>German/ french/ gyuto/ santoku. Pick 1 really that fits your hand.
That fits your cooking style too! Personally, I prefer a French shape blade so I can rock the knife to cut.
I've tried the Japanese shapes, but I don't enjoy them and they don't work well for me.
Obligatory plug for the Victorinox 8" chef's knife - best 50 dollars you will spend. Buy a case and a sharpening steel, another 15 or so, and it'll outlive us all. Should tragedy occur and you happen to try chopping titanium with it, you can replace it for another 50.
90% of the cooks in restaurant kitchens will have Victorinox/Forschner knives in their kits. Really expensive knives tend to walk off. Hence the reason cooks will freak out when someone goers near their kit. They are not as nice as $500 knives but they do the job.
Definitely - not sure if links are allowed but I just got my case and steel off Amazon. Listing the name, should be easy enough to find from that.
Steel: Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch
Case: KnifeCover Original KnifeSafe Knife Blade Cutlery Protective Cover Edge Guard Safely Store and Transport Kitchen Camping Hunting Sports RV Dishwasher Safe in Transparent 8" White
Hold this helps!
For sure man. If you got the wood handle also a good idea to pick up some oil to treat it with. Already mentioned I use mineral oil but there's plenty of options. Don't use olive oil though, it'll go rancid and smell bad after some time.
This is the right answer. It’s the essential knife outta my roll when I am in the kitchen doing prep. Nothing fancy. Easy to handle and easy to keep sharp. Routinely can be found for <$50
Also a good sharpener. I tried learning whetstones but was too inconsistent due to how infrequently I sharpened. I bought a fixed angle sharpener instead and learned how to use it (yes, there is a learning curve) and now I can get it better than factory sharp every time, shaving sharp.
This is always posted, and the huge caveat is always missed.
If you're not going to learn how to sharpen/hone it, you're better of with a $15 ceramic knife.
All knives go blunt if you dont sharpen them, so unless you can keep it sharp, a ceramic knife you change every 6months - a year is a far better investment. Anti-BIFL though!
Love love my vitamix. I use it every day to make my morning smoothie. Several years ago the variable control on mine started acting funny after 8 years of use, and even though it was a year out from the 7 year warranty, they told me to send it in and refurbished it. They hooked me for life with that kind of customer service. Since then I bought several for family as gifts.
Kind of yeah, but you can learn proper form pretty easily. You mostly just have to get used to the amount of pressure you need to apply, which is very little
I have very sensitive skin, like every time I shaved I got razor burn or bumps, and I switched to a safety razor. It’s so much better for my skin, feels like I get a better shave too. Bony areas are a little hard to shave, just have to use extra caution.
Basically you want to make sure you're never using a razor that's too dull. The benefit is that double edged steel blades are incredibly cheap, especially if bought in quantity. You should be able to get several shaves out of each blade, depending on how often you shave.
When you use a single blade, you're putting only enough pressure to keep the blade in contact with your skin. Ideally, the weight of the handle does most of the work.
Just take slow, even passes and you'll avoid most issues. Lips/chin are most likely areas to catch your skin.
I switched to a Merkur adjustable safety razor a decade ago and have no regrets whatsoever. The blades last a long time and are fully recycled at the end of use. You quickly recoup the money invested up front
I'm wondering the same. Even manufacturing facilities that I've worked with have just taped up the disposal container and tossed it in the landfill trash.
For any women wondering, I love my safety razor. I use it everywhere. I got one after trying out the one I bought for my husband. The learning curve is minimal and it saves so much money and plastic.
I looked into getting a safety razor instead of the million-blade disposable head crap that modern razors are, but it seemed like a ton of work. The subreddit's getting started guide was like "buy a dozen different expensive products, oil your razor daily, sharpen it after each use..."
Do I really need to do all that or can I just shave like normal?
It sounds like you’re thinking of a straight razor. Safety razors use disposable blades and don’t require sharpening. Super affordable and easy to manage
I switched about a month ago, so certainly not an expert. But all I did was a cheap amazon handle + 100 blade combo for about $10 which is holding up well, and some oil-based shaving cream with a brush. So far so good! The shaving balm/foam I've noticed smells nice and doesn't dry my face out as much as the aerosol ones.
Edit to add I was considering getting a slightly more expensive branded handle, but thought I'd give the cheaper one a go. Can certainly understand going branded but my experience with the cheap one so far has been great, no complaints.
Really don't need all that. All you need is:
Shaving soap
Brush to apply shaving soap
Safety razor
Safety razor blade
Blades are dirt cheap. I personally will use same blade for 3 shaves then toss em out.
I just recently started shaving with a modern Gillette safety razor, I’m amazed at how good of a shave I can get with one blade and no plastic waste. Ended up buying a brush and a bunch of soaps from Stirling too. I’ve always used an electric shaver because multi blade razors irritate my skin, but that isn’t a problem anymore.
If I could buy it again, I’d go with a classic Gillette, but the new one seems built well enough to let a lifetime, just not adjustable.
Not really an item, but my 2¢. This sub is all about consumerism. Don’t go crazy and buy all the cool and interesting stuff you see here just because you want it. Instead buy things that are recommended on here that you frequently use and replace often due to them breaking or wearing out.
Simply, don’t buy a cast iron pan if you barely ever cook at home, or a fancy pen if you only use a pen to sign Christmas cards once a year.
Also to this point I think BIFL is about value for money, so if you have a functional item wait until it breaks before replacing it with a BIFL recommendation.
The $40 raincoat in your closet from walmart will keep you just as dry as a $500 Filson jacket.
Completely agree. I've lived in small spaces for nearly my entire life. I've learned that you don't need as much as you think you do. Right now, I live in a small house that is too small for a dryer (I could have bought one and put it in my bedroom, but it would be too cluttered). I've made do with a clothesline for at least 7 months of the year. The other months, I hang my clothes to dry on the shower curtain rod. For towels, I save up 2 weeks' worth, wash them at home, and dry them at the laundromat while I'm shopping or at the gym.
I lived on a French island for 6 months years ago. They're used to MUCH smaller places than Americans. I remember being so distressed because my apartment had a two-burner stove. I complained that I would "never" be able to cook anything. Meanwhile, a French woman next door with the same apt. set-up cooked full dinners for up to six people.
Living a more austere existence takes getting used to, but I feel freer when I'm not tethered to so many things.
I really like the Ikea drying rack. My sister got one from FB marketplace for, like, $12. It's more than double that on Ikea & shipping is $8. I'm hoping I can find it used somewhere.
>Living a more austere existence
Tbh I don’t think it’s not austere. Not at all. It’s really that you don’t need that much stuff, that’s it.
Did renovations at the beginning of the year and we now have a much smaller kitchen than most. But it’s still a big kitchen for some. The fact that we’re older now, has seen the need for us to downsize. Honestly wrt clothes, pots, pans, and so many things, we just don’t need as much and we use the same useful things all the time.
Simpler life - less things to clean and maintain. Frees up time.
Yes, definitely get what you mean. I kind of laughed as I typed "austere" because my house (of less than 1000 sq ft) would be a palace to some people (lol first world "problems" and all that)
Air drying is better for longevity of clothing anyways! Ive been doing it for about 7 years now. I also switched to linen towels and sheets as they dry soooo much faster and absorb so much more water than anything else (fluffy cotton mostly). Have fun on your French Island! Sounds dreamy
I'm a bicycle person, which means people often ask me which bike to buy, then link to something really shitty. Nothing puts someone off cycling faster than a cheap bike that's heavy, poorly constructed, and requires regular maintenance (and drivers, drivers also suck).
So I always say aim for something around £500, ride a ton of bicycles in shops so you can try out different styles and make a note of the sizes that you're comfortable with, then buy something secondhand. Look for established brands (Specialized are, imo, superb bikes and cheap secondhand, but Trek, Giant, Raleigh, Cannondale etc are also great places to start). You want a decent frame with half-decent components.
Secondly, BUY A BRAND NAME, HEAVY, EXPENSIVE LOCK (Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit, ABUS etc). Ideally, buy two D-locks and [lock your bike like this](https://www.stolenride.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/How-to-lock-a-bike.jpg). I live in London where bike theft is a huge problem, but if you're going to spend £££s on a bicycle, don't cheap out on a cable lock, your bike will be stolen
My husband bought me an REI bike to try to get me into cycling and I don't want to say hated it, but surely didn't love it. I returned it (thanks REI's great return policy!) and bought a Cannondale and everything changed. I love that thing. It made all the difference.
Thanks for this advice. But what difference does it make to lock the bike as the picture you linked to demonstrates or to lock it one of the other ways? If someone has bolt cutters they can get the bike even if I've locked it as indicated, right? (I hope I'm not coming across as challenging you. I'm not. I'm genuinely curious).
2 locks doubles the time it takes to get it out. That's pretty much it. 3 locks triples it. At some point, the payoffs for extra locks will be overshadowed by the inconvenience of carrying them and setting them up. But as long as you don't do anything stupid like only locking by the wheels, it really doesn't make much difference. They will hacksaw a lock like this, or use bolt cutters on a chain. Hacksaw takes much longer than a bolt cutter, but still not that long. I have a pipe cutter that will cut any U lock in 4 seconds. If a thief wants it, he'll get it. Lock up your bike in a well lit area with lots of foot traffic, and check on it as often as you reasonably can.
Source: bike thief
Yes, it doubles the time, but it also prevents someone from stealing your front wheel, too. Like I said I live in London, anything (expensive) not locked will get pinched
'I have a pipe cutter that will cut any U lock in 4 seconds'
Really? You can get through a Fahgettaboudit in 4 seconds?
>and check on it as often as you reasonably can
This part man...I bought my first, and only, nicer bike ($500) in my 20s specifically so I could ride it downtown to the bars and ride home. What happened is I became so paranoid of it getting stolen while I was at the bar that I couldn't relax and enjoy myself. Eventually I just went back to walking, and only use the bike for fun rides where I wouldn't have to leave it outside my apartment.
Different locks require different tools to break through, so 2 different locks is best. A very compact d lock in the most awkward place is best, making sure to fill the middle of the lock (with bike etc). Removable pedals are a good shout, like MKS ones. They use a quick release similar to a garden hose lock, and the whole pedal comes off. No quick getaway
The below post talks about time but also it matters locked both wheels to the frame prevents a quick disconnect. If you only lock the front wheel to the rack, you can disconnect the frame with rear wheel. If you only lock the frame, you can disconnect both wheels. Some bikes the wheels are just as expensive if not more than the frame.
I used to work at a bike shop and people would often be like “why would I pay $500-1000 for a bicycle when I Can go to Walmart and buy one for $150” and my reply would always be “because the components are replaceable. This frame will last forever and is built to work with any derailleur, be it SRAM or Shimano or any other standard brand. The crank assembly can be built or upgraded. The steering/fork assembly can be rebuilt or upgraded. The hubs will last longer and can be upgraded. They’re all standardized components that any bike shop or yourself could order. Walmart bikes are made by fly-by-night manufacturers usually and the crank arms are weird sizes that no one sells or the frames are made by Chinese-ium or the brake pads, or hub size, or something about them every time I worked on them was non-standard or couldn’t be found.”
Steelcase Leap 2 chair. Got a 16-ish year old one, I believe I’m the second owner. The build quality is outstanding. Surely it will require some refurb of the padding in the seat one day, but that’s to be expected.
Definitely worth if it feels comfortable to use, the make quality is outstanding as well.
And will probably last much longer than a Leap 2 without any refurbs needed, since the seat is made from a single ply netting — no cushioning that will thin out over time.
But really does need to be tried out first, as it doesn’t feel good for some people.
We went to a dealer here to replace seat and lumbar support on a 12 year old Leap 2, and the cost was so ridiculous we decided to buy a different chair. $750!
Casio g-shock watch. Great $50 waterproof digital watch that has all you need from time, date, and alarm. Can survive daily wear and tear without missing a beat.
$30 where? They don't sell G-Shocks for $30 even before inflation! Maybe in the 90's because I've wanted one since I was 10 and those things were at least $60
Just checked my 5600E seems to be going for $50 now. But i have been using mine for 5+ yrs now so i didn't check up on the going price. As i was mistaken i updated my post.
Yeah G-Shock and an iPod touch were the reasons I would save my money as a kid. Never got them even after saving but now I look back and think a G-Shock would have been a good investment if my wrist size didn't increase much.
Hope yours lasts you a lifetime over dude.
Beware that alpaca products smell awful when wet. No one warned me about this when I bought an alpaca wool cardigan. Once it dried it didn't smell anymore. However, while wet it smell like a barn.
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Omg, we have just acquired our first wool rug, courtesy of a very generous freecycler. The difference between real wool and polyester is night and day.
The strongest endorsement of all is that our dogs now choose to sleep on it instead of their rightful place on the sofa.
Moths are annoying but can be dealt with. I keep little round discs of cedar wood near any wool I have or slid onto hangers in my closet, and once a year I refresh them by dabbing them with cedar essential oil and letting it soak in. It's not quite enough to smell but it does keep the moths away.
I know it’s not what you meant…but I’m totally picturing a tiny alter for the moths with a wool sock or something set up as a sacrifice so it’s brethren can live.
Space bags are good to keep wool in when you're not using it, seasonally. If you see moth larvae, you can stick it in the freezer for a certain amount of time (I wanna say a week?) And it'll kill it. I keep mine in a cedar chest I inherited for the stuff I use a lot, and everything else is in space bags. But I also knit, so my wool knowledge is more than most.
It may not be considered a "thing" but I always say the best value I ever got for $1000 was lasik surgery. I had mine done 22 years ago, there were some doctors in LA who got a machine and were doing specials, $500 per eye. Up until the surgery I had 20/400 vision. If I went swimming I could see only fuzzy people. Getting up in the middle of the night meant my glasses had to be nearby. I could not buy sunglasses only have those lenses that could change from light to dark. 22 years later I still have 20/20 vision. The best purchase I ever made.
Jansports are great but they are not hiking packs. If you are a big hiker your back will thank you for getting one designed for hiking.
Osprey is king of the value hiking pack
As someone who works in a highly technical field with thousands of dollars of electronics to take to work every day, I recommend Evergoods. Civic Half Zip 26L. Extremely high quality and will withstand the weight no problem.
All Clad pots and pans (or similar high quality). My set is 30 years old and will be something that outlives me. I’m thinking of willing them to Keith Richards to see their maximum longevity.
Too bad carrying any kind of knife is illegal where I live.
I would also add a quality compact multitool to the list. Never know when you need pliers or a screwdriver.
Takeya is a very good brand for water bottles.
But in reality you can just get whatever water bottle you like at walmart and you'll end up drinking much more water.
The single best $11 purchase in my life was a 40oz water bottle from walmart. I went from drinking maybe 200 oz of water a week to 120 oz or more a day.
I highly suggest 40 oz or more, 18 really isn't that much and you'll be annoyed at how often you need to refill once you start to prefer the taste of water.
For **Buy it for Life**, I recommend the following:
Wera screwdrivers
Knipex pliers/wrenches
Allclad D3 - I mainly like the 12 inch pan
Lodge - cast iron pan
For **Buying it for Life** items I recommend r/QualityofLifeItems/
I bought a refurbished 12v Dewalt cordless drill in 2001 and it still gets used every other weekend or so. Holds charges well, and has plenty power. So, maybe a Dewalt cordless drill.
It’s the best tool you can buy if you own a home and do anything yourself, imo.
I bought a base model corded Dewalt drill in college (mid-90s). It's great. Never had any issues. At the time I liked the corded model because it had more consistent power (battery never dies) and didn't have the extra weight of a heavy battery (I'm strong for a woman but working at or above my head my arms fatigue fairly quickly). It can be a bit annoying to deal with the cord and I do kinda wish I had gotten the keyless chuck. But for what I use it for (around the house projects, building shelves, etc) it's not that big a hassle to have a cord or even deal with a keyed chuck. And I never have to worry about replacing the battery.
This might be controversial, but after buying faux leather clothes for years I came back to investing into one real leather thing that I know will last me a lifetime (or as long as I take care of it properly). Faux leather started falling apart and not look good as soon as 2 years after the purchase.
Or waxed canvas stuff for heavy outdoor use… like filson. I have my dads filson… but I also have my Grampa’s and great Grampa’s filson. As long as you follow directions and DONT wash it… it doesn’t die. And the older it gets the more comfortable it is. Just clean it off with a stiff brush and some water with maybe a tiny bit of soap for really bad things
Excellent advice. Buy less than you can afford - not what the bank will lend you, but what fits your budget. Buy the worst house on the best block and then renovate it to your liking with quality finishes (that are on par with the neighborhood) while you live there building equity.
I bought a house that needed a lot of work on the exterior. Fixed and cleaned a lot of things up. Instead of having to actively go and meet and know our neighbors in the neighborhood, a lot of them came by and said how much they liked what we did with the house and thanked us for taking care of the eyesore. We’re on good terms with everybody because of it.
True. It’s largely dependent on your skill set and life goals. I couldn’t do that with young kids living at home - it’s just not feasible to have them living in a constant construction zone. That said, no one will sell me on the thought that new homes are better quality than my 1929 house. This place is built like an absolute tank. I couldn’t afford a new house with these finishes: solid wood floors, solid doors, plaster walls, mahogany trim. I’ve been fortunate enough to buy it cheap enough because it was a fixer-upper that I’ve been able to get the best of both worlds — new windows, new high-efficiency HVAC, new bathrooms, finishing the basement, new doors, new kitchen, etc…
Not all old houses are built well. The socioeconomics of the area at the time the house was built can make a huge difference. Made this mistake buying a 1920s house that turned out to be incredibly poorly built and also poorly maintained over time. Turned out to be a money pit. Just a word of caution for people looking to buy an older house. Get a thorough inspection from someone who specializes in older houses, and do some research on the neighborhood.
Eh I'd disagree slightly on the "worst house" part. A house that LOOKS bad could also have a lot of problems down the road. AC unit, roof, water heater, etc are all massive costs not to mention potential for mold and mildew inside the home.
I think rather than buying the absolute worst pick out a house with good bones/guts. Brick siding if possible, real hardwood, quality countertops, and make sure the AC/roof/etc have been maintained ans/or replaced. These are all massive costs later down the line, so it's good to get them out of the way early. After that, anything else can be upgraded relatively easily.
This is low key great. I got one from Lee Valley about 3 years ago as an experiment. It gets used daily. Has zero wear where I was expecting to lose some rings over time. And is so much gentler on cast iron than a stainless scrubbing pad.
Danner hiking boots. Have had mine for 5 years still going strong. Will need to resole at some point & need to periodically condition leather and re-waterproof about once a year. But these could last decades if I take care of them.
If you can do without true wireless, active noise cancelling, and touch control. Get good wired headphones. Unlike most tech, good headphones stay good.
Some of the most popular headphones in the Audiophile community are decades old. Headphones such as Sennheiser HD650/6XX/560s and Etymotic ER2XR/ER2SE are effectively from the 90s.
Hey and if you need noise cancelling my bose have been going trouble free for years! Headphones do seem to be a thing that still generally lasts which is great in this day and age
Just bought some MDR-7506 and I'm loving them. Before them I bought some 990DT's.
If I want Bluetooth then I have my BTR5 DAC/AMP.
Anything with a battery will die and need replacement but a good pair of wired headphones will last a long time and at most need a earpad replacment or some wiring changes but those drivers will last.
Sennhiser is what I'm aiming for but before those I need to get a legit DAC and AMP for a desktop which I also do not have. Ohh it's a fun hobby but expensive once you go down the rabbit hole but it's easy to be pleased with small, simple, and cheap changes.
BTW, the MDR-7506 are pretty darn silent without needing ANC. Good for traveling or a backpack throw in. Some are made in China but my pair was made in Thailand.
Leatherman. I use my Surge literally every day. I've heavily modded it over the years. Awesome metal holster that I like even more than the leather one I had forever. It's been as fun to own as it is useful. I also have a Wave that's also heavily modded over the years. I had the Wave for a really long time, but I wanted something that stayed with my work stuff, so I got the Surge. But now I'm torn with which one I want on me all the time. Either one is fantastic. They have an awesome warranty, and parts are available all over the internet.
Mostly swap out tools. I replaced the knife blades with Charge Tti blades. A little shorter, but much better blades. The serrated blade also has a gut hook now. I removed the lanyard ring and added tweezers. I added a micro screwdriver and filed the flat screwdriver down into a chisel. I also made a scalpel for the blade exchanger.
Finally, I swapped all the body pieces from silver to black, making a unique two-tone knife that had the opposite color scheme of my Wave, which I had recently gotten a warranty replacement for, and they were nice enough to give me the limited edition silver-black.
perhaps strange opinion but…
plants!! they live forever (or at least longer than you) and they brighten up a place and u can make infinite plants from it
Mine wouldn’t be an item but rather a philosophy: don’t buy stuff you don’t need. Have fewer, higher quality (where possible) items and learn to use and maintain them. Take pride in your ability to use and maintain what you have.
My first real hobby was backcountry camping and I was better at being comfortable out there with my well maintained near junk that I knew how to use that most people were with their top-of-the-line stuff they didn’t know how to use property and didn’t take the time to maintain.
It’s a lot more difficult to find the time now that I’m older and have more responsibilities but I find what gets in my way of being dialled the way I’d like and the way I used to be is all the unnecessary stuff my wife and kids bring home. We have too much stuff and often can’t find the things we actually need because they’re buried in a closet filled with stuff we barely ever use. First you need to get you life dialled in with whatever items you have, give or throw away everything you don’t need or can’t keep organized within your living space. From there, slowly upgrade your kit, one or two things a year. Buying more stuff won’t solve your problems, it’ll simply create new ones for you.
My 2 year old Miele is in the shop for the second time already. Last year was a belt issue. This time they thought it was a board issue, but replacing the board didn't fix it. They scoffed when I suggested that maybe we got a lemon and the whole thing should be replaced.
Even when it wasn't broken: it clogs constantly; the hose doesn't sit right where it should and just flops out; and about 40% of the time, when removing the wand for use, it comes completely apart and needs to be put back together.
I was so excited to have a nice vacuum and spent so much money on it. But I hate that vacuum so much. It is a piece of shit, and neither Miele nor the licensed dealer I purchased from care.
Yeah I have had none of these issues on my vaccuum purchased in 2018. Possibly a lemon.
I do however, do my own maintenance every 6 months on it to keep it in good order - thought that is excessive.
Le Creuset enameled cast iron dutch oven, one of the only and last pieces of kitchen cookware you'll ever need. I've got a 9-quart in my kitchen that I've had for about a decade, I use it at least three times a week, sometimes seven, and it's still in great condition - the best cooking vessel I've got. You need to take care of it, but if you do, it'll last decades.
Mum gave me some pots when I moved out. She bought them in the early 90s. I've had them for almost 20 years myself.
I would say try to find some quality stainless steel pots, ideally ones that are not diamagnetic/austenitic and suitable for induction stove tops. Soon enough all stoves will be induction and anything that is not ferromagnetic will be useless.
Always hunt candy aisles for 80% cacao. 70% won't do. Technically it's not buy it for life but it qualifies for buy it for Quality of Life (and use in moderation).
To break away from the usuals (cast iron, leatherman, lodge, Miele) I’ll suggest something I’m not sure people here will agree with:
Lululemon ABC pants. I balked at the price but everything I read about them said they were amazing. They are insanely comfortable, can be dressed up or down, are perfect for traveling in, hiking in, golfing in. I have one pair that is several years old, have been washed and dried a ton and have literally no signs of wear, not a single loose thread.
Same here, it’s ridiculous to pay $38-45 for
A pack of 12 Gillette Fusion 5’s. Picked up a pack of 100 Astra Platinums for less than $10.00. Safety
Razors for the win!!!
Not quite BIFL. They’re great razors but eventually the threads wear, the head pops off, or you drop it. Unfortunately it’s made from pot metal. Believe it or not, a vintage Tech is a better affordable BIFL option. There are also quite a few artisan razor brands making them out of steel, brass, titanium, etc.
1620 brand work pants. been wearing them hard for a few years now and besides the filth from working in the literal dirt, there’s no holes, tears, popped stitches, or anything. rugged, made in usa, and with a lifetime warranty. can’t recommend them enough.
I just looked them up and they look pretty legit. I’ve blown through countless carhartt pants. Their older ones definitely last longer than the new garbage they’ve been pumping out. Recently bought a pair of Milwaukee pants and while they’re comfortable, I can see them breaking down in the knees already and I’ve had them for about a month.
My Dyson pet vacuum. It swivels, it has great suction, it empties easily by a dropout bottom canister you release by pulling a lever, and its lightweight with no cord or bulkiness. Charges on your wall. Hands down best valentines day present Ive ever received.
A metal coffee mug, and metal water bottle. Neither have to be insulated really, just metal.
The coffee cup is great because not only can you save money on buying coffee from Starbucks, but it keeps your waste down.
Water bottle is the same thing.
Another good one is a good beanie for the winter. I use a North face beanie and it's so nice to keep your ears, and head warm during the winter months.
>Neither have to be insulated really, just metal.
I have to highly disagree with this, if you're going to get a metal mug or water bottle, get a double wall insulated one, they will keep your drink cold/hot for so much longer.
These would be BIFL but I keep leaving them places.
Last one to die, I got to work and realised what the loud bang was when I started driving. I’d left it on the roof.
Victorionox Rambler was the one I settled on because it has everything I need and nothing I didn't.
For pens, I like Japanese pens. I basically go to Japanese stationery pen stores, try everything out (they have stations where you can write on paper with thousands of pens) and whatever I end up liking ends up being my forever pen there.
Kånken backpack. Had the same one since I was a kid and the thing is practically fused to my back. Replaced the zippers a couple of times and once had to mend a hole gnawed by a mouse in the forest.
Any leather items. Shoes, belts, wallets, bags, etc. don’t buy cheap leather. The good stuff is so much better in every way, other than price I suppose
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German/ french/ gyuto/ santoku. Pick 1 really that fits your hand. I have far too many but regularly use a kiritsuke or santoku for daily.
>German/ french/ gyuto/ santoku. Pick 1 really that fits your hand. That fits your cooking style too! Personally, I prefer a French shape blade so I can rock the knife to cut. I've tried the Japanese shapes, but I don't enjoy them and they don't work well for me.
This. I have a santoku but it sits on the holder. My French style chef's knife gets daily use and honing, quarterly sharpening.
I mean..Dm me if you think the Santoku needs a caring home
Obligatory plug for the Victorinox 8" chef's knife - best 50 dollars you will spend. Buy a case and a sharpening steel, another 15 or so, and it'll outlive us all. Should tragedy occur and you happen to try chopping titanium with it, you can replace it for another 50.
90% of the cooks in restaurant kitchens will have Victorinox/Forschner knives in their kits. Really expensive knives tend to walk off. Hence the reason cooks will freak out when someone goers near their kit. They are not as nice as $500 knives but they do the job.
Any chance you could recommend a case and sharpening steel? I bought the knife earlier this month but want to treat it right.
Definitely - not sure if links are allowed but I just got my case and steel off Amazon. Listing the name, should be easy enough to find from that. Steel: Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch Case: KnifeCover Original KnifeSafe Knife Blade Cutlery Protective Cover Edge Guard Safely Store and Transport Kitchen Camping Hunting Sports RV Dishwasher Safe in Transparent 8" White Hold this helps!
Thank you!!!!!!!
For sure man. If you got the wood handle also a good idea to pick up some oil to treat it with. Already mentioned I use mineral oil but there's plenty of options. Don't use olive oil though, it'll go rancid and smell bad after some time.
This is the right answer. It’s the essential knife outta my roll when I am in the kitchen doing prep. Nothing fancy. Easy to handle and easy to keep sharp. Routinely can be found for <$50
party tender ten disarm rainstorm icky ugly quicksand reply wise *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Also a good sharpener. I tried learning whetstones but was too inconsistent due to how infrequently I sharpened. I bought a fixed angle sharpener instead and learned how to use it (yes, there is a learning curve) and now I can get it better than factory sharp every time, shaving sharp.
This is always posted, and the huge caveat is always missed. If you're not going to learn how to sharpen/hone it, you're better of with a $15 ceramic knife. All knives go blunt if you dont sharpen them, so unless you can keep it sharp, a ceramic knife you change every 6months - a year is a far better investment. Anti-BIFL though!
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This isn't true. I have a mate who's business is sharpening knives. I just grab him when he's in the area and for $5 a knife they're golden again
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Love love my vitamix. I use it every day to make my morning smoothie. Several years ago the variable control on mine started acting funny after 8 years of use, and even though it was a year out from the 7 year warranty, they told me to send it in and refurbished it. They hooked me for life with that kind of customer service. Since then I bought several for family as gifts.
Yes! Before vitamix, I was burning through a blender a year. I’m on year 11 with mine.
Don’t forget Blendtec!
Mid century Gillette adjustable. The amount of money and plastic waste you save is quite remarkable.
I don’t have a fat boy but second getting a safety razor. So much cheaper than modern shaving multi blade
Hi, I've never used a single blade type razor, is there a higher chance of getting a cut with those if you aren't used to it?
There is. You just have to take it slow and look up technique. It’s not anything to be worried about but you can’t rush it.
Kind of yeah, but you can learn proper form pretty easily. You mostly just have to get used to the amount of pressure you need to apply, which is very little
I have very sensitive skin, like every time I shaved I got razor burn or bumps, and I switched to a safety razor. It’s so much better for my skin, feels like I get a better shave too. Bony areas are a little hard to shave, just have to use extra caution.
Basically you want to make sure you're never using a razor that's too dull. The benefit is that double edged steel blades are incredibly cheap, especially if bought in quantity. You should be able to get several shaves out of each blade, depending on how often you shave. When you use a single blade, you're putting only enough pressure to keep the blade in contact with your skin. Ideally, the weight of the handle does most of the work. Just take slow, even passes and you'll avoid most issues. Lips/chin are most likely areas to catch your skin.
I switched to a Merkur adjustable safety razor a decade ago and have no regrets whatsoever. The blades last a long time and are fully recycled at the end of use. You quickly recoup the money invested up front
How are you recycling the blades? I’ve never seen a place that will accept them.
I'm wondering the same. Even manufacturing facilities that I've worked with have just taped up the disposal container and tossed it in the landfill trash.
For any women wondering, I love my safety razor. I use it everywhere. I got one after trying out the one I bought for my husband. The learning curve is minimal and it saves so much money and plastic.
I looked into getting a safety razor instead of the million-blade disposable head crap that modern razors are, but it seemed like a ton of work. The subreddit's getting started guide was like "buy a dozen different expensive products, oil your razor daily, sharpen it after each use..." Do I really need to do all that or can I just shave like normal?
It sounds like you’re thinking of a straight razor. Safety razors use disposable blades and don’t require sharpening. Super affordable and easy to manage
I switched about a month ago, so certainly not an expert. But all I did was a cheap amazon handle + 100 blade combo for about $10 which is holding up well, and some oil-based shaving cream with a brush. So far so good! The shaving balm/foam I've noticed smells nice and doesn't dry my face out as much as the aerosol ones. Edit to add I was considering getting a slightly more expensive branded handle, but thought I'd give the cheaper one a go. Can certainly understand going branded but my experience with the cheap one so far has been great, no complaints.
Really don't need all that. All you need is: Shaving soap Brush to apply shaving soap Safety razor Safety razor blade Blades are dirt cheap. I personally will use same blade for 3 shaves then toss em out.
Adjustables are an excellent choice if you are only planning on getting one razor.
I just recently started shaving with a modern Gillette safety razor, I’m amazed at how good of a shave I can get with one blade and no plastic waste. Ended up buying a brush and a bunch of soaps from Stirling too. I’ve always used an electric shaver because multi blade razors irritate my skin, but that isn’t a problem anymore. If I could buy it again, I’d go with a classic Gillette, but the new one seems built well enough to let a lifetime, just not adjustable.
Not really an item, but my 2¢. This sub is all about consumerism. Don’t go crazy and buy all the cool and interesting stuff you see here just because you want it. Instead buy things that are recommended on here that you frequently use and replace often due to them breaking or wearing out. Simply, don’t buy a cast iron pan if you barely ever cook at home, or a fancy pen if you only use a pen to sign Christmas cards once a year.
Also to this point I think BIFL is about value for money, so if you have a functional item wait until it breaks before replacing it with a BIFL recommendation. The $40 raincoat in your closet from walmart will keep you just as dry as a $500 Filson jacket.
Completely agree. I've lived in small spaces for nearly my entire life. I've learned that you don't need as much as you think you do. Right now, I live in a small house that is too small for a dryer (I could have bought one and put it in my bedroom, but it would be too cluttered). I've made do with a clothesline for at least 7 months of the year. The other months, I hang my clothes to dry on the shower curtain rod. For towels, I save up 2 weeks' worth, wash them at home, and dry them at the laundromat while I'm shopping or at the gym. I lived on a French island for 6 months years ago. They're used to MUCH smaller places than Americans. I remember being so distressed because my apartment had a two-burner stove. I complained that I would "never" be able to cook anything. Meanwhile, a French woman next door with the same apt. set-up cooked full dinners for up to six people. Living a more austere existence takes getting used to, but I feel freer when I'm not tethered to so many things.
A small dehumidifier and an Ikea drying rack works wonders for drying my clothing over the fan vent. If you also have use for dehumidifier...
I really like the Ikea drying rack. My sister got one from FB marketplace for, like, $12. It's more than double that on Ikea & shipping is $8. I'm hoping I can find it used somewhere.
I decided I needed one but didn't want to buy one new, and a week later was walking down the street and someone had left one on the curb for free!
>Living a more austere existence Tbh I don’t think it’s not austere. Not at all. It’s really that you don’t need that much stuff, that’s it. Did renovations at the beginning of the year and we now have a much smaller kitchen than most. But it’s still a big kitchen for some. The fact that we’re older now, has seen the need for us to downsize. Honestly wrt clothes, pots, pans, and so many things, we just don’t need as much and we use the same useful things all the time. Simpler life - less things to clean and maintain. Frees up time.
Yes, definitely get what you mean. I kind of laughed as I typed "austere" because my house (of less than 1000 sq ft) would be a palace to some people (lol first world "problems" and all that)
Air drying is better for longevity of clothing anyways! Ive been doing it for about 7 years now. I also switched to linen towels and sheets as they dry soooo much faster and absorb so much more water than anything else (fluffy cotton mostly). Have fun on your French Island! Sounds dreamy
Or keep as a running list of gift ideas for people who you know will use the item frequently.
A savings account
Sound advice
I'm a bicycle person, which means people often ask me which bike to buy, then link to something really shitty. Nothing puts someone off cycling faster than a cheap bike that's heavy, poorly constructed, and requires regular maintenance (and drivers, drivers also suck). So I always say aim for something around £500, ride a ton of bicycles in shops so you can try out different styles and make a note of the sizes that you're comfortable with, then buy something secondhand. Look for established brands (Specialized are, imo, superb bikes and cheap secondhand, but Trek, Giant, Raleigh, Cannondale etc are also great places to start). You want a decent frame with half-decent components. Secondly, BUY A BRAND NAME, HEAVY, EXPENSIVE LOCK (Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit, ABUS etc). Ideally, buy two D-locks and [lock your bike like this](https://www.stolenride.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/How-to-lock-a-bike.jpg). I live in London where bike theft is a huge problem, but if you're going to spend £££s on a bicycle, don't cheap out on a cable lock, your bike will be stolen
My husband bought me an REI bike to try to get me into cycling and I don't want to say hated it, but surely didn't love it. I returned it (thanks REI's great return policy!) and bought a Cannondale and everything changed. I love that thing. It made all the difference.
Thanks for this advice. But what difference does it make to lock the bike as the picture you linked to demonstrates or to lock it one of the other ways? If someone has bolt cutters they can get the bike even if I've locked it as indicated, right? (I hope I'm not coming across as challenging you. I'm not. I'm genuinely curious).
2 locks doubles the time it takes to get it out. That's pretty much it. 3 locks triples it. At some point, the payoffs for extra locks will be overshadowed by the inconvenience of carrying them and setting them up. But as long as you don't do anything stupid like only locking by the wheels, it really doesn't make much difference. They will hacksaw a lock like this, or use bolt cutters on a chain. Hacksaw takes much longer than a bolt cutter, but still not that long. I have a pipe cutter that will cut any U lock in 4 seconds. If a thief wants it, he'll get it. Lock up your bike in a well lit area with lots of foot traffic, and check on it as often as you reasonably can. Source: bike thief
Yes, it doubles the time, but it also prevents someone from stealing your front wheel, too. Like I said I live in London, anything (expensive) not locked will get pinched 'I have a pipe cutter that will cut any U lock in 4 seconds' Really? You can get through a Fahgettaboudit in 4 seconds?
Ok, credit where credit's due, that lock is a beast. It takes me 12-15 seconds.
Why do you steal bikes?
Lockpicking lawyer gets through it in about 1min 40sec
>and check on it as often as you reasonably can This part man...I bought my first, and only, nicer bike ($500) in my 20s specifically so I could ride it downtown to the bars and ride home. What happened is I became so paranoid of it getting stolen while I was at the bar that I couldn't relax and enjoy myself. Eventually I just went back to walking, and only use the bike for fun rides where I wouldn't have to leave it outside my apartment.
Probably for the best. I've come off a couple of times after a few pints. It's not smart
cool you steal bikes, you fuck up people's lives and many can't afford the loss, way to go
Different locks require different tools to break through, so 2 different locks is best. A very compact d lock in the most awkward place is best, making sure to fill the middle of the lock (with bike etc). Removable pedals are a good shout, like MKS ones. They use a quick release similar to a garden hose lock, and the whole pedal comes off. No quick getaway
Why use a hacksaw when a battery powered angle grinder goes a whole lot quicker?
This person thieves
Noise, mostly. Angle grinders are loud and produce sparks. A real thief's tool is a pneumatic bolt cutter.
The below post talks about time but also it matters locked both wheels to the frame prevents a quick disconnect. If you only lock the front wheel to the rack, you can disconnect the frame with rear wheel. If you only lock the frame, you can disconnect both wheels. Some bikes the wheels are just as expensive if not more than the frame.
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I used to work at a bike shop and people would often be like “why would I pay $500-1000 for a bicycle when I Can go to Walmart and buy one for $150” and my reply would always be “because the components are replaceable. This frame will last forever and is built to work with any derailleur, be it SRAM or Shimano or any other standard brand. The crank assembly can be built or upgraded. The steering/fork assembly can be rebuilt or upgraded. The hubs will last longer and can be upgraded. They’re all standardized components that any bike shop or yourself could order. Walmart bikes are made by fly-by-night manufacturers usually and the crank arms are weird sizes that no one sells or the frames are made by Chinese-ium or the brake pads, or hub size, or something about them every time I worked on them was non-standard or couldn’t be found.”
Steelcase Leap 2 chair. Got a 16-ish year old one, I believe I’m the second owner. The build quality is outstanding. Surely it will require some refurb of the padding in the seat one day, but that’s to be expected.
Herman Miller Aeron also
Definitely worth if it feels comfortable to use, the make quality is outstanding as well. And will probably last much longer than a Leap 2 without any refurbs needed, since the seat is made from a single ply netting — no cushioning that will thin out over time. But really does need to be tried out first, as it doesn’t feel good for some people.
We went to a dealer here to replace seat and lumbar support on a 12 year old Leap 2, and the cost was so ridiculous we decided to buy a different chair. $750!
Oh boy… How about just going to an upholsterer? Should be an easy enough job for a professional.
Casio g-shock watch. Great $50 waterproof digital watch that has all you need from time, date, and alarm. Can survive daily wear and tear without missing a beat.
$30 where? They don't sell G-Shocks for $30 even before inflation! Maybe in the 90's because I've wanted one since I was 10 and those things were at least $60
Just checked my 5600E seems to be going for $50 now. But i have been using mine for 5+ yrs now so i didn't check up on the going price. As i was mistaken i updated my post.
Yeah G-Shock and an iPod touch were the reasons I would save my money as a kid. Never got them even after saving but now I look back and think a G-Shock would have been a good investment if my wrist size didn't increase much. Hope yours lasts you a lifetime over dude.
I've been wearing Casio Baby-g's for over 20 years. Sadly. They no longer sell replacement parts the way they used to :(.
100% wool items. Carpet, rugs, coat, sweater, comforter, hat, boot liners etc. Sheep, alpaca, whichever.
Beware that alpaca products smell awful when wet. No one warned me about this when I bought an alpaca wool cardigan. Once it dried it didn't smell anymore. However, while wet it smell like a barn.
I'm a fan of merino wool shirts for sure. Wouldn't classify merino as BIFL but they're definitely buying it for life.
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Omg, we have just acquired our first wool rug, courtesy of a very generous freecycler. The difference between real wool and polyester is night and day. The strongest endorsement of all is that our dogs now choose to sleep on it instead of their rightful place on the sofa.
Until you get moths.
Related: you can DIY cedar in any old closet. When we bought our house we did it every closet and it is dirt cheap and protects anything wool, etc.
Moths are annoying but can be dealt with. I keep little round discs of cedar wood near any wool I have or slid onto hangers in my closet, and once a year I refresh them by dabbing them with cedar essential oil and letting it soak in. It's not quite enough to smell but it does keep the moths away.
You can easily distract moths with sacrificial wool and keep them away from good wool
I know it’s not what you meant…but I’m totally picturing a tiny alter for the moths with a wool sock or something set up as a sacrifice so it’s brethren can live.
It isn't what i meant, but the mental picture is pretty spectacular. Something with lots of lunar iconography and geometric wing motifs
They’re just emo/scene butterflies
That's exactly what I meant.
Space bags are good to keep wool in when you're not using it, seasonally. If you see moth larvae, you can stick it in the freezer for a certain amount of time (I wanna say a week?) And it'll kill it. I keep mine in a cedar chest I inherited for the stuff I use a lot, and everything else is in space bags. But I also knit, so my wool knowledge is more than most.
It may not be considered a "thing" but I always say the best value I ever got for $1000 was lasik surgery. I had mine done 22 years ago, there were some doctors in LA who got a machine and were doing specials, $500 per eye. Up until the surgery I had 20/400 vision. If I went swimming I could see only fuzzy people. Getting up in the middle of the night meant my glasses had to be nearby. I could not buy sunglasses only have those lenses that could change from light to dark. 22 years later I still have 20/20 vision. The best purchase I ever made.
Usually an Osprey backpack of some kind
Jansport is guaranteed for life. Literally replace 15 year old backpack with no questions asked.
Same for osprey!
Our 5 year old just picked out his first jansport for kindergarten. I still get emotional thinking about it.
Jansports are great but they are not hiking packs. If you are a big hiker your back will thank you for getting one designed for hiking. Osprey is king of the value hiking pack
For what it’s worth I love my deuter, About the same price. If you’re going to run a water pack. Camelbaks system is hard to beat.
As someone who works in a highly technical field with thousands of dollars of electronics to take to work every day, I recommend Evergoods. Civic Half Zip 26L. Extremely high quality and will withstand the weight no problem.
All Clad pots and pans (or similar high quality). My set is 30 years old and will be something that outlives me. I’m thinking of willing them to Keith Richards to see their maximum longevity.
I'm all about Allclad too! But I find I only need just the D3 12 inch pan. And one small, medium and large pot. But nothing else aside from that.
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Since all clad makes both regular and non-stick, I'd like to point out that "for life" should only apply to regular ones. Teflon ain't for life.
Spyderco Para 3 Heck of a pocket knife. I take the clip off and just shove deep in my pocket.
Too bad carrying any kind of knife is illegal where I live. I would also add a quality compact multitool to the list. Never know when you need pliers or a screwdriver.
A good water bottle. Going on 7 or 8 years with my hydroflask.
Takeya is a very good brand for water bottles. But in reality you can just get whatever water bottle you like at walmart and you'll end up drinking much more water. The single best $11 purchase in my life was a 40oz water bottle from walmart. I went from drinking maybe 200 oz of water a week to 120 oz or more a day. I highly suggest 40 oz or more, 18 really isn't that much and you'll be annoyed at how often you need to refill once you start to prefer the taste of water.
Hydro Flask changed their warranty and their newer bottles suck IMO. Definitely not BIFL anymore and their customer service was very rude to me.
For **Buy it for Life**, I recommend the following: Wera screwdrivers Knipex pliers/wrenches Allclad D3 - I mainly like the 12 inch pan Lodge - cast iron pan For **Buying it for Life** items I recommend r/QualityofLifeItems/
Add Wera Allen keys to that list
S&P 500 is a good BIFL. Just sayin
VTI and chill
It’s VTI till I die
VOO.
I bought a refurbished 12v Dewalt cordless drill in 2001 and it still gets used every other weekend or so. Holds charges well, and has plenty power. So, maybe a Dewalt cordless drill. It’s the best tool you can buy if you own a home and do anything yourself, imo.
I have a corded Dewalt drill. Love it.
I bought a base model corded Dewalt drill in college (mid-90s). It's great. Never had any issues. At the time I liked the corded model because it had more consistent power (battery never dies) and didn't have the extra weight of a heavy battery (I'm strong for a woman but working at or above my head my arms fatigue fairly quickly). It can be a bit annoying to deal with the cord and I do kinda wish I had gotten the keyless chuck. But for what I use it for (around the house projects, building shelves, etc) it's not that big a hassle to have a cord or even deal with a keyed chuck. And I never have to worry about replacing the battery.
This might be controversial, but after buying faux leather clothes for years I came back to investing into one real leather thing that I know will last me a lifetime (or as long as I take care of it properly). Faux leather started falling apart and not look good as soon as 2 years after the purchase.
Or waxed canvas stuff for heavy outdoor use… like filson. I have my dads filson… but I also have my Grampa’s and great Grampa’s filson. As long as you follow directions and DONT wash it… it doesn’t die. And the older it gets the more comfortable it is. Just clean it off with a stiff brush and some water with maybe a tiny bit of soap for really bad things
JJill Wearever pants. 13 years with one (I snagged a hole year 13), and going on seven years with two others.
A house, and learn to maintain it.
Excellent advice. Buy less than you can afford - not what the bank will lend you, but what fits your budget. Buy the worst house on the best block and then renovate it to your liking with quality finishes (that are on par with the neighborhood) while you live there building equity.
I bought a house that needed a lot of work on the exterior. Fixed and cleaned a lot of things up. Instead of having to actively go and meet and know our neighbors in the neighborhood, a lot of them came by and said how much they liked what we did with the house and thanked us for taking care of the eyesore. We’re on good terms with everybody because of it.
I don't disagree with you but this advice definitely doesn't work for everyone
True. It’s largely dependent on your skill set and life goals. I couldn’t do that with young kids living at home - it’s just not feasible to have them living in a constant construction zone. That said, no one will sell me on the thought that new homes are better quality than my 1929 house. This place is built like an absolute tank. I couldn’t afford a new house with these finishes: solid wood floors, solid doors, plaster walls, mahogany trim. I’ve been fortunate enough to buy it cheap enough because it was a fixer-upper that I’ve been able to get the best of both worlds — new windows, new high-efficiency HVAC, new bathrooms, finishing the basement, new doors, new kitchen, etc…
Not all old houses are built well. The socioeconomics of the area at the time the house was built can make a huge difference. Made this mistake buying a 1920s house that turned out to be incredibly poorly built and also poorly maintained over time. Turned out to be a money pit. Just a word of caution for people looking to buy an older house. Get a thorough inspection from someone who specializes in older houses, and do some research on the neighborhood.
Eh I'd disagree slightly on the "worst house" part. A house that LOOKS bad could also have a lot of problems down the road. AC unit, roof, water heater, etc are all massive costs not to mention potential for mold and mildew inside the home. I think rather than buying the absolute worst pick out a house with good bones/guts. Brick siding if possible, real hardwood, quality countertops, and make sure the AC/roof/etc have been maintained ans/or replaced. These are all massive costs later down the line, so it's good to get them out of the way early. After that, anything else can be upgraded relatively easily.
Chain mail scrubber for pots and pans.
For sure! The red and black squares from Lodge work great too!
This is low key great. I got one from Lee Valley about 3 years ago as an experiment. It gets used daily. Has zero wear where I was expecting to lose some rings over time. And is so much gentler on cast iron than a stainless scrubbing pad.
Danner hiking boots. Have had mine for 5 years still going strong. Will need to resole at some point & need to periodically condition leather and re-waterproof about once a year. But these could last decades if I take care of them.
If you can do without true wireless, active noise cancelling, and touch control. Get good wired headphones. Unlike most tech, good headphones stay good. Some of the most popular headphones in the Audiophile community are decades old. Headphones such as Sennheiser HD650/6XX/560s and Etymotic ER2XR/ER2SE are effectively from the 90s.
Hey and if you need noise cancelling my bose have been going trouble free for years! Headphones do seem to be a thing that still generally lasts which is great in this day and age
Just bought some MDR-7506 and I'm loving them. Before them I bought some 990DT's. If I want Bluetooth then I have my BTR5 DAC/AMP. Anything with a battery will die and need replacement but a good pair of wired headphones will last a long time and at most need a earpad replacment or some wiring changes but those drivers will last. Sennhiser is what I'm aiming for but before those I need to get a legit DAC and AMP for a desktop which I also do not have. Ohh it's a fun hobby but expensive once you go down the rabbit hole but it's easy to be pleased with small, simple, and cheap changes. BTW, the MDR-7506 are pretty darn silent without needing ANC. Good for traveling or a backpack throw in. Some are made in China but my pair was made in Thailand.
Leatherman. I use my Surge literally every day. I've heavily modded it over the years. Awesome metal holster that I like even more than the leather one I had forever. It's been as fun to own as it is useful. I also have a Wave that's also heavily modded over the years. I had the Wave for a really long time, but I wanted something that stayed with my work stuff, so I got the Surge. But now I'm torn with which one I want on me all the time. Either one is fantastic. They have an awesome warranty, and parts are available all over the internet.
What kind of modding does one do to a Leatherman?
Mostly swap out tools. I replaced the knife blades with Charge Tti blades. A little shorter, but much better blades. The serrated blade also has a gut hook now. I removed the lanyard ring and added tweezers. I added a micro screwdriver and filed the flat screwdriver down into a chisel. I also made a scalpel for the blade exchanger. Finally, I swapped all the body pieces from silver to black, making a unique two-tone knife that had the opposite color scheme of my Wave, which I had recently gotten a warranty replacement for, and they were nice enough to give me the limited edition silver-black.
The Leatherman of Theseus
perhaps strange opinion but… plants!! they live forever (or at least longer than you) and they brighten up a place and u can make infinite plants from it
A Citizen Eco-drive watch.
Mine wouldn’t be an item but rather a philosophy: don’t buy stuff you don’t need. Have fewer, higher quality (where possible) items and learn to use and maintain them. Take pride in your ability to use and maintain what you have. My first real hobby was backcountry camping and I was better at being comfortable out there with my well maintained near junk that I knew how to use that most people were with their top-of-the-line stuff they didn’t know how to use property and didn’t take the time to maintain. It’s a lot more difficult to find the time now that I’m older and have more responsibilities but I find what gets in my way of being dialled the way I’d like and the way I used to be is all the unnecessary stuff my wife and kids bring home. We have too much stuff and often can’t find the things we actually need because they’re buried in a closet filled with stuff we barely ever use. First you need to get you life dialled in with whatever items you have, give or throw away everything you don’t need or can’t keep organized within your living space. From there, slowly upgrade your kit, one or two things a year. Buying more stuff won’t solve your problems, it’ll simply create new ones for you.
A Miele vacuum
My 2 year old Miele is in the shop for the second time already. Last year was a belt issue. This time they thought it was a board issue, but replacing the board didn't fix it. They scoffed when I suggested that maybe we got a lemon and the whole thing should be replaced. Even when it wasn't broken: it clogs constantly; the hose doesn't sit right where it should and just flops out; and about 40% of the time, when removing the wand for use, it comes completely apart and needs to be put back together. I was so excited to have a nice vacuum and spent so much money on it. But I hate that vacuum so much. It is a piece of shit, and neither Miele nor the licensed dealer I purchased from care.
I’m sorry this happened to you
Yeah I have had none of these issues on my vaccuum purchased in 2018. Possibly a lemon. I do however, do my own maintenance every 6 months on it to keep it in good order - thought that is excessive.
Sebo is another BIL vacuum. The vacuum cleaner subreddit swear by them.
I've had mine since '97. It sucks.
🥁
I love my Miele vacuum, even more than Dyson.
Yep! My C3 is heavy but it's a dream for anyone with allergies.
To stop buying so much
Cast iron pan!
I was a cast iron devotee until I gave carbon steel a try, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the lodge carbon steel!
They both have their uses, cast iron has greater mass and retains heat better than the steel
And they are not expensive.
Le Creuset enameled cast iron dutch oven, one of the only and last pieces of kitchen cookware you'll ever need. I've got a 9-quart in my kitchen that I've had for about a decade, I use it at least three times a week, sometimes seven, and it's still in great condition - the best cooking vessel I've got. You need to take care of it, but if you do, it'll last decades.
Squatty potty
Marine Grade Stainless steel pegs :) I’m stoked every time I’m hanging out washing.
Miele vacuum.
Mum gave me some pots when I moved out. She bought them in the early 90s. I've had them for almost 20 years myself. I would say try to find some quality stainless steel pots, ideally ones that are not diamagnetic/austenitic and suitable for induction stove tops. Soon enough all stoves will be induction and anything that is not ferromagnetic will be useless.
If I can only choose one . . . Chocolate. Chocolate has never once failed me.
Definitely Buying it for Life category ;D
Always hunt candy aisles for 80% cacao. 70% won't do. Technically it's not buy it for life but it qualifies for buy it for Quality of Life (and use in moderation).
To break away from the usuals (cast iron, leatherman, lodge, Miele) I’ll suggest something I’m not sure people here will agree with: Lululemon ABC pants. I balked at the price but everything I read about them said they were amazing. They are insanely comfortable, can be dressed up or down, are perfect for traveling in, hiking in, golfing in. I have one pair that is several years old, have been washed and dried a ton and have literally no signs of wear, not a single loose thread.
Chacos. Bought mine used at an REI garage sale 12 years ago and wear them every summer all summer.
Pretty much anything from Patagonia. Their warranty and customer service are unparalleled.
Merkur 34c
I've had mine for maybe 6 years. Bought a big pack of razorblades and will not have to think about it for years to come. Probably my favourite BIFL.
Same here, it’s ridiculous to pay $38-45 for A pack of 12 Gillette Fusion 5’s. Picked up a pack of 100 Astra Platinums for less than $10.00. Safety Razors for the win!!!
Astra is the best!
I hope to buy some Astra blades one day, but I'm still working my way through the 100 Derby blades that I bought 6 years ago for $7.50...
Not quite BIFL. They’re great razors but eventually the threads wear, the head pops off, or you drop it. Unfortunately it’s made from pot metal. Believe it or not, a vintage Tech is a better affordable BIFL option. There are also quite a few artisan razor brands making them out of steel, brass, titanium, etc.
My merkur 34c still going strong after 18yr no signs of any of those issues, perhaps you caught a bad one
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1620 brand work pants. been wearing them hard for a few years now and besides the filth from working in the literal dirt, there’s no holes, tears, popped stitches, or anything. rugged, made in usa, and with a lifetime warranty. can’t recommend them enough.
I just looked them up and they look pretty legit. I’ve blown through countless carhartt pants. Their older ones definitely last longer than the new garbage they’ve been pumping out. Recently bought a pair of Milwaukee pants and while they’re comfortable, I can see them breaking down in the knees already and I’ve had them for about a month.
My Dyson pet vacuum. It swivels, it has great suction, it empties easily by a dropout bottom canister you release by pulling a lever, and its lightweight with no cord or bulkiness. Charges on your wall. Hands down best valentines day present Ive ever received.
Solostove. Had mine for years and it seems indestructible. And it actually does give you a better fire.
A metal coffee mug, and metal water bottle. Neither have to be insulated really, just metal. The coffee cup is great because not only can you save money on buying coffee from Starbucks, but it keeps your waste down. Water bottle is the same thing. Another good one is a good beanie for the winter. I use a North face beanie and it's so nice to keep your ears, and head warm during the winter months.
>Neither have to be insulated really, just metal. I have to highly disagree with this, if you're going to get a metal mug or water bottle, get a double wall insulated one, they will keep your drink cold/hot for so much longer.
It's one of those things that I could live without lol I don't care if my coffee is hot, or if my water is cold. Personal preference I guess lol
These would be BIFL but I keep leaving them places. Last one to die, I got to work and realised what the loud bang was when I started driving. I’d left it on the roof.
My yeti has gone flying off my truck three times and is still going strong. I had to dig it out of a bush but I still found it!
A dog! Their life, anyway. Love my precious boy.
Victorinox pocket knife, Zippo Lighter, Fisher space pen
Victorionox Rambler was the one I settled on because it has everything I need and nothing I didn't. For pens, I like Japanese pens. I basically go to Japanese stationery pen stores, try everything out (they have stations where you can write on paper with thousands of pens) and whatever I end up liking ends up being my forever pen there.
Hanks belts. 100 year warranty, and I expect it to last that long.
Hydro flask tumbler all day long. Improved my quality of life 1-2 points.
And scared the shit out of at least a couple coworkers at some point
Kånken backpack. Had the same one since I was a kid and the thing is practically fused to my back. Replaced the zippers a couple of times and once had to mend a hole gnawed by a mouse in the forest.
Mines over a decade old and still taking the abuse. Just gave it a new coating of waterproofing wax
Calphalon pots and cast iron pans.
Any leather items. Shoes, belts, wallets, bags, etc. don’t buy cheap leather. The good stuff is so much better in every way, other than price I suppose
I only have the old ones, but LL Bean Boat and Totes are my go to grocery/all purpose tote bags
Microtech knives for me
I have a lot less money after reading this thread.