Abstract: In a non-electric system for initiating explosives, a shock tube is initiated by the detonation of a low-energy detonating cord (LEDC) whose wall has been placed adjacent to an initiation-sensitive region of a thin membrane in the shock tube, or in a capping member to an open end of a shock tube or in a capping member to the detonator itself, wherein the inner surface of the bore of the shock tube or the end-capping member is coated with a reactive composition of an explosive or a deflagrating compound. The end capping member fits over and seals the open end of the shock tube or fits in and seals a detonator with or without a shock tube in it, acting as a shock tube itself. The thin membrane accepts the detonation from the LEDC, whereby the shock tube or capping member is initiated and relays a pressure pulse to the shock tube or the detonator affixed thereto. Novel shock tubes, shock tube/detonator units, and a detonator for use in the hybrid shock tube/LEDC system are disclosed.