The last [ ] I will ever buy

[CheapScholar]

Anyone willing to share high quality products that should last the rest of your life?  The older I get and closer to FI, the more I want to avoid buying inferior products that will end up in landfills.  Brand specific and prices would prove helpful. 

[dcheesi]

Lots of examples here:

https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/reader-recommendations/buy-it-for-life!/

[Dave1442397]

Ekornes Stressless recliner. I bought one in 2001. I treat the leather every six months, and it still looks like new. It's also the most comfortable reading chair I've ever sat in.

[fatcow240]

Straight Razor, whetstone, strop.  -I'm a little worried that I will have to replace the strop one day.
Cast iron skillet

[OtherJen]

My stainless steel cookware with steel handles. Most of it is Calphalon, although one piece is Farberware. The 8-quart stockpot is the oldest piece at 17 years old and is still in excellent shape.

[dcheesi]

Oh, and it's worth noting the universal disclaimer for all BifL recommendations: They don't [always] make 'em like they used to!

Tons of product lines that were once BifL quality have since degraded that quality in search of the almighty Wal-Mart's approval dollar. Kitchen-Aid mixers, various tools brands, clothing, etc.

The big problem with that being that by the time you know that the product you bought was truly BifL, more than enough time has passed for the manufacturer to totally change the product (often while keeping the superficial attributes the same). So it's hard to make BifL recommendations with absolute confidence.

[OtherJen]

Oh, and it's worth noting the universal disclaimer for all BifL recommendations: They don't [always] make 'em like they used to!

Tons of product lines that were once BifL quality have since degraded that quality in search of the almighty Wal-Mart's approval dollar. Kitchen-Aid mixers, various tools brands, clothing, etc.

The big problem with that being that by the time you know that the product you bought was truly BifL, more than enough time has passed for the manufacturer to totally change the product (often while keeping the superficial attributes the same). So it's hard to make BifL recommendations with absolute confidence.

That’s why I hesitated to list my Kitchen-Aid mixer (9 years old), Cuisinart food processor (17 years old), or anything else electronic. I don’t know yet if these models will last for decades and even if they do, later changes in manufacturing may not benefit the consumer.

[JanetJackson]

My Dingo brand boots.
I got them at the Thrift Store that my grandmother managed.  I'd work help her out there in the summers before I was old enough to legally work and she'd give me store credit.  I got them when I was 13 or 14 years old.  I remember scoffing that they were up-priced to $3 when the rest of the shoes were $2, but I bought them anyways.

I'm 34 now.  I still wear them, and wear them hard.



I often find myself Ebay searching for older versions of good brands... from eras when companies made things to last more often.  I have a newer LL bean rain jacket that's already ripping, but a 1990's LL Bean sweater that's in excellent condition- from thrifting a lot I've noticed the quality changes between eras. 

[SimpleCycle]

My Cuisinart food processor is from the 70s, and I am quite sure it will last most of my life.  I am worried I may not be able to find a replacement bowl if the plastic deteriorates.

[FireHiker]

We bought a full set of All Clad pans for our joint Christmas gift to ourselves/each other in 2009. They are still in perfect condition even though they are used every day. Barring a catastrophic loss of our entire house (we do live in an area that has burned in the past) I believe we'll have these for life.

[TheWifeHalf]

Oh, and it's worth noting the universal disclaimer for all BifL recommendations: They don't [always] make 'em like they used to!

Tons of product lines that were once BifL quality have since degraded that quality in search of the almighty Wal-Mart's approval dollar. Kitchen-Aid mixers, various tools brands, clothing, etc.

The big problem with that being that by the time you know that the product you bought was truly BifL, more than enough time has passed for the manufacturer to totally change the product (often while keeping the superficial attributes the same). So it's hard to make BifL recommendations with absolute confidence.

I have read that Kitchenaid mixers are not what they used to be. Mine is from 1981, so one of the good ones. I hate to mention the company that took over, because I would hate to be wrong, but it's like a lot of things, new owner, new quality standards.

Same story with Husqvarna/Viking sewing machines

[Cranky]

The great thing about getting old is that I reasonably to expect some of my LED light bulbs to outlive me!

[Altons Bobs]

Can I say my house? I'm never moving again.

My Kitchenaid mixer that I've had for years started making clicking noise, not quite sure what it is. I bought it brand new, it was a deal, when Kohls still did multiple % off coupons, with price match, rebates, that 6qt pro beast was only $32 after all the discounts. I was going to take it apart to see if I could fix it, then there was a deal for the same mixer, I bought it. The old one is sitting in my hobby room. When I get some time, I'll see if I can fix it. So Kitchenaid is not something that lasts.

I also love my All-Clad, got all my pieces at discounts, at different times. They will outlive me.

[nkt0]

The last car i will ever buy: my 1999 Mazda Miata.

[BTDretire]

I have read that Kitchenaid mixers are not what they used to be. Mine is from 1981, so one of the good ones. I hate to mention the company that took over, because I would hate to be wrong, but it's like a lot of things, new owner, new quality standards.

Same story with Husqvarna/Viking sewing machines

We have passed a  Kitchenaid mixer down to my daughter from that era.
 She disassembled it and regreased the gear assembly.
That kid will tackle anything!

[TheWifeHalf]

Can I say my house? I'm never moving again.

My Kitchenaid mixer that I've had for years started making clicking noise, not quite sure what it is. I bought it brand new, it was a deal, when Kohls still did multiple % off coupons, with price match, rebates, that 6qt pro beast was only $32 after all the discounts. I was going to take it apart to see if I could fix it, then there was a deal for the same mixer, I bought it. The old one is sitting in my hobby room. When I get some time, I'll see if I can fix it. So Kitchenaid is not something that lasts.

I also love my All-Clad, got all my pieces at discounts, at different times. They will outlive me.

What year did you buy it? Whirlpool took over in 1986

[Altons Bobs]

What year did you buy it? Whirlpool took over in 1986

Kitchenaid mixer?  Just a few years ago.

[sparkytheop]

I'm another one for cast iron!  If you can find it cheap in a second hand store, get it.  I paid $2 for my two favorites (I had a $10 off purchase coupon or it would have been $12).  I have my daily user and a few others.  My dutch oven gets used for all kinds of things.  We use cast iron almost exclusively, and my son already has a set of his own for when he moves out (he was legitimately concerned about how he would cook without CI, lol)

Handmade/hand crafted items.  I have a lunch box a welder buddy of mine made (with diamond plate for the sides).  It's a heavy beast, and I'm sometimes worried I'm going to break the glass door at one entry to the building I work in, but that lunch box will last my lifetime and then some.  If you don't have a buddy to make you one, there are much lighter lunchboxes to be found through https://www.lunchbox.ca/  They are not cheap, but well made.  I have a small red one (it ended up being a little too small for me, which is why my friend made one for me) that has survived all kinds of abuse.  It even accidentally got left on a back bumper, hit the road going 50+ miles an hour, and came away with only one tiny scratch (I was fortunate someone was behind me when it fell and they flagged me down to return it).

My insanely heavy kitchen table, chairs, and coffee table are also all handmade items from some old timer craftsmen.  Cannot beat the quality.

[Dances With Fire]

Can I say my house? I'm never moving again.

My Kitchenaid mixer that I've had for years started making clicking noise, not quite sure what it is. I bought it brand new, it was a deal, when Kohls still did multiple % off coupons, with price match, rebates, that 6qt pro beast was only $32 after all the discounts. I was going to take it apart to see if I could fix it, then there was a deal for the same mixer, I bought it. The old one is sitting in my hobby room. When I get some time, I'll see if I can fix it. So Kitchenaid is not something that lasts.

I also love my All-Clad, got all my pieces at discounts, at different times. They will outlive me.

Yes! The DW and I never plan on moving again as well. (Retirement community if/when that may become necessary.) Paid for house, LCOLA. We also plan to travel a little more and less "stuff"= less worry, etc.

 (Most) cookware of any kind. Don't see a need for anything more?

[Brother Esau]

+1 on the All Clad. Stuff is bomb proof.

[AccidentalMiser]

Stihl Chainsaw MS362
Branson tractor 4520R
Honda Accord
Gentleman Jon safety razor
Kitchenaid Mixer
Echo Weed Trimmer

[Abe Froman]

Trophy Wife.
Its cheaper to keep her

[Mezzie]

Most things in my kitchen are going to be there till the end: pots I bought 20 years ago, cast iron skillets, Vitamix, kitchen aid, slow cooker, cast iron stovetop waffle iron, toaster oven, glass and metal storage containers. I did get an Instant Pot; I hope it lasts, but they're too new to know yet.

Craftsman tools (20+ years old at the moment).

City and hiking wheelchairs. It helps that there's a bike mechanic in the family that can hook me up with repairs (the hiking wheelchair in particular is very bike-like).

Mobility scooter... maybe? Had my first big maintenance on it at year three. I think it should hold up. I've met people that have had theirs 10+ years. Before that, they were significantly heavier, so everyone I've met traded up. I could see doing the same if they are ever able to make the battery piece and drive piece lighter.

Bicycle

Flowerpots.

Fountain pens.

Fountain highlighters.

Lapdesk for writing. I splurged and got a beautiful bamboo one to replace the plastic one I had as a kid.

Safety razor (it costs $10 for three years' worth of blades).

Some well-made, classic style dresses.

Super nice winter coat.

Hand-carved cribbage board.

Nice wood and stone chessboard.

I've got some nice things. It was nice towrite them down. :)

[TomSelleckJR]

Trophy Wife.
Its cheaper to keep her

LOL  You truly are the sausage king!

[nazar]

Trek 700.  My 24 year old beater bike is still my go to for urban riding.

[lizzzi]

Just ordered a Kennedy 22" toolbox to hold my rather basic collection of tools and my harp tuning stuff. My old Craftsman red metal toolbox went to the auction by mistake...fortunately with very little inside it. I expect to be dead in 20 years or so, so hope the Kennedy is a good product that will last at least that long.

[lefty]

EJ fender Strat

[Monocle Money Mouth]

Some leather products are good candidates for lifetime purchases.

My mom bought me a nice Coach water buffalo leather wallet as a wedding gift. It's still holding up well after 11 years. Most leather wallets I've had in the past have gotten pretty chewed up after a few years.

I usually get a lot of use out of my belts. I just replaced a Levi's leather belt I've had for 20 years. It is still in tact, but it's gotten a little deformed over the years. It's not a straight strip of leather anymore. It'll be good enough for yard work or other dirty chores. I just got a Duluth Trading Company lifetime belt yesterday for my daily non-dirty work use. It seems to be pretty sturdy, but I'll have to wait and see if this actually does last a lifetime.

Refrigiwear Fat Cap. I got one of these when I used to work in a refrigerated warehouse (-20F in the coldest room). the cap is warm and has held up through numerous washings since I got it back in 2009. I don't anticipate needing to replace it. True to it's name, it is fatter than the most knit caps you see in retail stores. If you care about staying warm more than looking good, this is a great cap.

[soccerluvof4]

Another one for my cast iron pan! Season and take care of and it will out last two life times.

[facepalm]

All Clad pans: Had them for about 15 years. Same goes for the Le Creuset 5.5 quart dutch oven. Forschner Knives.

Alden shoes. Expensive. Worth it.

I have a Mulholland Bros. wallet that I have had for 10 years; I just can't seem to kill it. My last Filson wallet I killed in 6.

I still have some Snap-On tools from my former life.

When I travel, all my gear goes into duffel bags. I buy Best American Duffel bags; they are indestructible, Made in the USA, and have been around forever.

Toyota Camry: I just can't kill it, though I would like to trade it for a Willys Jeep. But I don't need a Jeep, so the Camry stays.

Straight Razor, whetstone, strop.  -I'm a little worried that I will have to replace the strop one day.

Neat! I always like running into folks that shave with a straight.

I used a straight for a while--I had a few C.V. Heljestrands and a Filarmonica--But I could never get the shave I wanted. So I switched back to  DE shaving, and bought a few Ikons, which work really well. I bought enough Polsilvers to last a lifetime (I think I have 1500 or so) so I think I won't be spending any money on shave gear for a while.

[SunnyDays]

Ekornes Stressless recliner. I bought one in 2001. I treat the leather every six months, and it still looks like new. It's also the most comfortable reading chair I've ever sat in.

Yes!  I have one too, and it's the comfiest chair ever.  Although unfortunately the cats sometimes like to sharpen their claws on it, so the leather is no longer pristine.

[SunnyDays]

Oh, and of course, any model of Toyota.
Plus Beauty Rest mattresses.