So what are some other 'buy it once, it lasts a lifetime' type products?

[microsoft windows]

I suppose that you can't argue that trucks are 'manly', but I've noticed that most truck owners rarely buy them for their intended manly use. For most it seems to be primarily about image. Truck beds are almost always empty, not a single scratch or dent to be found, big shiny chrome rims, and most seem to rarely if ever used for towing.  Kinda negates the whole manly thing, imo.

Now would probably be a good time to admit that in addition to my track Miata, I also own a Ford SUV and a Honda Civic. :wink:

I don't really agree with you there. I use my old truck for hauling brush and big things that don't fit in the car. And so do many other people I know.

[ThirdLap]

I don't really agree with you there. I use my old truck for hauling brush and big things that don't fit in the car. And so do many other people I know.

There are exceptions to everything.  I'm mostly referring to the guys who buy trucks and basically treat them like show cars.  That's not manly, that's what you do when you want others to perceive you that way.  

Look at all the countries throughout Europe.  Nearly no one owns a pickup, yet they somehow manage just fine. Funny, that.

[Ekaros]

There are exceptions to everything.  I'm mostly referring to the guys who buy trucks and basically treat them like show cars.  That's not manly, that's what you do when you want others to perceive you that way.  

Look at all the countries throughout Europe.  Nearly no one owns a pickup, yet they somehow manage just fine. Funny, that.

True, even here in Finland which has very low population density and pretty rugged winter there isn't many pick-ups around. They are more US and Australian thing.

I think pickups isn't too handy either, if you need to move lot of stuff often around with you I think vans are handier and if only occasionally there isn't much trouble to get a trailer...

[ricercar]

A pickup makes a great 3rd vehicle. If you don't want three vehicles, then rent a truck when you need to move ****.

[zmurf]

In Sweden most farmers have a pickup as 2nd vehicle. Most popular is the Nissan King Cab...

[jpc]

Ah! I found a pic of the even shinier 1391401 that I sold earlier this year.

This pic was taken without even trying to illustrate the shininess, but check out the B, H, N, M, and L keys.



birth certificate:

[didjamatic]

I think this is from armor all or something.

[didjamatic]

ALPS don't count.  Those keys are thinner than 50 Cents new look.

Show Image

Is that barrel distortion or did his head grow and his body shrunk?

[ThirdLap]

Nissan.  Looks middling to me.

Can't really go wrong with either.  The only complaint I have about our '07 Civic with 90k miles is that the damn sunvisors keep breaking.

Pleasantly surprised to see Ford reasonably high up on the list.  We have a fully-loaded '09 Escape Limited that has been trouble-free so far.

[ThirdLap]

Is that barrel distortion or did his head grow and his body shrunk?

Wondering the same thing. Is that really him?

[EDIT: Nevermind, found it. "The rapper, who plays a football player with cancer in the upcoming film "Things Fall Apart," dropped from 214 pounds to 160 in nine weeks after liquid dieting and running on a treadmill three hours a day."]

[microsoft windows]

Fords in general are good vehicles, with an exception of a few including the Pinto.

[keyboardlover]

Ford is pretty high on most lists right now, actually. They've got great styling, features people like, and decent variety in their lineup.

Ew! Did you use 'great styling' and 'Ford' in the same sentence? IMO their styling is quite bland and in general they can't compete. The Japanese competitors are typically all better looking and better in general.

[gun_sl1nger]

I have had one of these for years.



20 licks on a whetstone and it is sharp again. Carry it everywhere, use it everyday.

Chris Reeve Small Sebenza
Beadblasted Titanium Scales, one side locks the blade in place (called a frame lock)
Blade is S30V (A type of super steel which holds a functional edge for a long time)
Milled Via CNC then hand finished. Each blade is individually fitted to the Knife Scales for a perfect fit and super strong lockup.

Beautiful, functional, last a lifetime. Plus once every few years, you send it back to the knife foundry and they refurb it to make it like new.

[Voixdelion]

Interesting - IMHO the" best looking models of today" that are presented by Ford are highly reminiscent of the Accords of yesterday.

and sewing machines only last nearly forever.  There are some with plastic molded gears that eventually disintegrate like the plastics on the autos - whole solid pieces that just crumble under pressure.  Then its time for a new one that will last the next 20 to 30 years if its built right.  The heavier the better.  Chad actually rescued a neat cast iron one with a foot pedal action from a thriftstore for like 30 bucks.  Kind of an industrial antique or something, but quite pretty actually once he spiffed it up.  Weighs a dang ton though, so its still at the place he used to live

[8_INCH_FLOPPY]

Just about anything built between 1950 and 1968 is probably going to last 100 years longer than anything built in the last 30 years.  Huge generalization, but mostly true.  First thing that comes to mind is classic cars, then old tools, radios, etc.  Of course, you probably wouldn't want to keep your 60 year old refrigerator.  I mentioned that, b/c my neighbor has a 60 year old refrigerator that's never had a problem.  It consumes a lot of power...

[Findecanor]

Iand sewing machines only last nearly forever.

I would have mentioned my Husqvarna from the 1940's already if only the zigzag stitch wasn't broken. It works as a tank otherwise, though.

[Voixdelion]

Oh yeah - forgot the one thing I should have realized as a "buy once and keep forever" item.  Amazing how it slipped by considering I am surrounded by them taking up space all over the house... BOOKS!  Just reminded m'self because I gave in and purchased a service a manual for both vehicles in the house.  Though I think the bimmer guide is gonna get a bit more use than the honda one, it is nice to know how to diagnose the Check Engine Light with a paper clip...  Makes it a bit easier to start calling around for estimates when you know beforehand what  job they'll be estimating.

[Ekaros]

As for longevity of cars, I took this picture in Stockholm in the summer of 2009. Pre-1980s Mercedes-Benzes seem to last forever.

Hmm 16k£ for service of old Merc?!?

[Voixdelion]

Show Image

Gotta tell ya, I'm not seeing it lol.

Is that a mustang? That looks more like a chevy than a ford - sorta like a camaro on steroids.  Or maybe a chevy/Dodge bastard child of the camaro and a charger.  

But seriously, I remember working at a Honda dealership when the body style on the accord was all the new buzz on the changes and the new coupe (generation 7).   To me anything that looks like that cross between that slightly boxy style merged with audi front end look reminds me of an Accord since then, but do like the looks of that Generation Accords much better than the 80's angular edges they used to have (which reminds me of a Camry or the rather blah Infinity styling).  But how can you not see the similarity?  Without the seeing the logo I would have a bit a of trouble picking out the Ford from twenty paces away among the following:

[Shawn Stanford]

I'm just curious if anybody has an IBM that's shinier because that isn't all that shiny.

My long-term (10+ years) Model M is shiny, especially along the home row. A lot of those keys feel smooth to the touch, while the numeric keypad keys feel like sandpaper by comparison.

Born on date for this one is June of 93. I pushed a lot of COBOL, REXX and JCL through it before bringing it home a couple years ago. Then it was my main home keyboard until I bought a Space Saving to accomodate the keyboard tray on my desk last year.

Hmm... I just noticed that the 'y' key sometimes misses when I'm hitting it at an angle.

[JaccoW]

Aerobie frisbees:

That is, until you eventually use it too close to the ocean and it disappears in the waves.

[itlnstln]

These frisbees are even better:

[Rajagra]

I've always wanted an indestructible umbrella. Maybe I should get one of these. The ability to harm people with it would be a bonus.

[Infinite north]

Show Image

Is that cherry corp marketing and distribution manager I see in the background?


Also kitchen-aid makes garbage since the brand name left hobart. if you want their good stuff you have to buy it vintage.

[ricercar]

What background?

[Zerius]

a pool cue

[NewbieOneKenobi]

I actually have a bespoke suit jacket that's older than I am. Well, my dad was pretty much the same size back in the time.

[ironman31]

Just got this Saddleback wallet. They tell me it'll last 100 years... We shall see.

[Input Nirvana]

Ironman-
FYI:
Full-grain leather vs. split-grain.....BIG difference in wear. Who knows about 100 years....such silly pride!!!!!

[captain]

Eames Chair

[captain]

Holy condom

[larsolav]

Tupperware kitchen products will last a lifetime.

Mum and dad have had one of these since the 1980s, still not a scratch:



They have also got one of these moccamaster coffeemakers since the 80s, still in use:

[McWilloughby]

I have a Pioneer RX-Z71 hifi that my dad bought in 1989. I've been using it every day for my PC audio/record player since about 2006 and it was our family stereo before that. Parts of it are slowly dying, the CD player was the first to go, now the cassette decks don't work though I haven't needed them since ~1999 and I had to replace the belt on the record player a few years ago. Other than that it seems in pretty good shape and when the receiver finally dies I'll probably just buy or build an amp so I can still use the speakers.

As for other stuff that should last a lifetime: studio recording gear. The recording studio at my college had a (beautiful) Mackie analogue desk which was only a few years younger than me as well as several microphones that were (probably) older than me. A Shure SM57 or SM58 will survive pretty much anything, you can throw them at walls and they'll still sound just as good as they did prior to the abuse (not that I'm recommending it). Basically any decent quality studio microphone as long as you treat it properly.

[microsoft windows]

The Macintosh SE is a good "buy it once and it lasts a lifetime" product. I've got 6 or 7 of them all in good running shape, and many of them are over 25 years old now.

[DrSchlock]

Mechanical Clocks. I have a small collection of them, some of which have lasted several lifetimes.

[noisyturtle]

Condoms. Man that one has been sitting in my wallet forever.

[TheSoulhunter]

A decent microwave. Mine is still going after 20 years.

Somewhat it sad that before kitchen appliances lasted 15-20 years(in my house the electric-oven/stove, fridge/freezer and dishwasher each lasted at least 15 years I think, and fridge still going strong for 20 year which is about my age...)
And now just 3-4 years at worst...

It's called "planned obsolescence"

Back then companys tried to get customers by trying to build the best product for the price,
but then they realized that its much more lucrative to sell the customer a new product every 3-5 years.


Basically there are 3 ways to "encourage" a customer to replace a old product with a new one:

1. Technological innovation

For example...
Cameras: More megapixels, HD Video, Wifi
Cars: Lower fuel consumption, better security features
TVs: LCD / Plasma, Brightness and Contrast, HD Ready / Full HD / 3D


2. Fashion / Trend / More modern design

Shape and color choices of the products
New features and gimmicks that are "trendy" right now


3. If the old product breaks


1. and 2. wont work well on a lot products (Ever felt the need to get a new washing machine because the new model looks more trendy? Me neither!)
So they have to resort to 3. (Doesn't mean they don't do it for products that fit in category 1. and/or 2. tho)
Perhaps read about the Phoebus Cartel, one of the early attempts for planned obsolescence...

[TheSoulhunter]

Btw, "Hilti" should be added to the powertool list, Id rank it even higher than the others... Hilti > Dewalt > Makita, Milwaukee, others

[YMSNoms]

Most jewelery could be clased as lifetime products, then again I'm wearing a friendship bracelet a very good friend of mine gave me almost 15 years ago so that works too.

[mikaelse]

I have a soft spot for built to last stuff,
Nr 1 My HP41CV scientific calculator made 1980 and used every day at work. never repaired. Will outlast me. Modern with 9 month battery and fully programmable. Even every button can be assigned.
Nr 2 My outdoor pants made by Fjällräven. 20+ years. Military grade cotton
Nr 3 Lexus LS400 car 1995. feels like it has another 20 years to go

Mikael

[fohat.digs]

In the late 1970s my (then) girlfriend asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told her "a really good knife"

She went to the hardware store and the clerk talked her into getting me the best needle-nosed pliers that they carried.

At the time, I was disappointed, but now, over half a lifetime later, they are still as excellent as they were new.

I rarely think about her, but I use those pliers all the time.

Thanks, Joyce!
 

[rowdy]

In the late 1970s my (then) girlfriend asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told her "a really good knife"

She went to the hardware store and the clerk talked her into getting me the best needle-nosed pliers that they carried.

At the time, I was disappointed, but now, over half a lifetime later, they are still as excellent as they were new.

I rarely think about her, but I use those pliers all the time.

Thanks, Joyce!
 

Did you ever end up getting a really good knife?

And if so, has it lasted as well as the pliers?

[fohat.digs]

Did you ever end up getting a really good knife?

And if so, has it lasted as well as the pliers?

I have had a number of knives (dozens) and they are all different. I have developed a liking (in certain situations) for "crap" knives made from soft steel that will take a great edge but won't hold it for long.

My best long-term knife is probably an 8" chef's knife that I got for a wedding present in 1992.

When my father died, I got his favorite needle-nose, which looks stupid but works well, and may be nearly as old as I am, but the ones Joyce gave me are better.

[tp4tissue]

In the late 1970s my (then) girlfriend asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told her "a really good knife"

She went to the hardware store and the clerk talked her into getting me the best needle-nosed pliers that they carried.

At the time, I was disappointed, but now, over half a lifetime later, they are still as excellent as they were new.

I rarely think about her, but I use those pliers all the time.

Thanks, Joyce!
 

Hope ur wife doesn't chk up on ur forum posts reminiscing about old GFs..   I herd wive h8s that..

[fohat.digs]

Hope ur wife doesn't chk up on ur forum posts reminiscing about old GFs.

Don't worry, it all happened long before you were even born.

[tp4tissue]

Hope ur wife doesn't chk up on ur forum posts reminiscing about old GFs.

Don't worry, it all happened long before you were even born.

Tp4 is an entity that transcends time..

I was there and will always be.. 

[RickyJ]

I'm using my dad's old first-gen Fluke 83 multimeter from 1990, I just had to fix some bad solder joints and it works great!  I want to get a Fluke 289 to be able to do even more, but I still won't get rid of this 83!  It's still faster than the "good" Bosch meters at school.

[nubbinator]

My i486 DX2.  I was told when I bought it that I would never have to upgrade again.

[tp4tissue]

Condoms. Man that one has been sitting in my wallet forever.

You're too picky...   psssshh

[Yoe]

I'm using my dad's old first-gen Fluke 83 multimeter from 1990, I just had to fix some bad solder joints and it works great!  I want to get a Fluke 289 to be able to do even more, but I still won't get rid of this 83!  It's still faster than the "good" Bosch meters at school.

+1 on the Fluke multimeters! Quality stuff!

My contributions to the list:

- Quality turntables like the Technics SL-1200/1210
- Classic Burberry or Aquascutum Trenchcoats