The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a low-energy shock tube by co-extruding two or more layers simultaneously wherein the inner layer has an adhesive affinity for a powdered reactive material and the outer layer(s) provides abrasion, cut and other environmental resistance to the tube. The wall thickness of the inner layer is less than about 0.3 millimeters. The invention also relates to a low-energy shock tube having such configuration and inner layer thickness.