100 Skills Every Man Should Know

artofmanliness.com /2015/09/28/100-skills-every-man-should-know/

AoM Team 9/28/2015

Its been fodder for many a heated debate among men for centuries.

What skills should every man know?

A vast amount of ink and e-ink has been spilled on the subject. But why?

Part of being a man is being competent and effective in the world. To do that, youve got to have skills. A man
wants to know (or at least feel like he knows) that no matter what situation hes placed in, hell be able to handle
himself to act rather than be acted upon. Hence our incessant drive to figure out what skills well need to know
in order to demonstrate confidence and capability in our manly roles as procreators, protectors, and providers.

For primitive man, this needed skill-set was clear and relatively narrow, largely revolving around the jobs of
fighting and hunting.

The breadth of skills needed today, however, is much wider. The modern man must be both a warrior and a
diplomat, a woodsman and a scholar. We need both hard skills and soft skills; skills we use every day and skills
we keep in the back pocket, just in case.

Weve covered many of these skills over the years on the Art of Manliness, and so figured it was time to add our
contribution to the collective cultural enterprise of figuring out which skills a well-rounded, grown man should
have. Below youll find the AoM list of 100 skills every man should know.

1. Tie a Necktie

Even in our casual culture where hoodies are appropriate attire for billionaire CEOs, every man should know
how to tie a tie. Funerals, weddings, and job interviews are just a few occasions when a sharp necktie is
appropriate, and youll be attending plenty of those during your adult life. You dont want to be the 30-something
who needs to ask his mom to tie his tie for him.

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2. Build a Campfire

Theres a primordial link between men and fire. While its no longer necessary for our survival, mans connection
to fire still exists. Its both exhilarating and calming, dangerous and assuring. Theres nothing like sitting around a
crackling fire under a starry sky while poking the embers with a stick and meditating on the big questions in life.
Just for those reasons alone a man should know how to build a fire. But its also vital to know so you can build a
fire while camping in order to cook a solid meal for yourself and those with you . Using Duraflame logs is a
cardinal sin that will automatically send you to outer darkness, where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth.

3. Hang a Picture

Being asked to hang a picture on the wall may be perhaps the worlds most common honey-do. While not
necessarily an exact science, knowing some basics about wall hangings, and where to place prints on the wall,
will ensure that your home has charm that will knock the socks off visiting dates and parents, and greatly please
your main squeeze.

4. Shine Your Shoes

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A pair of shoes with a mirror shine can add the finishing touch to a sharp get-up. And besides keeping your
shoes in tip-top shape, the act of shoe shining is a satisfying, manly ritual that calms the mind. The repetitive
strokes of the shine brush coupled with the warm smell of shoe shine polish is enough to put you into a
meditative state. To go the extra mile, build your own shoe shine box.

5. Treat a Snakebite

Since the very dawn of man, snakes have been one of our greatest enemies. They slither and sneak and hiss,
and just are no good for anyone. Should you encounter a poisonous variety of snake (learn how to identify them
here!), its in your best interest to know how to treat being bitten. Hint: most of the old wives tales are just that, so
dont go trying to suck the poison out.

6. Read a Book

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1) Open book. 2) Read words. 3) Close book. 4) Move on to next book. Reading a book seems like a pretty
straightforward task, doesnt it? And in some cases, it is. If youre reading purely for entertainment or leisure, it
certainly can be that easy. Theres another kind of reading, though, in which we at least attempt to glean
something of value from the book in our hands (whether in paper or tablet form). In such cases, there are certain
techniques you must master to be able to dive deeper into the text and suck out all the marrow.

7. Survive a Bear Attack

While bear attacks are rare, a man should always be prepared. Whether youre camping for a weekend, or
simply out for a morning hike, you never know when youll need this information. Believe it or not, just weeks
after I compiled the research for our AoM guide on the topic, I encountered not one, but two black bears on a
popular trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. It does happen. I was surprisingly calm with this useful knowledge
at hand, and I felt confident I could have taken down those black bears should necessity have called. Alas, it
didnt, and I mourned the loss of the new rug I was looking forward to for my living room.

8. Wet Shave

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Electric shaving is fast and easy and the multi-bladed razors can give you a pretty close shave. But nothing
beats the manly ritual of shaving with a safety razor or straight razor. Traditional wet shaving adds an element of
skill back into what has become a mindless grooming activity. It makes you mindful and present. Plus, old school
wet shaving is much cheaper than using the fancy multi-blade cartridges. A blade will only set you back about 25
cents. Feel manly and save money? Its a win-win proposition.

9. Parallel Park

In the suburbs you enjoy endless drive-in parking in the giant lots in front of big box stores. Make a trip
downtown and its a different story. Yeah, there are parking garages, but most of the parking is on the street next
to the curb (not to mention its also the cheapest), meaning you need to know how to parallel park. You dont
want to be the guy who holds up traffic because hes constantly backing up and moving forward after multiple
failed attempts.

10. Paddle a Canoe

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Paddling lazily across the water is one of mans great joys. Whether with your gal on a date, or just enjoying
nature on a solo outing, there are few better recreational activities. While paddling might seem as natural as
riding a bike, it takes a certain level of skill to deftly captain a canoe. Dont be that guy/couple who cant make
headway because they paddle inefficiently or even tip over and end up in the water.

11. Negotiate/Haggle

Depending on where you are in the world, negotiation is either a part of everyday life or an uncomfortable
practice thats consciously avoided whenever possible. But heres a truth that many of us, especially those of us
living in the Western world, dont always consider: whether or not you realize it, many of your commercial
transactions can be negotiated. From hotel rooms, to rental cars, to complex business deals, knowing how to
haggle can save you (or your business) a boatload of money. Its awkward, sure, but with practice, youll get
more confident and capable in the deft art of negotiating.

12. Fix a Leaky Faucet

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Drip. Drip. Drip. It can drive a man crazy in the middle of the night when hes trying to sleep. It can also cost you
money in the long run, in both water and handyman bills. While plumbing is not always a DIY project, fixing a
leaky faucet is generally a pretty simple task. With a couple tools, a trip to your local hardware store, and this
guide from This Old House, youll restore your sanity in no time.

13. Treat a Burn

Burns can happen just about any time and any place. Spilled coffee, mischievous campfire, over-heated car
engine our world is rife with potential for harm through heat. Should you find yourself with a first or even
second-degree burn (learn how to differentiate), you can almost always treat it yourself. A couple tips: You want
to slowly cool the affected area with cool, not icy, water. Make sure to clean the burn and apply an antibiotic
ointment, and dont pop the blisters, as that increases the infection risk. More info about treating burns can be
found here.

14. Tell a Joke

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In the age of dank memes and viral videos, the art of the well-told joke is a dying skill. Knowing how to make
people laugh without resorting to showing a guy kicked in the nuts on your smartphone will set you apart from the
pack. Plus, when youre out in the middle of the woods and cell phone reception is non-existent, knowing how to
tell a well-timed joke will be some of the only entertainment you have.

15. Predict the Weather

If you regularly watch your local news for the weather forecast, or check your smartphone for it, you know how
often they are flat out wrong. While forecasting has come a long ways, some of the most accurate tools are the
oldest. Barometers, for instance, can tell you what the weather will be like in the next 24-48 hours as well as any
professional forecast. Beyond scientific instruments, even old proverbs like Red sky at night, sailors delight;
red skies in morning, sailors take warning have many kernels of truth contained within. Soon enough your
own predictions will be beating that of your local weatherman.

16. Do a Deadlift Properly

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The deadlift trains the muscles that allow you to perform one of the most basic of human movements lifting
stuff off the ground. Besides the squat, no other exercise provides as much practicality as the deadlift. And it just
feels plain awesome to hoist 400+ lbs off the ground with a barbell.

17. Recite a Poem From Memory

Theres something about reciting a poem from memory thats different from just reading it over and over again.
The words become a part of you. They may not be your original words, but when you say them from memory, it
feels like theyre coming from the heart. Reciting a poem from memory can provide you and others inspiration
and consolation in trying times. Plus, knowing how to effortlessly sprinkle in a few lines from a poem in a
conversation can make you appear a bit like the Most Interesting Man in the World.

18. Grill With Charcoal

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While the propane barbecue grill has only been around since the 1950s, men have been grilling with charcoal for
thousands of years. Rather than just pushing a button for your fire, charcoal requires a little more skill and care,
and according to most folks, makes for a better-tasting product as well. Bone up on lighting a charcoal grill .

19. Perform CPR

Some emergency situations are so urgent that calling 911 and waiting for paramedics will be too late. One of
those is in the case of heart attack or other scenario where someone becomes unresponsive and is having
trouble breathing. Believe it or not, one-quarter of Americans say theyve been in such a situation. Dont be
caught unprepared. While you should know conventional CPR, you should also be aware of the new hands-only
method which can be used on teenagers and adults.

20. Throw a Spiral

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Whether youre playing catch with your kiddos on a Saturday or playing all-time QB at this years Thanksgiving
Turkey Bowl, youll need to know how to throw a nice, tight football spiral.

21. Sew a Button

Youre hastily getting ready for work, and as you button up your nice oxford shirt, one pops off. Youve known it
was loose, and that this reckoning would come. What is a man to do? Sew it back on, of course! While sewing
may seem like a skill purely in the ladies realm, knowing this simple clothing fix can come in mighty handy when
youre in a pinch.

22. Split Firewood

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Yes, most of us have central heating to keep our houses warm during the winter, but theres nothing like the
warm glow of a fireplace fire during the winter months to keep you toasty. But to get the big logs to fit into your
fireplace, youll need to make them smaller by splitting them. And lets be honest, splitting wood isnt so much
about lowering your heating bill, but rather about the satisfaction a man gets when his maul goes cleanly through
a log and splits it in one stroke. It makes for great exercise, too.

23. Find Potable Water

When youre lost in the woods, your most immediate needs are food, shelter, and water the last of which is
the most pressing. One method of finding safe drinking water is to collect rainwater. If youre going to use lake or
river water, it should be purified, which can be done with filtration, iodine tablets, and other methods.

24. Change a Flat Tire

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Theres no sound as disheartening to a driver than the flop flop of a flat tire. Instead of cursing about it, look at
a flat tire as a chance to display your manly sufficiency by changing it yourself. Knowing how to change a flat will
save your own butt when youre out on some lonely stretch of highway, and will come in handy when helping a
damsel in distress or a hapless traveler on the side of the road.

25. Break Down a Door

Youre in a burning house and you need to escape, but the door is on fire. Or your loved ones are in a burning
house and youre locked out. You cant stand there fiddling with the lock youve got to break it down! Or
perhaps a loved one is stricken with a medical emergency and is locked inside a room or in their house. What to
do? Be a man, dammit! Break down that door! You know youve always wanted to.

26. Take the Perfect Photo

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The advent of the smartphone means that most everyone is carrying a high-quality HD camera in their pocket at
all times. Unfortunately, this fact alone doesnt mean youre taking good pictures with it. Dont let lifes
memorable moments be hampered by a poor photo. Play around with your camera, get to know the various
settings, and understand some basics about what makes a great photo .

27. Sharpen a Knife

From pocket knives to kitchen knives to survival knives, blades are one of mans most important tools. But a dull
blade renders your knives useless and dangerous. Know how to sharpen a blade, do it regularly, and youll
always be ready to slice off a piece of apple, or even slay a killer raccoon .

28. Change a Diaper

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Even if you dont have plans of being a dad, youll end up changing a poop-filled diaper at some point in your
life, perhaps for a nephew or godson. Many men are intimidated by the task, but theres really not much to it, and
there are a few tricks that can make it a quick and tidy affair.

29. Give a Speech

We all are faced with speaking opportunities throughout our lives. Whether its running for student council
president, making a presentation at work, having your voice heard at a city council meeting, or offering a eulogy,
a knack for public speaking makes you a more persuasive and powerful man.

30. Navigate With Map and Compass

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Sure, weve got phones with Google Maps that can give us turn-by-turn directions. But what happens when you
dont have the phone because youre in the middle of the wilderness and you cant get a signal? How are you
going to get back to your fancy ski lodge now? With a map and compass of course. Out of all the skills Ive
learned over the years, this has been one of the most empowering. It just feels awesome knowing that by simply
getting my bearings with a compass and looking at a topographic map I can traverse miles and get to where I
need to be.

31. Unclog a Toilet

Some clogs will take care of themselves with a few flushes, but sometimes you drop a monster so big that it
takes a bit of work and know-how to get the toilet unclogged. For added skill points, know how to unclog a toilet
without a plunger. Thatll save you when you clog the toilet at your girlfriends parents house and you dont want
to shamefully ask for a plunger.

32. Buy a Suit

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Youll likely buy two or three suits in your lifetime. If you buy the right one, it will be years, maybe even a decade,
before youll have to buy another, so know what to look for in a quality suit how it should fit, how it should be
constructed, the details you should care about, and the alterations that can make it nigh near perfect. Not only
will knowing how to buy a suit help you, youll also be able to help friends and family navigate the haberdashery
so they dont waste money on a crappy-looking outfit.

33. Swim the Front Stroke

Swimming is not only a fun recreational activity, but a survival skill as well. Knowing how to swim the front stroke
could not only win you a gold medal (even if its just in your backyard olympics), but could very well save your life
someday too. Its the fastest of the primary swimming strokes, and is among the first that any swimmer learns in
the pool. If you dont yet know it, take it upon yourself to find an instructor, and dive in!

34. Shake Hands

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A firm handshake is an important part of a good first impression. A full-grip handshake, given with just the
right pressure, and accompanied with your looking in the persons eyes, conveys warmth and confidence.
Conversely, a limp, dead-fish shake or a crushing death grip will get your meeting off on the decidedly wrong
foot. Or hand, I guess.

35. Treat Frostbite

It only takes 30 minutes to get frostbite when its 0 degrees outside with a 15mph wind. Decrease the temp or up
the wind speed, and that number quickly goes to 10 and even 5 minutes. If you experience loss of color or
feeling at your extremities (frostbite hits your body at its furthest points from your core), youre possibly
experiencing an onset of frostbite. The first step is to slowly rewarm the affected areas with warm, not hot, water.
See here for more tips on treating frostbite.

36. Iron Your Clothes

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Youve got a pair of trousers and a custom shirt, but the whole get-up looks terrible because you couldnt take
the time or didnt have the know-how to iron your clothes. Many men dont know how to iron their pants or their
shirt because dear old mom did it for them and once they got married, the Mrs. took over the chore. But every
man is going to have a period in his life when hes on his own and hell have to do his own ironing. Its not that
hard and takes just five minutes, but it can make all the difference between an outfit looking put-together or
sloppy.

37. Practice Situational Awareness

Every day theres a chance well encounter a threat that can put our safety in danger an active shooter, a
deranged co-worker, or even an inattentive driver. Often times we dont notice the threat until its too late
because were so engrossed in our own headspace. In the tactical world, its often said that the best way to win a
fight is to avoid a fight in the first place. To do that, you need to develop your situational awareness. Situational
awareness isnt just knowing whats going on around you, it also means having a plan for what to do when you
notice something go awry.

38. Do a Proper Pull-Up

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The pull-up is one of the best upper-body exercises out there, but most people dont even know how to do one
properly. Grab the bar with an overhand grip and start from a dead hang. Pull yourself up until your chin clears
the bar. Lower yourself down in a controlled manner and repeat. None of that kipping garbage.

39. Build a Shelter

In any kind of survival scenario, proper shelter will provide much-needed protection from the elements. With
some basic materials (wood, reflective blankets, fire), and just a little bit of know-how, you can ensure that youll
not only survive a night (or more), but even sleep warmly.

40. Grow Your Own Food

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Growing your own food is not only a pleasurable, recreational activity, but goes towards building your self-
reliance and antifragility as well. Todays foodstuffs are loaded with unpronounceable chemicals and additives,
and whole, natural foods remain expensive. Why not grow your own fruits and vegetables for a fraction of the
cost, and twice the flavor? Need even more reasons to start a garden? Here are seven.

41. Cook Eggs

Eggs are a breakfast staple if for no other reason than their sheer versatility. They can be enjoyed on
sandwiches, in scrambles, as omelets, or eaten right out of the shell (raw or cooked!). If you can master a few
ways to cook eggs, youll be a breakfast aficionado who will wow your significant other, or your kids, depending
on your station in life. Your primary varieties scrambled, fried, poached, and hard-boiled are all easily
learned in just a few minutes.

42. Make Small Talk

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When you spot an acquaintance in a store, do you hope they dont see you? Does the idea of walking into a party
where you only know one person fill you with dread? Do you keep trying to summon up the courage to talk to the
cute girl who makes your lattes at the local coffee shop, but whenever you get up to the counter, all you can
muster is your order? All of us can relate in some way or another to the conundrum of small talk. Its sometimes
uncomfortable, but can be truly life-changing; you never know if the person youre standing across from could
end up being a good friend, a coworker, or even a wife.

43. Identify Poisonous & Edible Plants

A stroll in the woods is nearly always an enjoyable endeavor; whats not so enjoyable is discovering a red, itchy
rash the next day. Each year, millions of Americans come in contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison
sumac. These may be the most common irritants, but are far from the only ones. Besides being able to identify
plants that can harm you, its also beneficial to know the plants that could save your life in a dire situation.
Knowing your foliage both good and bad is truly a skill every man should have!

44. Do a Front Dive

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Much like swimming, knowing how to properly dive is not only just a fun skill to have, but could help save your
life. In a scenario where you need to skedaddle into the water quickly, such as a sinking boat, the dive is the way
to go. It propels you with a jump start of momentum rather than having to get going from the standstill of treading
water.

45. Shuffle Cards

Its always surprising when youre playing a card game, rotating the shuffling of course, and one of the players
has to sheepishly pass the deck because they dont know this simple, manly skill. If youre playing cards be it
poker, euchre, gin rummy you should be able to do your part and shuffle the deck, and do it with some flair
too!

46. Hunt

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In the book, The Hunting Hypothesis, author Robert Ardrey highlights the research and theories that suggest that
what made humans human was the ability to hunt. Since our hunter-gatherer times, hunting has always fallen on
men. Ardrey suggests that hunting is how men have displayed nurturing and caring behavior since time
immemorial. Besides allowing you to connect with our primal history, knowing how to hunt will allow you to
provide for yourself and your family even if you dont have access to a grocery store. In fact, you could provide a
full year of meat for your family during a single hunting season. Kiss your meat expenses goodbye.

47. Properly Pour Beer

Does it really matter how you pour your beer? Isnt beer, beer, no matter how its poured? Well, that may be the
case if youre drinking low-quality beer (I wont name names), but when drinking a fine brew, it can mean a world
of difference. When properly poured, the beer produces aromas and flavors that can only be present at the right
conditions, and with the agitation of a proper pour.

48. Perform the Firemans Carry

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Even if you have the physical strength to save someones life by carrying them to safety, do you know the right
way to do it? Every man should know how to perform what is called the firemans carry. Its an effective way to
distribute someones weight, allowing you to haul them over long distances with minimal strain. Next time you
have to carry an injured victim from a burning building, down a hiking trail, or off the battlefield, employ the
firemans carry.

49. Open a Bottle Without an Opener

Youve arrived at the campsite with your friends and some cold beer in the cooler, only to realize you left the
bottle opener at home. Lucky for you, thats no problem youre a master of improvisation. We put together 9
MacGyver-esque tricks to open a bottle whenever you find yourself without an opener. Youll never be left high
and dry again.

50. Cast a Fishing Line

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Fishing has been a skill that fathers have passed down to sons since time immemorial. Its not only a fun and
relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon, but hearkens back to our caveman and caveson days, when
fishing was more than just a pastime, but a survival skill. And one of the first steps to learning fishing? Knowing
how to cast a line.

51. Speak a Foreign Language

Traveling the world can be quite an adventure, but you can never truly immerse yourself in the places you visit
unless you speak the peoples native tongue. Speaking a second (or third) language allows you to connect with
locals and experience more of what lies below the surface available only to the passing tourist. Speaking another
language may also help you in your business, sharpen your brain, and even aid you in a tactical situation; James
Bond was fluent in 4 different languages, and handy in 4 others, after all.

52. Drive in Snow

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Even if you grew up doing it, driving in the snow is a bit of a harrowing task. The sun is glaring off the pure-white
landscape, black ice threatens at every curve and underpass, and you arent quite sure you have the skills to
handle a wipe out. When driving in the winter, just remember that slow and steady wins the race (although you
really shouldnt be racing on a snowy road!).

53. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

Even though youve probably heard of the Heimlich maneuver countless times, and seen it dramatized just as
many, a lot of folks really dont know exactly what to do beyond putting their arms around the person and
squeezing somehow. Because the abdominal thrusts necessitated by the Heimlich maneuver can cause injury,
it should be employed only as a last resort, after other techniques, like encouraging the vicim to cough and
slapping them on the back, have been tried. But should you need to reach for this technique, you ought to be
able to perform it effectively.

54. Ask a Woman on a Date

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Manliness is too often ranked by how many random women a dude can bed. But one of the things that separates
man from the beasts is the ability and desire to focus his romantic energies on one woman at a time. Being a
lover and romancer is something that makes us human, rather than just another mammal on the Discovery
Channel. And there is no better tool in the romantic mans arsenal than the date. The dates structure allows a
man to show off his ability to woo a lady. Unfortunately, few men have been taking on the challenge of being
artful pursuers these days, as our dating abilities have become infected with the plague of hanging out. Dont be
that man. Gird up your loins, and ask a woman out!

55. Always Know North

A man always knows his direction, be it philosophically in life or physically on the road. He can find North without
a digital aid. A compass is the easiest and surest way to do this, of course, but there are other methods as well,
including using an analog watch, sticks and shadows, the constellations in the night sky, and the moss growing
on trees and rocks. But each of these methods of finding North involve a good deal of know-how and nuance, so
its definitely a skill youll need to master before you really need it.

56. Fell a Tree

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So you know how to split wood, but how do you get those logs in the first place? You could buy them, but thats
lame. No, you need to go out to the woods and fell your own tree. Its a dangerous task if you dont know what
youre doing, but boy is it a great feeling to hear a tree fall on the forest floor with an echoing THUMP! End
your day felling trees with a large plate of pancakes smothered with Vermont maple syrup.

57. Hitch/Back-Up a Trailer

So youve decided to borrow a boat for a weekend of fishing or maybe youre going to rent an Airstream for that
dream road trip across America. Awesome. Do you know how to hitch the boat trailer and the Airstream to your
vehicle? Once you get it hitched to your car, do you know how to back-up a trailer without destroying the property
around you? Knowing how to hitch and back-up a trailer will open a whole world of outdoor recreation
opportunities for you, so get out there and start learning.

58. Play Poker

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If youve never played poker before, going to a casino for a bachelor party or a friends house for a casual poker
night can be an intimidating affair. The rules of the game itself are hard enough to master (Does my two pair beat
your three of a kind? Answer: no it does not.), but you also have to know betting rules and game etiquette.
Thankfully, with just a few strategies up your sleeve, it wont take long to not feel like a newb anymore.

59. Write in Cursive

In our age of texts, tweets, and emails, one thing that can set you apart from the crowd is sending a nice,
handwritten letter every now and then. To set yourself apart from the pack even more, write your letter in cursive.
It just looks classy and adds a bit of personality to your notes. And dont just save it for letters. The continuous
strokes of cursive make journaling a more meditative experience.

60. Throw a Knockout Punch

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Avoid a fight if you can, but if theres no other option, end it as quickly as possible by throwing a knockout
blow. Open your opponent up with high jabs and a few fakes; once he drops his guard, send a powerful straight
punch right to his kisser. Lights out.

61. Make Pancakes From Scratch

While eggs are a breakfast staple because of their ease and versatility, pancakes are a fan favorite because of
their simply delightful nature. Theyre fluffy, warm, and covered in any number of tasty toppings: butter, syrup,
peanut butter, fruit, whipped cream. It doesnt get much better than a tall stack of pancakes to start a lazy
weekend with your family. Knowing how make pancakes from scratch will make you a Saturday morning hero.

62. Skipper a Boat

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One of mans great powers is that he is an amphibious creature, able to both traverse the land and navigate the
water. Not only should you be able to move through water by your own manpower, you should be able to skim its
surface by knowing how to pilot a boat and not just those that involve a motor and steering wheel. From tying
nautical knots, keeping the boat balanced, and trimming the sails, every man should know how to skipper
traditional sea craft.

63. Dress For the Occasion

Black-tie. Semi-formal. Business casual. Do you find yourself asking what the heck these terms mean anytime
you see them on an event invitation? With just a little bit of study and practice, youll come to automatically know
the differences for instance, that business casual means a sports coat and khakis (or even jeans, depending
on where you live). You never want to be the guy who wore slacks and a button-up to a semi-formal event.

64. Shoot a Bow and Arrow

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From our survival guru Creek Stewart: I am a big fan of the bow and arrow for a variety of reasons, and I
personally think that anyone who has an interest in primitive survival skills or modern urban survival should
seriously consider purchasing a good bow and arrow and become proficient in using it. The weapons
portability, versatility, and affordability (you can even craft your own) make it a top choice for hunters and
survivalists.

65. Drive Stick Shift

Driving an automatic vehicle is so pedestrian. With a stick shift, you actually feel like youre part of your car. The
synchronicity of man and machine makes driving a manual transmission car not just a chore, but a joy. Plus,
owning a manual makes your vehicle pretty much theft-proof its such a lost skill that most would-be thieves
wouldnt know how to drive away with your car even if they managed to break in.

66. Do a Proper Push-Up

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When you dont have access to a gym, theres always push-ups. They work your chest, shoulders, triceps, and
biceps. Even if you do have access to a gym, make push-ups part of your routine throughout the day. An 85-
year-old attorney I knew credited his random push-up workouts in his office as the key to his longevity and
health.

67. Pick a Lock

Kicking down a door is a great skill to have, but sometimes you need to be a bit more discreet when opening a
door thats locked. Who wants to replace their door every time they lock themselves out of their house? Thats
where lock-picking comes in. Besides making you handy, and saving you money on replacement doors or calling
a locksmith, this skill also makes you feel a bit like Jason Bourne.

68. Mix Two Classic Cocktails

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If youre out on the town with your main squeeze, you can look to spend anywhere from $8 to $20 on a nice
cocktail. Thats a lot of scratch for a beverage, especially when you can be making ones at home that taste just
as good (if not better!) for a fraction of the cost. And rather than being a one-trick pony, knowing how to make at
least two different drinks will make you feel like a real mixologist, and impress your guests too. Learn how to
make classics like the martini and the Manhattan; bonus points if you can mix up some interesting drinks for
your teetotaling friends too.

69. Field Dress Game

Whether you hunt regularly to stock your freezer with meat or youre stuck in the wild and need to eat a squirrel
to survive, youll need to know how to dress your kill so that its ready for butchering and eating. If you dont know
anything about dressing game, start with a small animal like a squirrel or a rabbit. Its less messy, and the same
general principles that you use with those animals apply to larger game like deer.

70. Play One Song on the Guitar

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The guitar has a way of showing up at parties and campfires, and it often gets passed around so people who
know how to play can strum out some tunes while everyone sings along. Instead of passing it on to the next
dude, why not hold on to it and bust out a song of your own? Getting a group of people to sing a song while you
provide the accompaniment is an easy way to command a room like a man. Also, chicks dig a dude who can
play the guitar.

71. Use a Chainsaw Safely

The aftermath of a heavy thunderstorm or ice storm often leaves broken and fallen branches in your yard. To
clean them up, youll need to cut them with a chainsaw. Learn how to operate one safely so you dont
accidentally cut off one of your limbs in the process.

72. Do a Squat Properly

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You dont need a bunch of leg machines to get a good lower-body workout; just a barbell with some plates will
do. Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for overall strength. Not only do they work your quads and
hamstrings, but also your hips, butt, back, and core. There are two variations of the barbell squat: high bar
(pictured above) and low bar. Learn them both. They emphasize different muscles and can be used in different
strength training routines.

73. Cook a Steak

The beauty of a well-cooked steak is in its simplicity. No fancy seasonings, just a bit of salt and pepper and fire.
Know how to cook a steak and you can eat like a king the rest of your life.

74. Entertain Yourself (Without a Smartphone)

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You see it everywhere: people on their smartphones while standing in line, while getting gas, when conversation
lulls at dinneranytime people arent stimulated for 10 seconds or longer, out comes the phone. Not only is it
rude in many instances, it means youre tethered to your little electronic device for entertainment. Learn how to
pass the time without your phone play board games, do push-ups during commercial breaks , make a paper
airplane, work out a philosophical problem in your head, or turn a boring conversation into a stimulating one
by actually listening intently, showing some curiosity, and asking good questions. Heck, learn to enjoy the old
pastime of people watching. Being able to entertain yourself is surely one of the 3 characteristics of an educated
man.

75. Change Your Cars Oil

Knowing how to change your own oil can save you time and money. Instead of driving 10 minutes to the Kwik
Lube, waiting another 30 minutes before your car can get worked on, waiting another 15 minutes while the oil
change actually takes place, and then driving another 10 minutes back home, just get the job done in half an
hour by doing it in your garage. Besides saving you time and money, changing your own oil just feels self-
sufficient and darn manly.

76. Whistle With Your Fingers

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With a loud, commanding whistle you can call your dog, your kids, a taxi, or the peanuts guy at the ballpark.
Using your fingers makes it easy to get that ear-piercing whistle sound whenever you want it. This is a small
skill, but a weirdly satisfying one to master.

77. Shovel Snow

Snow shoveling is often a back-breaking, tiresome process. You could be moving hundreds of cubic feet of the
fluffy (or not-so-fluffy) white stuff. Its generally not a particularly fun activity, although it is an excellent workout
and a fine opportunity to fill your lungs with crisp, clean air. While those in colder environs are practically born
knowing this skill, others may need a couple quick pointers to ensure the best and most efficient job possible.

78. Carve a Turkey

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Primitive hunters often dressed and butchered their game in the field, in order to divide up the carcass among
the hunting party and make it easier for carrying back home. Maybe the echoes of this task is why carving the
Thanksgiving turkey typically falls upon the man in a household in our modern day. When you get called up to
carve the bird, you want to be ready with skill and know-how that will allow you to get as much meat as possible
from the turkey without mutilating it. Take pride in the artfully sliced platter of juicy turkey you assemble for your
guests.

79. Tie a Bowline

The bowline is a loop knot that is incredibly secure. Consequently, its often used in rescue situations in which
you need to pull someone out of a ditch or ravine. You can also use it to tie off the boat to your dock. Once you
master tying the bowline with both hands, earn bonus man points by learning how to tie it with one hand.

80. Ride a Horse

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Sure, in this motorized world, knowing how to ride a horse may be the most archaic skill on this list. But Ill be
darned if its not also one of the most satisfying. Many a great man from history used horseback riding as a way
to decompress Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Jack London. It simply feels wonderful to mount up and
head towards the horizon. Also, if American cinema is correct about the apocalypse, horses will once again be
the primary mode of transportation one day. So dont scoff know how to saddle up!

81. Give a Good Massage

While the date is the ultimate tool in the gentlemans romantic arsenal, you need other skills as well to impress
your gal (including many on this list!). Among them, knowing how to give a good massage and just for her
sake rather than in hopes of sex is an important one. Shell feel loved and cared for, which is the ultimate way
to affair-proof your relationship.

82. Get a Car Unstuck

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There are a lot of things your car can get stuck in: mud, snow, even a ditch. While every situation is different,
there are some principles you can follow that may help you become unstuck without needing to call for a tow.
Knowing them could save you thousands of dollars in towing fees, and may be a necessity in rural areas that
dont have cell phone reception.

83. Break a Rack of Pool Balls

So youve watched The Hustler one of the best movies of all-time and youre inspired to head down to your
local pool hall for some billiards action. You grab a cue, line it up to break the rack, and instead of hitting it
perfectly like you did in your daydreams, you shank the cue ball for the ultimate whiff, and the rack is still intact.
Breaking the rack is your billiards first impression it has the potential to intimidate foes and impress buddies.
Dont blow it.

84. Make a Logical Argument

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In the age of the internet, it seems that logical arguments have gone the way of the dodo. Debates, whether in
online comment sections or on TV, are not much more than name-calling matches in which whoever shouts the
loudest wins. Debates and arguments should be civil affairs, though, that avoid logical fallacies and
employ sound reasoning. Learning this skill builds your powers of persuasion, puts you a leg up in our modern
world, and allows you to stand out as a real gentleman. For its not the volume of your voice that signifies a
masterful debater and skilled rhetorician, but the content of your words.

85. Cook Bacon

Nothing tastes better on a cold winter morning than some pork bacon (turkey bacon is not bacon) fried in a cast
iron skillet. You dont want bacon too soft or too crispy. Getting that just-right texture takes patience and skill (and
maybe even ditching that skillet for the oven). Add man points for frying bacon shirtless and braving those hot
kisses of grease.

86. Write a Letter

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At AoM were great champions of the lost art of letter writing. Emails, texting, and the wide variety of other digital
mediums available to us in the modern age are convenient and efficient, but they cant hold a candle to the
warm, tangible, classy nature of handwritten correspondence. Letters are the next best thing to showing up
personally at someones door. And their permanence is unrivaled; long after weve forgotten the password to our
hotmail account, our shoebox of letters will remain. Write to a pen pal; write regular thank you notes ; write letters
of emotional insurance to your children; and be sure to write all 7 of these letters before you turn 70 .

87. Shoot a Gun

A gun can provide food, protection, and even an afternoon of fun. Its an extremely useful tool, but a dangerous
one. You need to know how to safely operate different types of firearms (pistols, shotguns, rifles) without
unintentionally injuring those around you or yourself. Even if you dont have plans on becoming a Gun Guy, at
least have a basic understanding of how firearms work in case you ever come across one in the wild, or need to
use one to save your life.

88. Make a Toast

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You dont want to be the Best Man thats remembered for giving an utterly cringe-worthy toast at your buddys
wedding. And besides weddings, youll likely have several opportunities to provide toasts throughout your life.
With a bit of forethought and practice in front of the mirror, your toasts can sound natural, inspiring, and
memorable (in a good way).

89. Jump Start a Car

It happens to every one. Somehow the dome light in your car got left on while you were in the office and now
your cars battery is dead. Instead of calling AAA to get the car going for you, jump start it yourself. It will save
you time and money. Plus its a skill that will make you incredibly useful to others. Youd be surprised by how
many people dont know how to jump start a car.

90. Know How to Dance

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Nothing impresses a woman more than a man who knows how to dance. And by dance I mean ballroom dancing
where you lead a gal across the dance floor. None of that nae nae nonsense. Basic ballroom dancing isnt that
hard. Start off with the waltz and foxtrot and youll be good for most weddings and cruises.

91. Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Sure, you can plop some Folgers into a filter and hit the Brew button on your coffee machine. But thats like
going to Walmart to buy a suit. You just arent getting the best product. Grinding your beans, boiling your water,
and brewing them in a French press truly creates the perfect cup of coffee, and also adds an element of
craftsmanship to your morning routine. You can try roasting your own beans, as well as some other tactics to
level up your morning coffee game.

92. Tie a Tourniquet

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For a long time, tying tourniquets was a frowned-upon method for controlling major bleeding something to be
employed as an absolute last resort. Thats because during the wars of the 20th century, when it often took a
long time for a wounded solider to get medical attention, the tourniquet would end up cutting off the blood supply
for too long, necessitating amputations. But the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan showed that tourniquets, coupled
with speedy medical attention, could be absolute life savers, and thus their use has been revived in combat and
civilian medicine alike. You still need to know when and how to properly tie a tourniquet though, so study up and
then do ample hands-on practice.

93. Know Two Cool Uncle Tricks

An essential part of being an awesome uncle is having a repertoire of tricks and jokes that will amaze your
nieces and nephews, and crack them up. From juggling and pulling coins from ears, to levitating and bouncing
dinner rolls on the floor, every uncle should have at least two giggle-inducing tricks up his sleeve.

94. Fillet a Fish

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What makes fishing even more satisfying is being able to fillet and cook your catch for a real water-to-table
experience. Throw it in a skillet with some garlic, lemon, and butter, fry it over the campfire youve built, and
enjoy a wild dinner under the stars.

95. Calm a Crying Baby

Whether your baby has colic or just intermittent fussiness, their cries can really do a number on your equilibrium.
Since babies cant do anything for themselves, their cries are designed by nature to get your attention, burrowing
into your brain and refusing to let go until you alleviate their distress. Their wails elicit a real physiological
response you start to sweat, your heart rate goes up, and your body releases cortisol (the stress hormone).
So its no surprise that knowing how to calm a crying baby is one of the most important new-dad tools you can
have in your arsenal!

96. Ride a Motorcycle

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Motorcycles are one of the pinnacles of manliness. Theyre up there with Islay single malt, grass-fed sirloin, and
Creeds Green Irish Tweed aftershave. Why? Because unlike automobiles, they offer a visceral experience: one
that requires skill, mental engagement, and risk management. On a motorcycle, you cant sip coffee, fiddle with
your phone, or daydream the minutes away. Your senses are on red alert, and your life depends on two tiny
patches of rubber connecting you to the road. Riding a motorcycle is an experience every man should have in his
life.

97. Hammer a Nail Correctly

To the unskilled, hammering just means pounding the hell out of something until you get the job done. Sure, you
could do that, but youll end up with crummy results and a tired arm to boot. A wise handyman knows how to use
a hammer safely, effectively, and efficiently.

98. Cook a Signature Dish

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Cooking cultivates a variety of manly qualities, from self-reliance to chivalry. So while you need not become a 5-
star chef, at a certain point every man needs to move on from the Easy Mac, ramen, and frozen pizza he
subsisted on in college. Knowing your way around the kitchen can be intimidating at first, but even with just a
single pot you can make some tasty meals that will impress friends, family, and ladies alike. Once youve
mastered some basics, you can work on creating a signature dish that you perfect and whip up on special
occasions.

99. Make Fire Without Matches

Its easy to start a fire when you have a pack of matches at your disposal. But could you forge a flame if you
didnt have that crutch? Or would you starve and freeze? There are many ways to make fire sans matches, from
using a battery or magnifying glass to going totally primal and using only a board and a stick. Learn as many
methods as you can, so that if you ever find yourself alone on a desert island, you can declare to your volleyball
friend: I have made fire!

100. Tell a Story

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Every man needs to be able to tell a great story. It might be for a presentation you give at work. Or for a paper
you need to write. Maybe youre just hanging out with your buddies swapping stories. Or youre tucking your kids
into bed, and a nighttime tale is demanded. No matter the scenario, it takes a certain amount of skill to tell a
story in a way that captivates an audience.

The most important part of storytelling though, is simply having the experiences that make for good tales.
What stories of your life will you have to tell your grandkids? Start making those memories now by learning
as many of these skills as you can. The more know-how you gain, the more places you can go, things you can
do, and people you can converse with; in short, the more skills you master, the more adventures you can have!

How many of these skills have you already mastered? Which ones do you hope to learn? What skills do
you think we left off the list, or should never have been put on? Be sure to let us know!

Last updated: September 6, 2016

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