adventure with the Basket Maker Steel Knife – the perfect companion for surviving the wild! Modeled after the renowned Basketmaker (stone) knives, this modern recreation is designed by Phillip Liebel and handmade by our knife-maker Tony Powers. This blade uses 1095 high carbon steel, a full tang for strength and stability, a 3-inch blade with a convex edge, a 90-degree spine for use with a ferro-rod, and a 4-inch handle for easy gripping. The centered tip makes starting holes for a bow-drill or hand-drill a breeze. Plus, it comes with a handmade leather sheath, so you can look stylish while you take on the outdoors. But that’s not all – with this knife, you get the confidence of knowing it’s been tested and trusted by outdoorsman and expert Phillip Liebel himself. Get yours now and experience wilderness survival the way it was meant to be!
PWS Bow Drill Bearing Block
$15.00
This is our preferred bearing block for making bow drill fire. These are made from whitetail deer antler and each one will have a jute wrist lanyard with a turquoise decorative bead. The jute lanyard can double as an excellent tinder source in a pinch as well. These are also the bearing blocks that come with our bow drill kits.
PWS Single-walled Stainless Steel Bottle
$25.00
These stainless steel water bottles are the perfect way to carry water, boil, cook, etc.
They are 34 oz, which works well with purification tablets and they are the perfect size to carry plenty of water and cook in with taking up too much space
PWS Tinder Pouch
$5.00
The PWS tinder pouch is a simple yet useful piece of kit. It’s a great way to collect and keep up with your tinder without making a mess. This is the same pouch that will come with the hand drill and bow drill kits.
PWS T-Shirt
$20.00
These shirts are printed individually by Phillip. No two are exactly the same. They are block printed on the front and the back is done with hand made stencils. The design on the back represents how man is a part of the natural world and that we’ve had our “hand” in it since the beginning of time.
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Handmade Net Bottle Carrier
$15.00
These handmade net carriers are a perfectly functional and stylish way to carry your bottle. While doing primitive walk abouts, they provide a quick, easy way to access water!
PWS Bushman Axe
$150.00
The single most useful tool ever created! This axe is based off of those used by the bushman of Africa. It can be used as an axe, an adze, a wedge, a knife, a scraper, a hoe and more! Forged by Phillip himself.
"I have yet to find a tool that is more efficient or more effective in the woods." - Phillip
PWS Pace beads
$10.00
Developed by Army Rangers, our Pace Counters keep track of your pace so you know how far you have walked. After every 100 meters, slide bead to opposite side. Join us in a class to put these to the test!
Primitive Class (November 22-23, 2025)
$300.00
Are you ready to take your wilderness survival skills to the next level? The Primitive Wilderness Survival course is our most advanced class, where you'll learn to survive using only the resources from the landscape.
With expert instruction from Phillip Liebel, you'll learn to make stone cutting tools, create shelters from the landscape with no cutting tools or cordage, and build fire by friction using locally available materials. You'll also learn to disinfect your water using only primitive means and local materials.
By the end of the course, you'll be well on your way to becoming truly self-reliant, not just gear-reliant. This is the ultimate test of your survival skills, and a must for anyone who wants to push themselves to their limits. Sign up now to take your wilderness survival skills to the next level.
Primal Hunter: Bison Bow Hunt (9-Day Intensive)
$3,000.00
March 21-29, 2025. In a span of nine immersive days, you'll craft an osage bow and rivercane arrows, refine your archery prowess with seasoned mentors, and culminate in a collective bison hunt. Beyond mastering ancient hunting techniques, this experience fosters enduring camaraderie around the campfire, uniting you and your tribe in a time-honored rite of passage.
Refunds:
Because this is a VERY limited class size (6 students) and it is hard to fill spots close to time of the event, we only offer limited refunds. One month out is 50% refund. Two weeks out is 25% refund. Once the class has started there are NO refunds!
This is a big event and it takes lots of work and planning on our end and sells out quickly. Please do not sign up if you are not 100% invested in finishing the program. You are taking valuable spots that other students might want.
Essential Wilderness Survival
$300.00
Join us in Graham, TX for "Essential Primitive Wilderness Survival," led by expert Phillip Liebel, as seen on History Channel's "Alone: The Beast." Equip yourself with minimalist yet effective survival skills for any outdoor adventure. Learn, practice, and leave prepared. Don't miss out—book now.
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Buckskin bow case and quiver
$520.00
This is a traditional plains style bow case and quiver made from buckskin and featuring some beautiful beadwork and fringe. Carry your bow and arrows in style!
Primitive Bowfishing Adventure
$200.00
Throughout the warmer months, Bowfishing is a fun and effective way to practice your archery skills and put food on the table! This class will begin Saturday morning with a brief introduction to bowfishing and a quick bowfishing arrow class (unless the students prefer to jump right into bowfishing).
We will then set out on an all day bowfishing adventure. Sometime around midday, we’ll make a primitive fire and cook some of the fish we’ve killed before getting back after it!
This will be a seriously fun and educational adventure!
We will also have bows and arrows to rent if you don’t have your own!
These classes will run twice a month throughout April- September. Hope to see you around the fire!
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Primal Bison bow
$850.00
Discover the power and efficiency of our custom-built bow, expertly crafted to take down any game in North America. Renowned for its speed, this bow has successfully hunted Bison, whitetail deer, wild hogs, rams, and various fish and small game. Each bow is tailored to your specific requirements and features striking rattlesnake backing, a comfortable buckskin handle wrap, and a vibrant turquoise/buckskin colored string. Enjoy the flexibility to customize any of these elements to create a truly unique bow perfect for your hunting adventures!
“Introduction to stone tools” May 17-18 2025
$300.00
Introduction to Stone Tools Join us for the first class in our ancestral skills series, where we’ll explore the foundations of early human technology—stone tools. This hands-on class will introduce you to the art of flintknapping and the practical uses of stone tools in a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. You’ll learn how to identify knappable stone, shape simple cutting tools, and understand the importance of stone technology in survival and daily life. This class is perfect for beginners looking to develop a deeper connection with primitive skills. Whether you’re a survivalist, bushcrafter, or just curious about how our ancestors thrived, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to start making and using your own stone tools. Future classes in this series will build on these skills, covering topics such as advanced flintknapping, hide processing, natural cordage, and traditional hunting methods.
What You’ll Learn:
• The basics of stone tool technology
• How to source and select knappable stone
• Techniques for making simple cutting edges
• Safe flintknapping practices
• Practical applications of stone tools in the wild
All tools and materials will be provided. No prior experience is necessary. Come ready to get your hands dirty and take the first step toward mastering the skills of our ancestors!
“Primitive Shelter” June 7-8 2025
$300.00
Primitive Shelter Building
Continuing our ancestral skills series, this hands-on class will teach you how to build durable, weather-resistant shelters using only natural materials. Shelter is one of the most essential survival skills, and our ancestors mastered the art of creating warm, dry, and protective living spaces without modern tools. In this class, you’ll learn how to select the best shelter locations, gather and use natural materials, and construct different types of primitive shelters suited for various environments. Whether you’re interested in survival skills, bushcraft, or reconnecting with ancient ways of living, this class will give you practical knowledge and hands-on experience in one of the most vital aspects of self-reliance.
What You’ll Learn:
• How to assess and select an ideal shelter location
• The best natural materials for building durable shelters
• Different primitive shelter designs and their advantages
• Techniques for waterproofing and insulating your shelter
• How to build a shelter that blends with the natural landscape
This class is designed for beginners and experienced outdoorsmen alike. No prior experience is necessary—all materials will be gathered and used on-site. Come prepared to work with your hands and learn a skill that has kept humans alive for thousands of years!
“Fire and Water” July 26-27 2025
$300.00
Fire & Water: Primitive Fire Making and Water Disinfection
Fire and water are the cornerstones of survival, and mastering them is essential for anyone seeking to reconnect with ancestral skills. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the ancient art of fire making using only natural materials, as well as traditional methods for finding, filtering, and disinfecting water in the wild. Fire provides warmth, protection, and the ability to cook food, while safe drinking water is essential for survival. Our ancestors perfected these skills over thousands of years, and this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to harness these life-sustaining elements without modern tools.
What You’ll Learn:
• How to make fire using friction-based methods (hand drill and bow drill)
• How to find and process natural tinder and kindling
• The science behind fire and how to make it in different environments
• Locating natural water sources in the wild
• Traditional methods of filtering and disinfecting water using natural materials and fire
This class is designed for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Come ready to get your hands dirty and learn the fire and water skills that sustained our ancestors for millennia!
“Primitive trapping and foraging” August 16-17 2025
$300.00
Primitive Trapping & Foraging
Food is one of the most critical aspects of survival, and our ancestors mastered the skills of hunting and gathering to sustain themselves in the wild. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the essentials of primitive trapping and foraging—two time-tested methods for securing nourishment in any environment. You’ll discover how to identify and safely harvest wild edible and medicinal plants, as well as construct simple but effective primitive traps using natural materials. Understanding both of these skills gives you a well-rounded approach to sourcing food, whether in a survival situation or as a way to reconnect with nature’s abundance.
What You’ll Learn:
• How to identify common edible and medicinal plants
• Sustainable and ethical foraging practices
• How to build and set primitive traps using natural materials
• Animal behavior and how to increase your trapping success
• The role of foraging and trapping in ancestral lifestyles
This class is perfect for beginners and experienced outdoorsmen alike. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and work with your hands. All materials will be provided. Come ready to deepen your connection to the land and learn the ancient skills of sustenance and self-reliance!
“Hide tanning” September 12-14 2025
$400.00
Primitive Hide Tanning with Co-instructor Doug Householder!
For thousands of years, our ancestors transformed raw animal hides into durable, soft leather for clothing, shelter, and tools. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the ancient art of hide tanning using only natural materials and traditional methods—no modern chemicals, just the techniques that sustained human cultures for millennia. We’ll cover the entire process, from skinning and fleshing to softening and smoking, giving you the skills to turn rawhide into usable buckskin. Whether you’re interested in self-sufficiency, ancestral skills, or traditional crafts, this class will give you the knowledge and hands-on experience to start tanning your own hides.
What You’ll Learn:
• How to prepare and clean hides for tanning
• Traditional brain tanning and smoke tanning methods
• The importance of natural fats and oils in the tanning process
• Softening techniques for creating supple, durable buckskin
• Practical applications of tanned hides in primitive living
No prior experience is needed, and all materials will be provided. Be ready to get your hands dirty and gain a deeper appreciation for this essential ancestral skill!
Hunter-gatherer intensive
$1,200.00
Hunter-Gatherer Intensive: Full Enrollment Master the Skills of Our Ancestors in One Comprehensive Package Step into the world of true self-sufficiency with the Hunter-Gatherer Intensive, an immersive training program designed to reconnect you with ancestral skills. This course isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving with the land, understanding the natural world, and building a deeper connection to the skills that sustained humanity for thousands of years. By enrolling in the full Hunter-Gatherer Intensive, you gain access to all five essential classes at a discounted rate, saving $400 compared to signing up for each class individually.
Included Classes:
✔ Stone Tools – Learn the ancient art of flintknapping to craft knives, scrapers, and tools from stone, glass, and ceramic. Master the techniques of percussion and pressure flaking to create durable, functional tools.
✔ Primitive Shelters – Build reliable, weather-resistant shelters using natural materials. Understand how to stay warm, dry, and protected in any environment.
✔ Fire and Water – Discover multiple methods of fire-starting, from friction fires to flint and steel, and learn how to find, collect, and purify water in the wild.
✔ Trapping and Foraging – Explore the foundations of food gathering with primitive trapping techniques and wild plant identification, ensuring you can sustain yourself off the land.
✔ Hide Tanning – Process animal hides using traditional brain tanning techniques to create soft, durable leather for clothing, gear, and tools.
Why Join the Full Intensive?
• Save $400 – Get all five classes for one lower price.
• Hands-On Learning – Gain real, practical experience in each skillset.
• Comprehensive Ancestral Training – Build a well-rounded foundation in primitive skills.
• Community & Connection – Train alongside like-minded individuals in an immersive environment.
• Dates: May 17-18, June 7-8, July 26-27, August 16-17, September 12-14
• Price: $1600 → Full Intensive Discounted Price $1200!
Join us for this deep dive into primitive skills and reconnect with the knowledge that allowed our ancestors to thrive. Space is limited—sign up now and take the full journey back to self-reliance!