this post was submitted on 31 Jan 2025
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Buy it for Life
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A place to share practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last, with an emphasis on upcycled and sustainable products!
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Like others have said it depends what you are looking for, but durable goods still exist. I'm generally on the look for tech but digital tech isn't really going to be BIFL no matter what and no one really makes analog or mechanical tech anymore. Asking around in this community and others like it for suggestions for specific things that you are looking for may be your best bet. Additionally, some folks like myself will occasionally write up a review on something that they have bough new that has the makings of being durable.
Basically what I look for is how "stout" does the thing feel (does it feel like it might fall apart just looking at it?), will it fail gracefully (will it remain somewhat functional even if parts of it have failed), how difficult will it be to repair (in the case of tech how is it sealed and are parts available), and what is the reputation of the company in question (do they make trash or do their things last a while). Edit: Another thing I look for is, is the thing overly complicated in design. The simpler it is made the more likely it is to survive the kind of abuse I am likely to put it through.
As for locally made, I wouldn't worry about that overly much. Just because something was "Artisanally crafted" does not mean that it was necessarily well made.
You mentioned clothing specifically so I'll put in a good word for Carhartt's work wear. Most of their stuff that I've owned has been destroyed through actual abusive use and not shoddy workmanship. I can also vouch for Saddleback Leather, at least as of about 10 years ago. The bags I've bought from them are still going strong despite borderline abusive treatment by me. Not sure of their current reputation though and their owner is a bit "odd". Military surplus also tends to be well made, assuming it is actual surplus. I've seen multiple examples here in the US where cheap Chinese copies have been put on the shelves and called surplus, particularly with uniforms and bags.
For tools, I'm fond of Husky and Kobalt hand tools and Ryobi power and yard tools, though in truth I haven't had to buy new tools in 10-ish years, Though I did just have a Ryobi leaf blower die on me after 6 years service. Still debating with myself whether to replace it with another Ryobi blower or begin transitioning to Ego. Which is another tool company I hear very good things about.
I myself yearn to still be able to buy analog and mechanical things (varying, obvs; i.e im in good health so i dont need an electric salt shaker, etc) but they're weirdly uncommon now, you just cant repair electrics the same :( (through random prodding, lol)
thank you for the appraising method reccomendation! I did also wanna quickly say that when I say local I don't mean 'artisinal' but more 'i would rather avoid shipping costs, unneeded transport (for sustainanility reasons), and if you source things overseas, it's likely a bigger name i.e, prone to enshittification. Is that odd? should I bite the bullet and even buy second hand from overseas?
also, I've tried looking at surplus, but it's really hard to sort through (feels like its your mentioned cheap chinese copies), or is being sold for 'collecting' (i.e vintage and very expensive)
Digital gear is cheaper, lighter, and FAR more compact. The trade off is that it just doesn't last as long. As for repair, It's not really more difficult (so long as you can get the chips), it's just a different skill set is required than in the past. Gen Z would be baffled looking at an old tube amp or spring reverb. God help them if they dug into an old Pinball or DJ machine from the 60's or 70's.
I get you. I'm part of that supply chain, drive a truck for a living.
Not sure where your from, but here in the US it is almost impossible to buy locally made for anything except services. Manufacturing is too thinly spread out, assuming you can even find something US made. Best we can do here is to try and buy from local suppliers where possible, which for many of the things I often need is not always possible.
Secondhand junk is still junk. Though, if you can get it for a reasonable price you might get some use of it and delay it's trip to the dump. Though it has to be extremely discounted for me to bite.
Military surplus is VERY regional. Here in the US, most of the Cold War surplus got sold off back in the early 2000's. Iraq and Afghanistan didn't generate nearly the build up of excess material that Vietnam did, hence the slim pickings. Given the World landscape, I'd say the picking will be slim for a good long while.
can't say you're wrong there, its just that when something has a mechanical handle or button it seems so much more reliable (touchscreen cars, anyone?)
truly? I had considered buying things pre-owned would mean that they had proven their durability? (In addition to sidestepping ethical concerns, as presented by buying new) i guess theres many kinds of second hand. does military surplus count?
Hey, won't need to look for surplus when conscripted, right?