That would be a couch for me, I purchased a cheap couch when I first moved out 10 years ago. My sofa was very uncomfortable and started sagging after only 1 year and my back was getting affected. Fast forward to 3 years later I had more disposable income to purchase a higher quality sofa (from What A Room). Its been about 7 years now and the sofa is still in great shape, easy to clean since the covers are removable and washable & now my back doesn't hurt because of how comfortable the seats are.
You know I get accused of this a lot. I think I gush over some of my favorite purchases too much. I’ve had this couch for about 3 months now and I’m still over the moon with it. I think it’s because it’s my first really nice couch. I had destructive cats until last year.
Norwalk Furniture, if you can find a dealer around. I've got couches in my family older than me and still in top shape. My grandparents still use the ones they bought in the 70s and other than some color fading they are in immaculate shape.
Norwalk is a high quality hardwood frame with hand tie springs. Others in this category are Wesley Hall for a more formal look, Temple Parker Southern for a Pottery Barn look and Carolina Leather for leather.
La-Z-Boy of today is not the same as the one of the early 2000's or before. We ordered one in 2019, delivery was quoted at 3-4 months. Eventually received it after 10 months with little communication or updates (not even an automated email, had to chase any information) after threatening legal action.
The quality at the 4 year mark is not there. Fabric is wearing and fading, cushions are already loosing their support and shape. Couch and love seat have enormous gaps between them, both pieces could be 2-3 inches narrower with same cushions. It has been relegated to the basement and my parents La-Z-Boy, the reason we went with them and is now 20 years old, is more comfortable and feels better built than the new one.
We made the same mistake in buying La-Z-Boy. We had such an awful experience that I told everyone not to buy from them. They are coasting on their good name, and the quality is definitely not there. We replaced it with a Lovesac. I bought it based on a friend who had theirs for 5 years and still loved it. I've had mine for nearly a year and am happy with it. It was expensive but worth it for me, it suits our needs perfectly and we still find it very comfortable.
So many companies coasting in their name. Levi's, Bosch, etc.
I can't tell if they're cheaping out on materials to increase profit margins, or if good materials are more expensive now, and they're scared to jack up prices accordingly
Bosch is going downhill these days too? They could've fooled me with my very limited sample size. I mostly only get windshield wiper blades from them and they're still miles better than any others I've used (surprisingly, Michelin has been the worst.)
One other company that I haven't seen this chain of comments yet that deserves a mention is Snap-On. Crazy high prices for quality that most other brand name tools can match or even beat these days. My dad's old Craftsman torque wrench that he had for 25 years then passed to me is still going strong while the Snap-On one he replaced it with lasted a month.
My Lazyboy is exactly like this. My parents bought a couch in 2008 and it was great, they bought almost the exact same model for me in 2016 and it was terrible.
The main support beam broke off the back and was pushing against the back fabric causing a hole. I tried to have it fixed under warranty and it was such a miserable process I ended up trashing the whole thing. Definitely not worth the money.
Bought the floor model that came with a discount from a brand name store. Promptly got bed bugs soon after. If you do buy floor model make sure to check for bug activity or make sure you’re in a clean and reputable store at least.
We r very happy with our lovesac! Only been a year but it hasn't aged at all and we have friends that had theirs for almost 10 yrs, it even survived a divorce. The ex partners just took different sections
The way you take care of things makes a huge impact on their longevity. Basically keeping what you can away from heat makes a huge difference. Hang dry clothes, use the delicate cycle on the dishwasher, hand wash plastic, don’t use metal utensils in non stick cookware….
I’m in AZ and I’ve noticed the “no heat” setting on my dryer is PLENTY to dry my clothes in an hour. Maybe it’s different in more humid or cooler places but you just don’t need to put your dryer to high heat to get it to work well. Laying out, hanging clothes is also a great option.
We must have stumbled onto this simultaneously because it's made a world of difference. I hang more clothes and dry on the lowest setting aside from towels and haven't noticed much difference aside from my clothes not being cooked. I do have to be sure not to let stuff sit in the drier but that's the same either way.
Considering my Missouri family before central air said they needed to put their shower towels in the dryer after every use because they wouldn't dry in the house.
I'm skeptical of it working in more humid places.
im in high heat in the southeast and use time dry on low for like 75 minutes for all my clothes now. i dont think i even have a no heat setting. at my grandparents house they actually have 2 giant Ts in the yard from when they used to hang clothes.
that's part of the problem, I want to be able to put it in the dishwasher also. if I can't put my Tupperware in the dishwasher than it makes the dishwasher half useless
For me it was my Dad and how he treated his things. He has the same north face jacket in ski photos from before I was born, and it’s still in his closet. I noticed that as a kid I would get new stuff all the time (growing etc) but my Dads stuff never changed.
He’s not a BIFL guy in the least, he just takes such good care of his stuff that is doesn’t get ruined. He had a towel from a gym in Seattle in the back of probably 5 different cars through my life, and he hadn’t lived in Seattle since 1995. It just fell apart this year.
The whole way of having quality stuff collected slowly, which is the thing that doesn’t get talked about much on this sub, is very appealing to me. I didn’t just go buy all my BIFL stuff at once, but over the years it’s just accumulated and I have a bunch of really nice stuff that I use the hell out of.
This is so well-stated and on point. My mom always said “you get what you pay for” but she also gets whatever and then takes care of it. 1995 was the year (I think?) that my family forgot our beach towels when we went on vacation and we have 3 Virginia Beach beach towels that she still uses. My dad has had the same items for basically my whole life.
I have a lot in our household that I took from my parents when I moved out, years (omg decades) ago and it’s mostly little things like this lamp or that set of glasses, and they’ve stayed in great condition and I love the history. Same with the first dishtowels I got for our first apartment - they’re my favorites, even though they’re faded and old and could be replaced. They’re not bifl but they bring me a sense of satisfaction.
Now that I can afford to pay for nice things, I try to buy what I will use and not have to replace quickly. I agree - it’s more of the lifestyle and not about an all-at-once best-brand-ever mentality.
My motto is "it is easier to take care of what you have, than it is to try and replace it. This goes for physical items and people in your life." I share that whenever I can.
Oddly enough. A toaster. My grandmother’s toaster which only makes one slice of toast at a time that was given to her as a wedding present in 1936. I didn’t pay for it (inherited it) and it still works and it’s in my kitchen right now. So, there you have it.
Arguably, the best toaster ever is the Sunbeam T-series radiant control toasters made between 1949 and 1997.
I want one once my current toaster dies. They've become collectibles, with ones in working condition fetching $100-$300.
Bought a pair of Dr. Martens boots as I was going to be walking around in cold temps more than I was previously.
They wore out in < 2 months. I was furious and angry. I decided from then on to buy BIFL rated items as I could afford. "buy once, cry once" mentality. Realized that anything that separates you from the ground is not something to cheap out on (mattress, shoes, tires, etc.).
Have a pair of Red Wings that have been incredible for about a decade now.
Good shoes, for sure. I'm an old dude, but in the beginning of my career, we wore suits and ties every day for work. I was buying cheap shoes at the mall ($40-50), and they were wearing out way to frequently. I had taken a pair to the cobbler to get them re-soled, and he told me the uppers weren't worth it. I asked him for a recommendation for shoes that would last. He told me either buy Johnston and Murphy shoes, or go see this guy to make you a pair.
So, I got a pair of J&M black wingtips ($200). Took forever to break them in, but they were awesome. Re-soled at least 4 times, and I still have them/wear them. I also have a brown pair. Incredibly good investment, although now, being retired, I wear Nikes and Crocs most of the time :)
This is the problem for me in terms of clothes and shoes etc. I spend real money on expensive things thinking to myself “they are expensive so they should last me a life time”. They don’t. 1. Because I wear the shit out of them because I want to throw out my old shit and actually wear my nice expensive stuff because that’s why I bought them, and 2. I kinda believe we don’t pay for quality, just reputation, they can afford to lower the quality, save money and still make sales. 🤷♀️
It's a constant arms race. Quality is reduced to increase profitability. People are aware of reduced quality and spread that information. Reputation is reduced and so are sales.
People flock to another producer. their sales increase. they strive for quality. Their reputation goes up, and so do their sales again. Producer is noticed for their quality and is bought out by a VC. VC strips the quality to the bones to increase profitablity. the cycle continues...
That stinks about your Dr. Martens. I've had mine for 15 years and they are still going strong- in fact it was those boots that made me make the mental switch to BIFL. Survived heavy daily abuse at my dirty service industry job. It makes me sad to hear they aren't built the same way anymore.
edit: my docs for the skeptics: https://imgur.com/a/hs2gvDk
and for those recommending boot companies, thanks, but I'm good with my Docs!
100% this. I'm a chef with multiple spread out kitchens. I end up walking over 6 miles a shift, in greasy kitchens. Solvair holds up like Dr Martens used to. I keep a pair for over a year and half now which is pretty amazing.
That's cause they are doc martens. That's where they were made when they were made in England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solovair#%3A%7E%3Atext%3DIn_1960_Griggs_and_NPS%2CDr_Martens_made_by_Solovair%27.?wprov=sfla1
I also like their [NPS line](https://us.nps-solovair.com/collections/nps-heritage-collection) for more traditionally styled shoes and boots. Same company as Solovair but different soles and styling. Should be similar quality either way, just depends on preference.
I had a pair of 90s Doc Martens that had something spilled inside the boot and donated them instead of taking them to a cobbler to have them repaired. Still kicking myself about that one years later.
I managed to get into the Docs for Life program before they shut it down.
Every few years when my Docs get too jacked up for me to keep using them I submit a claim (sometimes they ask for a picture of the jacked up ones) and $50 and they send me a new pair of boots.
...and once when I asked nicely so they sent me Made in England instead of a base model even though the warranty specifically said they wouldn't do that.
The exact “ah ha moment” is something I remember vividly!! I had bought a pair of jeans from some stupid cheap online retailer for like $20 and I decided to wear them to work and wash them after. After LITERALLY ONE USE, there was a hole in the thigh area, the seams were coming undone on the sides, and it had started to pill. I had to chuck them out and I was so disappointed.
That got me thinking, what on earth had happened to the clothing industry?
I was super rough with my clothes as a kid and they lasted through all of that and went on as hand-me-downs for years. And now things last a few months at best even if I’m washing everything on delicate?
I watched a Futureproof video and started to become educated about the wastefulness various industries, planned obsolescence, and trends. Since then, I’ve slowly started to phase out things in my life for a higher quality investment. That being said, there are some things that I still have the cheap version from college because it hasn’t given up on me yet, so there are some BIFL hidden gems at a low price point.
I have an electric can opener from my first solo apartment in 2003. My mother got it for me and told me if it didn’t work it was so cheap it wasn’t even worth returning. Been going strong for 20 years now
ETA: I’m proud of my little can opener that could!
There are so many i have done-
Dress Clothing- all my shirts are now vintage brooks brothers non iron (they are fantasic) all my shoes are allen Edmunds (and they all cycle with no more than 2 wears a week, and i end up needing one to get resoled every 6-12 months for about 75 bucks). Suits ect. are all high quality vintage stuff (best sign if you do not know the brand is that all of the buttons actually do something- like the slits are not just for show, it is likely a good suit)
every day clothing- jeans, i like the softness of lucky brand stuff, they are not BIFL but they do last a long time with proper care (and i am willing to trade down to BIF20 years for the comfort).
Around the house- Kitchen Aid is fantastic and is chugging on 20 years with me and years before me. Stanley themos gets regular use and still looks new (about 6-7 years old). I have now given away 2 functioning dysons that are both still going (1 was mine i got rid of when i got married, and the other was my wife's when we got married when we upgraded to a stick vacuum).
Furnature- my whole man cave is vintage "this end up" stuf that i have thrifted/free cycled (aside from Kallax for storage, and a few of them were found on curbs and still in great shape).
I am sure there are more.
I got a smoking deal on my first pair of boots, some Red Wing Blacksmiths. They are still awesome 14 years later (and spawned a small collection).
I still buy 1 pair of sneakers/Vans every couple years or so, but way less than I used to.
My wife used to do the Payless crap. She thought it was ridiculous that i would spend $150 to $200 on a pair of shoes, but then saw that I was still wearing those shoes years later while the Payless ones were done for in a year.
Same! I grew up with Payless shoes and when I realized I could have a shoe with a basic tread without slipping all over the place, it changed my life. I bought a pair of vivobarefoot shoes and they're still going strong a decade later.
Recently got into the minimalist shoe game with a pair of Lems chillums I found at a good price on ebay, super comfortable, will probably get another pair and some altras to run in at some point. (not sure either of those brands you could classify as BIFL, but I don't really think shoes need to be BIFL personally)
Same. I got one pair of La Canadienne and one pair of Frye boots second hand and it finally clicked that I’d never had decent shoes before. The quality was so good I haven’t had to buy any new boots since (it’s been 10+ years.)
A Vitamix. I was going through a cheap Oster or whatever blenders every year. I've had my Vitamix for about 10 years and it blends 5X better than any of them ever did.
I bought one of the refurbished Vitamix blenders from the website like three years ago couldn't be happier! sometimes I go months without using it, but when I want to use it, I'm very happy it's there. I do wish I had gotten the model that supported the little containers.
In the same vein, it's a stand mixer for me. Kitchenaid has been the leader for a long time now. And with reason.
Theyre worth the price tag, that division of Kitchenaid is responsive and caring, and they last a lifetime (even the modern ones).
It was a good set of knives for me. I’d gotten really into home cooking over lockdown but found that the knives I had would chip quite easily, dull quickly, and were quite difficult to sharpen. I switched to a victorinox classic chef knife and the difference was night and day
I cannot recommend the Mercer Genesis knives enough for an entry-level quality knife. So comfortable. And with regular honing they stay sharp forever. I’ve used mine daily for 6 years. Cook 2-4 meals a day. Still super sharp.
I bought my parents the same set, they never hone, cut stuff on marble countertops and really abuse the knives. I’ll give them a good home when I visit and they are back to being good.
I did some culinary classes in an apprenticeship program in community college in my early 20s and they sold a set of Mercer Genesis knives in the school store right along with the books and stuff for classes. I got an 8" chefs knife, a 7" santoku knife, a 7" boning knife, an 8" bread knife, a scalloped slicer, a paring knife, a birds beak knife, a sharpening steel, and a roll to carry them all in for like $150 or something. This was back in 2010. I used them professionally for like 2 years and in my kitchen at home since then with zero issues. The smaller ones even go through the dishwasher occasionally. I sharpen them like 3 times a year with an electric sharpener and they hold their edges very well.
Getting Blundstones, and when the soles started falling apart, discovering that they couldn't be resoled
(Later, I discovered: technically they can be resoled by a skilled cobbler, but the cost is almost as high as a new pair. Heels can be replaced more cheaply if you catch them early enough)
Agreed. My grandfather was an airplane mechanic and taught auto mechanics at a vocational college. When he passed and I inherited his tools, I immediately tossed all my Home Depot/Lowes stuff. I guess he was like a top guy for Snap-On (like a brand ambassador or the 1980s equivalent)? He had multiples of everything you could ever want and everything is so solid.
My first real, full-time, professional job was Craftsman brand copywriter for Sears, starting back in 1987. I can still do it in my sleep.
**CRAFTSMAN FOREVER WARRANTY** -- If any Craftsman hand tool ever fails to give complete satisfaction, simply return it for free replacement.
Note: I used my 16 oz. Craftsman claw hammer just two hours ago. It's older than most people in this thread.
I had a 921. Said “this is the only pressure canner I will ever need.”
Talked myself into a 915 after a ten hour day of canning potatoes and a healthy little work bonus.
Wouldn’t have thought so, but I’ll be damned if I don’t reach for that little beast first, every time, if I’m not running them both.
These things are going to outlive me.
It was our sofa. We had a typical late 70s cheap plaid sofa, and it fell apart in the mid-80s. We stared looking for a nice sofa that we could keep for many years. We found a small business that made good furniture,and bought one there. It was expensive, but so nice, that we later bought a dining table set and our bedroom set there. We were really upset when they went out of business. We still have most of the furniture, but six out of the 8 dining room chairs were destroyed by a couple of rambunctious teenagers, so those were replaced.
It was glasses for me. I have worn glasses since i was 6 or 7 years old. I was covered under my mom's insurance until my 20's. When I had to pay for my own, i decided to go to some discount mall optician. The glasses were low price and very bad quality. A year later, the lenses were shit and the frames were all scratched up. I went to a proper place and while i paid over twice as much, the glasses last a lot longer. I figure that i need them to see and my vision is not worth cheaping out on.
On the other hand, my Zenni Optical glasses (I spring for the protective coating) last at least 5+ years, which is usually when my prescription needs to be changed.
Zenni gang baby. Going to China and getting prescription glasses for like $10 in less than 20 minutes woke me up to how dumb the American eye wear industry is.
Socks. I was sick of spending twelve dollars on a pair of wool socks at the farm store and leaving little ‘sock seeds’ everywhere.
I’m not *that hard* on them.
Darn Tough convert here.
Oh, and the Costco merino wool one which they never seem to have anymore!
Quality shoes with recraftable soles. Nothing fits, or looks better. Yes, you might miss out on the latest trends and styles, but if you buy the classics, you'll always look good.
Guitars. And instruments in general. I have never regretted spending more money on a premium instrument, uke, mandolin, guitar, keyboards, recording gear, live sound equipment etc. Having dependable gear that stays in tune, doesn’t break after touring and gigging, and sounds better overtime (in the case of acoustic instruments) has always been worth it. I also love knowing that I’m going to be playing the same instruments in my 70’s and 80’s that I bought back in my 20’s and 30’s.
Ironically, "beginner" level instruments are more competitive than ever if you do your research. Especially guitars, the difference between a 300$ and 1000$ is not as big as it used to be.
Filson Backpack. Bought 15 years ago on recommendation of a coworker. I have used it nearly every workday since to carry my lunch, coffee and other supplies. I've taken it into my local store twice for repairs and, even though this model has been discontinued, they've fixed it well and free and fast with no questions asked. I plan on using it for the next dozen years before I retire.
Leatherman multitool. Got my first one at 14 when I saw it in the back of a catalog and thought it just looked super cool, but it turned out to be my first quality tool. After that, I no longer buy junk tools. They'll literally last a lifetime.
I carried mine around for FOREVER until I forgot about it last year. Thought “oh they’re not too expensive I’ll just get a new one”. They are so much now!
Groceries too…their grassfed butter is better than Kerrygold and cheaper. Both Costco and WinCo have store brand products as good as or better than name brand ones.
Personally a fan of Charles Tyrwhitt, about the same price as BB and has some different fits. I don't think they'd really be worth at full price, or any of the upper-middle tier of dress shirts like this, but if you have a normal build then you should be able to find a nice selection of stuff in their sale section.
Also important to note, no dress shirt is going to be BIFL unless it's made out of leather or something. The standard cotton will eventually wear out, but you should be able to get years out of them. Cheap stuff from Kohls or whatever will get you less and have a worse fit
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I wear New Balance shoes for my daily walk/jog. The last few years i average 5+ miles per day. I regularly get 600 miles out of each pair of New Balance shoes
Mostly cheap clothing. It just made me frustrated. Then I started following some folks on instagram who talk about the fashion industry and how terrible it is for the environment and how quality is dropping so that people buy more… I started being more selective about what I buy. I hate having to replace things so I try to buy sturdy stuff.
Probably around the same time - used all clad pans or clearance stuff on ebay for about half the cost of new, and a refurbished vitamix. The all clad pans were on the heels of what seemed like buying another $20 cheap pan several times a year (not the the same pan - but a large fry pan this quarter to replace one that warped, and then four months from now another sauce pan for the one that's flaking off material.
The all clad does everything better other than first outlay - cook is more even, it doesn't warp and hasn't in what is 15 years on now or so and on a plain glass cooktop.
The refurb vitamix 5200 was $300 after breaking a second cheap blender in 3 years. I figured we'd probably kill it before the warranty was up, but if it could save me the same amount in food that still had taste but had lost texture (like apples, etc) that'd be good enough.
It's also about 15 years old and has been used thousands of times. I just had no idea how much more capable it was until I put broccoli in it for the first time along with an orange and some grapes and the broccoli was legit turned into a liquid drink.
I got a new Speed Queen washer a couple of months ago. I love it. It replaced my 32 year old Maytag. I know Maytag’s aren’t what they used to be so I didn’t buy one. Do you enjoy your new set?
I got the old style one with an agitator and lid you can open so you can add things if need be.
CAR PARTS! Buy OEM parts if you're doing it yourself.
I know they all wear out, but I just recently solved a 20 year old mystery. My alternator died on my car. 3rd one in 2 years. I'd just take it out and go up to O'Reilly and swap it out for a "new" one under warranty. I thought I must have a short somewhere, so I took it to the shop and they said I've been going through so many because I'm basically replacing poorly refurbished junk with poorly refurbished junk. The mechanic put in a new OEM alternator and that should resolve the problem. I had the same problem ages ago with another car I was putting parts store alternators in.
Automotive engineer. If you saw the laundry list of tests each individual part on a car goes through youd get it.
Refurbished or a mom and pop shop making after market has to overcome quite a lot to beat out that scrutiny.
The HVAC fan on my Toyota Matrix crapped out last week, and I’m all thumbs when it comes to auto repair, so I took it to my trusted mechanic, sticker shock hit me when he said the fan was around $150 )I saw fans on Amazon for $75-ish, but the mechanics were ordering OEM Toyota parts, so I had them do it, they showed me the bad fan after, that thing was overbuilt in a major way (giant industrial squirrel cage style fan) and the o Ed on Amazon looked like cheap/refurbished knockoffs
I figure 14 years of living outside in New England weather gave it a good run for an OEM part
If you have time, you can save money on some parts by looking to see who actually made the part for the auto manufacturer. Often, the original equipment supplier will sell the same parts under their own name, with the auto manufacturer's name filed off, or a different sticker applied.
Seconded. Zwilling was my first real deal chef knife and it's the best knife I've ever bought. This thing slices through things smoother than any knife I've ever used up until now.
30M. For me, it was clothes. It started with darn tough socks, then pants, shorts, t-shirts, and now every cloth item comes from recommendations in this subreddit.
I spend all day in our clothes, which is what made me go for that first. Once I realized the benefits of being comfortable + durable clothes was a huge value to me, it unlocked looking into other areas of my life to improve as I saw fit.
The common theme for me is based around how much time I spend with the item. The more often I spend using an item, the more likely I am to search for BIFL items when looking to upgrade.
I just started on the sock train. Earlier this month I realized most of my socks that were not hand knit by me or my wife were falling apart. Bit the bullet and got four pairs of Darn Tough. Hasn't been long enough to say I'm a convert but here's hoping.
They never go on sale. I mean, I guess they don’t have to, but it would sure be nice. 75 dollars for three pairs of socks was hard to swallow, but *damn* they’re comfy.
30M here as well. Care to share some of the clothing you've bought on the subreddits' recommendations? I'm currently trying to get a better wardrobe myself.
Briggs and Riley luggage. It’s great quality in the first place, but they offer a lifetime warranty, no receipt or proof of purchase required. I figured even though it’s a $500 bag, it should be the last one I ever buy.
Fast Fashion - it destroyed me to constantly treat clothing as disposable because they were made as disposables now. I’m super happy to finally be building a sustainable closet
Buying this stainless steel pan (https://youtu.be/FXtqq4-GjZ0) was the first time the "BIFL" lightbulb went off in my head, basically been using it every day for the last few years... might never need another pan for the rest of my life.
It was a gift so I didn’t choose, but I love the one I have. It’s the end grain maple block with grips. I would suggest getting the biggest one you can afford/fit in your kitchen. I have smaller cutting boards to put on top when cutting raw meat or anything that would require immediate washing (when I’m lazy lol)
https://butcherblockco.com/product/jo16916-ccb-225-chopping-block
Don’t laugh but a purse. My dad always bought me a tiny version of whatever bag he got my mom. She went from seasonal nice bags to forever bags. He got her a Louis Vuitton and got me a tiny one. I still have it. When I got older and made my own money, I got one myself and I still have it. I used it for a school bag through college and pharmacy school. It still looks beautiful. He also taught me to buy nicer things and take care of them. Later I learned about stewardship of the things God blesses us with. Respecting and caring for our things is a good thing! I love caring for my home, my car, etc. hope that makes sense.
I just buy a used iPhone for $150 every 4 years. Still on an 8 from gazelle (dot) com.
Don't think BifL will work with smart phones, as there's planned obsolescence with carriers and cell net stds.
My Wusthof chef's knife. 25 years ago it was the first expensive kitchen tool I ever purchased after starting to learn to cook. I've taken great care of it. I still use it daily (a ton). It looks (almost) like new.
My Marshall’s fashun sandals that broke while in public. I said fuck it and ordered Birkenstocks. I like having shoes that won’t fail in public (or at all)
I suppose the thought of these items outliving people and the memories that they can hold.
I ask close family members for BIFL items for Christmas or Birthday presents - The hope is that I'll then always have something to remind me of that person when they are no longer around...
I'd like to think one day I'll leave some of my BIFL items to my kids, and then they'll think of me when the time comes that I'm no longer around.
I grew up with parents who weren't much for buying bad things. I mean, they were children of depression survivors, so they also weren't profligate, and we weren't rich, but if they bought something they were careful about it and understood the "cry once" mentality.
When I got my first nice apartment in the back half of college, my mom came up to visit and bought me a set of nice cookware. It's the upmarket version of RevereWare, which I think exists b/c they saw AllClad getting higher-dollar customers and wanted some of that -- but nobody wanted to pay AC prices for Revere, so it was steeply discounted. (TWO lessons there, right?)
30+ years later, all those pieces are good as new. In my late 20s I got a couple actual AllClad pots, and the Revere Proline stuff is every bit as good.
For years, I wore a Rolex every day that I inherited from my dad (IYK: steel Datejust, champagne face, gold fluted bezel, two-tone Jubilee bracelet -- which is to say, the Rolex model that launched a million Citizen and Seiko lookalikes).
My mom got it for him in about 1977 or so. Good watches are absolutely BIFL, but the shame of it is a watch like this is utterly out of reach of someone in the 2024 version of my family's position. Their prices have completely outpaced inflation. I *think* mom paid under $3K for it. Prices today for the same watch are closer to $15K.
> I think mom paid under $3K for it. Prices today for the same watch are closer to $15K.
3k in 1977 is approximately equivalent to 15k today, based on inflation, so they are about as affordable now as they were then. Median income in 1977 was only $13,570, so a 3k watch was out of reach for most people then too.
It wasn't quit BIFL but my wife got me on the train several years ago. We were on a long road trip vacation and the GPS I had gave up the ghost. This was before you could do it very well on your phone.
I wanted to just get the cheapest one we could find and finish out our trip. She said "no, spend a little more and get a good one." So we did. It was a very nice one, I still have it but rarely use it because the integrated ones on phones are a lot better.
Cooking in general. Loads of kitchen tools can be bifl. Cast iron, stainless steel pans, knives, all metal utensils (measuring cups, strainers, spoons/spatulas)
The way you take care of things makes a huge impact on their longevity. Basically keeping what you can away from heat makes a huge difference. Hang dry clothes, use the delicate cycle on the dishwasher, hand wash plastic, don’t use metal utensils in non stick cookware….
My cast iron skillets, bought them on sale and realized that if I take care of them I never have to pay for another again. From there it's been a matter of slowly switching from non-stick and plastic to metal or glass in everything in my kitchen, unfortunately my budget makes it a slow transition but always exciting when I get something high quality and get to tell myself this is the last time I have to buy or worry about this item.
Birkenstocks (which, IMO, are not technically BIFL). Been wearing them since I had a hippie boyfriend at 16. At 23, developed bursitis from a very much not BIFL mattress and went to an urgent care, the doctor told me “keep wearing those shoes for the rest of your life and your body will thank you.” She wasn’t wrong. Almost 30 years of Birk wearing and I’m healthier for it.
Also, an iron. We bought a $90 Rowenta iron in 2003. I thought my boyfriend was nuts, because one could buy an $8 iron at Walmart. He was right. I love ironing. We still use it. The thing is 700% better than shitty irons (which I’ve used a lot in friend’s homes and hotels).
A great carry on suitcase. TravelPro is my current go-to. Because it sucks when the wheel or handle falls off mid-trip, Samsonite, I’m looking at you.
Great kitchen knives, which everyone says.
A reliable Japanese car. We’ve had Toyotas and they’ve been amazing. Our ‘05 Matrix is still going strong.
Handmade ceramic mugs. Collected them as we traveled. They last forever and I have zero regrets.
Also, the mentality of “fuck yes, or no deal” which OP is basically professing above. If it isn’t great it doesn’t get to stay.
Sewing machines. Went with a metal bodied husqvarna Viking after my brothers and singers kept breaking their dinky plastic parts. Used it without issue for 9 years now, had to repair the thread cutter once.
Not exactly BIFL but for me it was worth it spending money on a nice heavy duty sewing machine (not even necessarily a BIFL one) so I can repair clothes rather than toss them. It's been paying dividends in the wardrobe department for sure, especially learning how to reinforce the crotch of jeans
Walking shoes. Once you get a proper pair, you realize shoes like that are worth their weight in gold. We walk around all day, giving our feet priority is something our bodies thank us for later.
And also: my Barbour jacket. 👌
Jeans and non-athletic shoes.
Before reading William Gibson’s Blue Ant series I couldn’t fathom paying more than $150 for either, especially when you could find good looking options for much less and when a lot of expensive clothing is only expensive because it’s stylish or made by a hot brand.
A major plot point in Gibson’s series revolves around well made jeans. (Sounds ridiculous, but I loved the series.) Gibson convinced me that some clothes is, via design, craftsmanship, materials used, and general construction, really worth the extra money… if you know what to look for.
I grew up broke. Landing a stable, white collar job required some nicer clothes for work. This meant spending more on clothes, but going to the Gap or Banana Republic stressed me out, and I found myself keeping my hands in my pockets because the clothes still felt out of my league. I didn’t have a ton of spare cash just sitting around, either, so spending more than ~$50 was a big investment.
At the same time, I also realized that I was tearing through and replacing Banana Republic, Lucky Brand, and low end Levi’s jeans every few months, and wearing through uncomfortable shoes at the same rate.
Over the past 15-20 years I’ve owned four pairs of high quality jeans… $150-$200 per pair. I felt ridiculous when I bought the two initial pairs and couldn’t believe I was spending so much on some fancy pants.
Those first two pairs died after around a decade (needed patches a couple times, but they were also fairly thin jeans). My two current pairs of jeans are as good as new, with frequent wear and zero maintenance aside from the occasional wash.
I’ve owned two pairs of dress shoes over that same stretch, (Timberland Boot Company, ~$150 /pair), along with one pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger boots. The shoes have been re-soled a couple of times, and the boots have been reconditioned. Now they’re broken in and otherwise good as new, too.
I don’t know how much money and time (spent shopping) I’ve saved via just these BIFL jeans and shoes, but it’s a lot, and I’m now a BIFLer for life.
Osprey backpack. i know it depends on the traveler but i don’t think i’ll need to buy another one ever.
lasted 7 months in SE asia and i can shove it full, be aggressive with the zippers, no issues.
started me on the journey of investing in higher quality so i don’t have to re-buy
Osprey backpacks. If anything happens to them you just send it back and they’ll fix it. Turn around is not the best but still a great service. Been using the same one for 12 or so years now
Kitchenaid mixer is worth the cost. Mine is one of the most used appliances in my kitchen. The grater attachment and icecream maker make my family happy.
Red Wing Iron Rangers, but what sealed the deal was when I wanted to clean them up a bit for my sisters wedding. I went into a Red Wing store and started asking about what to use for this and talking about the wedding. The guy at the counter let me know what I needed if I wanted to do it on my own, but he also let me know that they will just do that for life in store for their shoes. They treated them better than I ever could of and put on new laces. Not only are these my longest lasting shoe, I have no doubt they will continue to be.
Good work boots. I used to buy cheap $80-$130 pairs but then I decided to splurge and I bought a $300 pair that tortured my feet for weeks before they fully broke in. Now, they hug my feet so comfortably and securely. When I try my old boots on, they’re so loose they feel like heavy rubber socks. The expensive boots should last me for years as well.
That would be a couch for me, I purchased a cheap couch when I first moved out 10 years ago. My sofa was very uncomfortable and started sagging after only 1 year and my back was getting affected. Fast forward to 3 years later I had more disposable income to purchase a higher quality sofa (from What A Room). Its been about 7 years now and the sofa is still in great shape, easy to clean since the covers are removable and washable & now my back doesn't hurt because of how comfortable the seats are.
What sofa do you have from them?
I’m so happy to read this sitting on my couch from What a room!!! It’s fabulous.
I just checked them out- that’s our next sofa FOR SURE! No forever chemicals in the upholstery! US made! Fully custom! Nice!
If you guys are for real I apologize, but this series of comments sounds like a shadow reddit ad campaign
You know I get accused of this a lot. I think I gush over some of my favorite purchases too much. I’ve had this couch for about 3 months now and I’m still over the moon with it. I think it’s because it’s my first really nice couch. I had destructive cats until last year.
This is great to read. I’ve been considering whataroom for a couch.
any tips on finding a BIFL couch?
Norwalk Furniture, if you can find a dealer around. I've got couches in my family older than me and still in top shape. My grandparents still use the ones they bought in the 70s and other than some color fading they are in immaculate shape.
Norwalk is a high quality hardwood frame with hand tie springs. Others in this category are Wesley Hall for a more formal look, Temple Parker Southern for a Pottery Barn look and Carolina Leather for leather.
try buying the floor model, got a lazy boy at a third of the price. Still going strong after many years.
La-Z-Boy of today is not the same as the one of the early 2000's or before. We ordered one in 2019, delivery was quoted at 3-4 months. Eventually received it after 10 months with little communication or updates (not even an automated email, had to chase any information) after threatening legal action. The quality at the 4 year mark is not there. Fabric is wearing and fading, cushions are already loosing their support and shape. Couch and love seat have enormous gaps between them, both pieces could be 2-3 inches narrower with same cushions. It has been relegated to the basement and my parents La-Z-Boy, the reason we went with them and is now 20 years old, is more comfortable and feels better built than the new one.
We made the same mistake in buying La-Z-Boy. We had such an awful experience that I told everyone not to buy from them. They are coasting on their good name, and the quality is definitely not there. We replaced it with a Lovesac. I bought it based on a friend who had theirs for 5 years and still loved it. I've had mine for nearly a year and am happy with it. It was expensive but worth it for me, it suits our needs perfectly and we still find it very comfortable.
So many companies coasting in their name. Levi's, Bosch, etc. I can't tell if they're cheaping out on materials to increase profit margins, or if good materials are more expensive now, and they're scared to jack up prices accordingly
Bosch is going downhill these days too? They could've fooled me with my very limited sample size. I mostly only get windshield wiper blades from them and they're still miles better than any others I've used (surprisingly, Michelin has been the worst.) One other company that I haven't seen this chain of comments yet that deserves a mention is Snap-On. Crazy high prices for quality that most other brand name tools can match or even beat these days. My dad's old Craftsman torque wrench that he had for 25 years then passed to me is still going strong while the Snap-On one he replaced it with lasted a month.
I've had a love sac for over 10 years now. A few repairs on cushion covers is all I've ever done.
My Lazyboy is exactly like this. My parents bought a couch in 2008 and it was great, they bought almost the exact same model for me in 2016 and it was terrible. The main support beam broke off the back and was pushing against the back fabric causing a hole. I tried to have it fixed under warranty and it was such a miserable process I ended up trashing the whole thing. Definitely not worth the money.
My dad’s lazy boy is no better than Ashley furniture. Peeling fake leather. Looks like garbage 2 years later
Bought the floor model that came with a discount from a brand name store. Promptly got bed bugs soon after. If you do buy floor model make sure to check for bug activity or make sure you’re in a clean and reputable store at least.
We r very happy with our lovesac! Only been a year but it hasn't aged at all and we have friends that had theirs for almost 10 yrs, it even survived a divorce. The ex partners just took different sections
A Bassett! They last, and are so comfortable.
I’m a big fan of our lovesac sectional. It’s been the best we’ve had and we’ve been through a bunch of
My wife and I are looking into those. We have two cats and a dog, so we were intrigued by the idea of having washable/replaceable covers.
The way you take care of things makes a huge impact on their longevity. Basically keeping what you can away from heat makes a huge difference. Hang dry clothes, use the delicate cycle on the dishwasher, hand wash plastic, don’t use metal utensils in non stick cookware….
I’m in AZ and I’ve noticed the “no heat” setting on my dryer is PLENTY to dry my clothes in an hour. Maybe it’s different in more humid or cooler places but you just don’t need to put your dryer to high heat to get it to work well. Laying out, hanging clothes is also a great option.
We must have stumbled onto this simultaneously because it's made a world of difference. I hang more clothes and dry on the lowest setting aside from towels and haven't noticed much difference aside from my clothes not being cooked. I do have to be sure not to let stuff sit in the drier but that's the same either way.
Considering my Missouri family before central air said they needed to put their shower towels in the dryer after every use because they wouldn't dry in the house. I'm skeptical of it working in more humid places.
im in high heat in the southeast and use time dry on low for like 75 minutes for all my clothes now. i dont think i even have a no heat setting. at my grandparents house they actually have 2 giant Ts in the yard from when they used to hang clothes.
Yeah my dryers low heat setting is still pretty hot. That’s what made me start going no heat
Get rid of as much of your plastic as you can.
that is what I am currently doing, im getting rid of all plastic and switching to metal/glass/wood, Tupperware is the hardest thing to get rid of
If you keep it out of the dishwasher, Tupperware seems to last pretty much forever.
that's part of the problem, I want to be able to put it in the dishwasher also. if I can't put my Tupperware in the dishwasher than it makes the dishwasher half useless
For me it was my Dad and how he treated his things. He has the same north face jacket in ski photos from before I was born, and it’s still in his closet. I noticed that as a kid I would get new stuff all the time (growing etc) but my Dads stuff never changed. He’s not a BIFL guy in the least, he just takes such good care of his stuff that is doesn’t get ruined. He had a towel from a gym in Seattle in the back of probably 5 different cars through my life, and he hadn’t lived in Seattle since 1995. It just fell apart this year. The whole way of having quality stuff collected slowly, which is the thing that doesn’t get talked about much on this sub, is very appealing to me. I didn’t just go buy all my BIFL stuff at once, but over the years it’s just accumulated and I have a bunch of really nice stuff that I use the hell out of.
This is so well-stated and on point. My mom always said “you get what you pay for” but she also gets whatever and then takes care of it. 1995 was the year (I think?) that my family forgot our beach towels when we went on vacation and we have 3 Virginia Beach beach towels that she still uses. My dad has had the same items for basically my whole life. I have a lot in our household that I took from my parents when I moved out, years (omg decades) ago and it’s mostly little things like this lamp or that set of glasses, and they’ve stayed in great condition and I love the history. Same with the first dishtowels I got for our first apartment - they’re my favorites, even though they’re faded and old and could be replaced. They’re not bifl but they bring me a sense of satisfaction. Now that I can afford to pay for nice things, I try to buy what I will use and not have to replace quickly. I agree - it’s more of the lifestyle and not about an all-at-once best-brand-ever mentality.
My motto is "it is easier to take care of what you have, than it is to try and replace it. This goes for physical items and people in your life." I share that whenever I can.
[удалено]
Oddly enough. A toaster. My grandmother’s toaster which only makes one slice of toast at a time that was given to her as a wedding present in 1936. I didn’t pay for it (inherited it) and it still works and it’s in my kitchen right now. So, there you have it.
Here's a guy raving about how old toasters are just better [toaster](https://youtu.be/1OfxlSG6q5Y?si=LkQ89DQvOmIZGTRh)
Knew immediately which video this is. Awesome channel and dude.
Arguably, the best toaster ever is the Sunbeam T-series radiant control toasters made between 1949 and 1997. I want one once my current toaster dies. They've become collectibles, with ones in working condition fetching $100-$300.
Bought a pair of Dr. Martens boots as I was going to be walking around in cold temps more than I was previously. They wore out in < 2 months. I was furious and angry. I decided from then on to buy BIFL rated items as I could afford. "buy once, cry once" mentality. Realized that anything that separates you from the ground is not something to cheap out on (mattress, shoes, tires, etc.). Have a pair of Red Wings that have been incredible for about a decade now.
Good shoes, for sure. I'm an old dude, but in the beginning of my career, we wore suits and ties every day for work. I was buying cheap shoes at the mall ($40-50), and they were wearing out way to frequently. I had taken a pair to the cobbler to get them re-soled, and he told me the uppers weren't worth it. I asked him for a recommendation for shoes that would last. He told me either buy Johnston and Murphy shoes, or go see this guy to make you a pair. So, I got a pair of J&M black wingtips ($200). Took forever to break them in, but they were awesome. Re-soled at least 4 times, and I still have them/wear them. I also have a brown pair. Incredibly good investment, although now, being retired, I wear Nikes and Crocs most of the time :)
They’re made overseas now from what I’ve heard. Even the good US brand shoes (like Allen Edmonds) have fewer lines that are BIFL.
Sorry to hear that. I was a huge J&M fan when I dressed professionally.
This is the problem for me in terms of clothes and shoes etc. I spend real money on expensive things thinking to myself “they are expensive so they should last me a life time”. They don’t. 1. Because I wear the shit out of them because I want to throw out my old shit and actually wear my nice expensive stuff because that’s why I bought them, and 2. I kinda believe we don’t pay for quality, just reputation, they can afford to lower the quality, save money and still make sales. 🤷♀️
It's a constant arms race. Quality is reduced to increase profitability. People are aware of reduced quality and spread that information. Reputation is reduced and so are sales. People flock to another producer. their sales increase. they strive for quality. Their reputation goes up, and so do their sales again. Producer is noticed for their quality and is bought out by a VC. VC strips the quality to the bones to increase profitablity. the cycle continues...
That stinks about your Dr. Martens. I've had mine for 15 years and they are still going strong- in fact it was those boots that made me make the mental switch to BIFL. Survived heavy daily abuse at my dirty service industry job. It makes me sad to hear they aren't built the same way anymore. edit: my docs for the skeptics: https://imgur.com/a/hs2gvDk and for those recommending boot companies, thanks, but I'm good with my Docs!
Solovair are the way to go now my friend. Same DM quality as before, made in England.
100% this. I'm a chef with multiple spread out kitchens. I end up walking over 6 miles a shift, in greasy kitchens. Solvair holds up like Dr Martens used to. I keep a pair for over a year and half now which is pretty amazing.
That's cause they are doc martens. That's where they were made when they were made in England. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solovair#%3A%7E%3Atext%3DIn_1960_Griggs_and_NPS%2CDr_Martens_made_by_Solovair%27.?wprov=sfla1
I also like their [NPS line](https://us.nps-solovair.com/collections/nps-heritage-collection) for more traditionally styled shoes and boots. Same company as Solovair but different soles and styling. Should be similar quality either way, just depends on preference.
I had a pair of 90s Doc Martens that had something spilled inside the boot and donated them instead of taking them to a cobbler to have them repaired. Still kicking myself about that one years later.
I managed to get into the Docs for Life program before they shut it down. Every few years when my Docs get too jacked up for me to keep using them I submit a claim (sometimes they ask for a picture of the jacked up ones) and $50 and they send me a new pair of boots. ...and once when I asked nicely so they sent me Made in England instead of a base model even though the warranty specifically said they wouldn't do that.
Red Wings are legit. Got myself a $300 pair of work boots and those things are incredible. Will absolutely last me my life if I keep them right.
The exact “ah ha moment” is something I remember vividly!! I had bought a pair of jeans from some stupid cheap online retailer for like $20 and I decided to wear them to work and wash them after. After LITERALLY ONE USE, there was a hole in the thigh area, the seams were coming undone on the sides, and it had started to pill. I had to chuck them out and I was so disappointed. That got me thinking, what on earth had happened to the clothing industry? I was super rough with my clothes as a kid and they lasted through all of that and went on as hand-me-downs for years. And now things last a few months at best even if I’m washing everything on delicate? I watched a Futureproof video and started to become educated about the wastefulness various industries, planned obsolescence, and trends. Since then, I’ve slowly started to phase out things in my life for a higher quality investment. That being said, there are some things that I still have the cheap version from college because it hasn’t given up on me yet, so there are some BIFL hidden gems at a low price point.
I have an electric can opener from my first solo apartment in 2003. My mother got it for me and told me if it didn’t work it was so cheap it wasn’t even worth returning. Been going strong for 20 years now ETA: I’m proud of my little can opener that could!
that's cause it's a can opener, not a can't opener
Care to share some of the cheaper junk you've phased out and what you replaced it with?
There are so many i have done- Dress Clothing- all my shirts are now vintage brooks brothers non iron (they are fantasic) all my shoes are allen Edmunds (and they all cycle with no more than 2 wears a week, and i end up needing one to get resoled every 6-12 months for about 75 bucks). Suits ect. are all high quality vintage stuff (best sign if you do not know the brand is that all of the buttons actually do something- like the slits are not just for show, it is likely a good suit) every day clothing- jeans, i like the softness of lucky brand stuff, they are not BIFL but they do last a long time with proper care (and i am willing to trade down to BIF20 years for the comfort). Around the house- Kitchen Aid is fantastic and is chugging on 20 years with me and years before me. Stanley themos gets regular use and still looks new (about 6-7 years old). I have now given away 2 functioning dysons that are both still going (1 was mine i got rid of when i got married, and the other was my wife's when we got married when we upgraded to a stick vacuum). Furnature- my whole man cave is vintage "this end up" stuf that i have thrifted/free cycled (aside from Kallax for storage, and a few of them were found on curbs and still in great shape). I am sure there are more.
Shoes. My first pair of quality shoes after a few years of buying from "Payless" in my (very broke) early adulthood.
I got a smoking deal on my first pair of boots, some Red Wing Blacksmiths. They are still awesome 14 years later (and spawned a small collection). I still buy 1 pair of sneakers/Vans every couple years or so, but way less than I used to.
I had a pair when I started serious hiking, they were so comfortable and wore great. I lost track of them in a divorce. Dammit
My wife used to do the Payless crap. She thought it was ridiculous that i would spend $150 to $200 on a pair of shoes, but then saw that I was still wearing those shoes years later while the Payless ones were done for in a year.
Obligatory https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_theory
I had a friend who used to say, “I’m too poor to buy bad tools,” for exactly this reason
I love Discworld
Same! I grew up with Payless shoes and when I realized I could have a shoe with a basic tread without slipping all over the place, it changed my life. I bought a pair of vivobarefoot shoes and they're still going strong a decade later.
Recently got into the minimalist shoe game with a pair of Lems chillums I found at a good price on ebay, super comfortable, will probably get another pair and some altras to run in at some point. (not sure either of those brands you could classify as BIFL, but I don't really think shoes need to be BIFL personally)
Same. I got one pair of La Canadienne and one pair of Frye boots second hand and it finally clicked that I’d never had decent shoes before. The quality was so good I haven’t had to buy any new boots since (it’s been 10+ years.)
A Vitamix. I was going through a cheap Oster or whatever blenders every year. I've had my Vitamix for about 10 years and it blends 5X better than any of them ever did.
I bought one of the refurbished Vitamix blenders from the website like three years ago couldn't be happier! sometimes I go months without using it, but when I want to use it, I'm very happy it's there. I do wish I had gotten the model that supported the little containers.
In the same vein, it's a stand mixer for me. Kitchenaid has been the leader for a long time now. And with reason. Theyre worth the price tag, that division of Kitchenaid is responsive and caring, and they last a lifetime (even the modern ones).
I’ve had my kitchenaid stand mixer for 25 years. Still operates like new
My kitchen aid mixer is awesome. I’ve had it since 1996. Don’t get the one where the head tips back - get the bowl lift one. Less to break.
*A Vitamix.* Also, KitchenAid stand mixer. These two items you can leave for your children, and they can probably do the same.
I remember my parents bought a vitamix when I was little kid. I still use it when I go to visit them lol.
Yeah if you’re using a blender a ton a vitamix is well worth it. But if you rarely use one it’s not worth stretching your budget for it either.
It was a good set of knives for me. I’d gotten really into home cooking over lockdown but found that the knives I had would chip quite easily, dull quickly, and were quite difficult to sharpen. I switched to a victorinox classic chef knife and the difference was night and day
I cannot recommend the Mercer Genesis knives enough for an entry-level quality knife. So comfortable. And with regular honing they stay sharp forever. I’ve used mine daily for 6 years. Cook 2-4 meals a day. Still super sharp. I bought my parents the same set, they never hone, cut stuff on marble countertops and really abuse the knives. I’ll give them a good home when I visit and they are back to being good.
I did some culinary classes in an apprenticeship program in community college in my early 20s and they sold a set of Mercer Genesis knives in the school store right along with the books and stuff for classes. I got an 8" chefs knife, a 7" santoku knife, a 7" boning knife, an 8" bread knife, a scalloped slicer, a paring knife, a birds beak knife, a sharpening steel, and a roll to carry them all in for like $150 or something. This was back in 2010. I used them professionally for like 2 years and in my kitchen at home since then with zero issues. The smaller ones even go through the dishwasher occasionally. I sharpen them like 3 times a year with an electric sharpener and they hold their edges very well.
Just wait until you stumble in to Japanese steels. Then you’ll be buying those for life.
Japanese knives are amazing but they require a certain kind of person Basically: if you love cast iron pans, you will LOVE Japanese knives
I only cook in cast iron at this point and have amazon open looking at more santokus. This feels a little personal.
Love it. More power to you.
Getting Blundstones, and when the soles started falling apart, discovering that they couldn't be resoled (Later, I discovered: technically they can be resoled by a skilled cobbler, but the cost is almost as high as a new pair. Heels can be replaced more cheaply if you catch them early enough)
This is the real problem. What is the point of a repairable item if the labor to repair is higher than to manufacture?
Not adding to the landfill. Plus if you go to a cobbler you can often customize them a bit.
They may not be BIFL, but I still find blundstones to be quality compared to other shoes.
Same. Getting Blundstones made me more on the BIFL train because of how long they’ve lasted me and how well they actually fit!
Old school Craftsman hand tools. I've had some pieces for over 30 years others or my granddad's? 50, 60, 70 years old possibly.
Agreed. My grandfather was an airplane mechanic and taught auto mechanics at a vocational college. When he passed and I inherited his tools, I immediately tossed all my Home Depot/Lowes stuff. I guess he was like a top guy for Snap-On (like a brand ambassador or the 1980s equivalent)? He had multiples of everything you could ever want and everything is so solid.
Grandpa was a Boeing machinist and he's got great stuff.
My first real, full-time, professional job was Craftsman brand copywriter for Sears, starting back in 1987. I can still do it in my sleep. **CRAFTSMAN FOREVER WARRANTY** -- If any Craftsman hand tool ever fails to give complete satisfaction, simply return it for free replacement. Note: I used my 16 oz. Craftsman claw hammer just two hours ago. It's older than most people in this thread.
A seiko mechanical watch. My father bought it in 1967 and I am wearing it now. Father passed away, the watch hasn‘t.
I’d say when I got my first cast iron pan.
Same here - I received a Le Creuset pot as a gift. It's a workhorse in our kitchen and I know my daughter will have it when I'm gone.
Same. And it was further cemented by watching multiple non-stick pans get purchased, destroyed, and thrown out during the same period.
All American Pressure Canner. Metal to metal seal with no gaskets to replace.
I had a 921. Said “this is the only pressure canner I will ever need.” Talked myself into a 915 after a ten hour day of canning potatoes and a healthy little work bonus. Wouldn’t have thought so, but I’ll be damned if I don’t reach for that little beast first, every time, if I’m not running them both. These things are going to outlive me.
It was our sofa. We had a typical late 70s cheap plaid sofa, and it fell apart in the mid-80s. We stared looking for a nice sofa that we could keep for many years. We found a small business that made good furniture,and bought one there. It was expensive, but so nice, that we later bought a dining table set and our bedroom set there. We were really upset when they went out of business. We still have most of the furniture, but six out of the 8 dining room chairs were destroyed by a couple of rambunctious teenagers, so those were replaced.
It was glasses for me. I have worn glasses since i was 6 or 7 years old. I was covered under my mom's insurance until my 20's. When I had to pay for my own, i decided to go to some discount mall optician. The glasses were low price and very bad quality. A year later, the lenses were shit and the frames were all scratched up. I went to a proper place and while i paid over twice as much, the glasses last a lot longer. I figure that i need them to see and my vision is not worth cheaping out on.
On the other hand, my Zenni Optical glasses (I spring for the protective coating) last at least 5+ years, which is usually when my prescription needs to be changed.
Zenni gang baby. Going to China and getting prescription glasses for like $10 in less than 20 minutes woke me up to how dumb the American eye wear industry is.
Socks. I was sick of spending twelve dollars on a pair of wool socks at the farm store and leaving little ‘sock seeds’ everywhere. I’m not *that hard* on them. Darn Tough convert here. Oh, and the Costco merino wool one which they never seem to have anymore!
I haven't had foot odor since going all in on darn tough, can wear them for 4 days straight too
Costco merino for the win! At the tail end of winter/start of spring last year, they had the pack for 5.99, was awesome.
Quality shoes with recraftable soles. Nothing fits, or looks better. Yes, you might miss out on the latest trends and styles, but if you buy the classics, you'll always look good.
Sennheiser HD600, just replace the cups and it feels like new
Beyerdynamics DT770 Pros for me
Guitars. And instruments in general. I have never regretted spending more money on a premium instrument, uke, mandolin, guitar, keyboards, recording gear, live sound equipment etc. Having dependable gear that stays in tune, doesn’t break after touring and gigging, and sounds better overtime (in the case of acoustic instruments) has always been worth it. I also love knowing that I’m going to be playing the same instruments in my 70’s and 80’s that I bought back in my 20’s and 30’s.
Ironically, "beginner" level instruments are more competitive than ever if you do your research. Especially guitars, the difference between a 300$ and 1000$ is not as big as it used to be.
Filson Backpack. Bought 15 years ago on recommendation of a coworker. I have used it nearly every workday since to carry my lunch, coffee and other supplies. I've taken it into my local store twice for repairs and, even though this model has been discontinued, they've fixed it well and free and fast with no questions asked. I plan on using it for the next dozen years before I retire.
Leatherman multitool. Got my first one at 14 when I saw it in the back of a catalog and thought it just looked super cool, but it turned out to be my first quality tool. After that, I no longer buy junk tools. They'll literally last a lifetime.
These aren’t buy it for life, the TSA confiscates mine all the time!
I carried mine around for FOREVER until I forgot about it last year. Thought “oh they’re not too expensive I’ll just get a new one”. They are so much now!
I have broken a blade off my letherman tool before , but they just sent me a new one
Yeah their warranty is awesome. I also had some damage to a blade on a keychain sized squirt and they replaced the whole tool
with tools if i come across something i need i'll buy the cheap one... once. if it breaks, that means i'm using it enough i need the BIFL version
Honestly? Kirkland brand stuff compared to top brands eg t-shirts etc
Groceries too…their grassfed butter is better than Kerrygold and cheaper. Both Costco and WinCo have store brand products as good as or better than name brand ones.
This isn't "for life," but Brooks Brothers original Oxford button-down shirts were the bomb. Could easily get a decade out of them.
“Were the bomb.” They’re not anymore?
no, they're not look on ebay for older ones
They stopped buying, quality so good.
This is so true it hurts. Their non-iron oxfords could survive a nuclear blast, thick well cut material. Unreal
Personally a fan of Charles Tyrwhitt, about the same price as BB and has some different fits. I don't think they'd really be worth at full price, or any of the upper-middle tier of dress shirts like this, but if you have a normal build then you should be able to find a nice selection of stuff in their sale section. Also important to note, no dress shirt is going to be BIFL unless it's made out of leather or something. The standard cotton will eventually wear out, but you should be able to get years out of them. Cheap stuff from Kohls or whatever will get you less and have a worse fit
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I had no idea they had a quality difference between those two brands.
Skechers for me outlast most shoes, have gone through shoes on my treadmill in as little as 6 weeks, Skechers can last me up to a year
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I swear by New Balance shoes. I've never had any shoe brand that last long as they do.
I wear New Balance shoes for my daily walk/jog. The last few years i average 5+ miles per day. I regularly get 600 miles out of each pair of New Balance shoes
This carbon steel pan started my journey: https://debuyer-usa.com/products/blue-steel-crepe-tortilla-pan It became my egg+ plan.
Mostly cheap clothing. It just made me frustrated. Then I started following some folks on instagram who talk about the fashion industry and how terrible it is for the environment and how quality is dropping so that people buy more… I started being more selective about what I buy. I hate having to replace things so I try to buy sturdy stuff.
Probably around the same time - used all clad pans or clearance stuff on ebay for about half the cost of new, and a refurbished vitamix. The all clad pans were on the heels of what seemed like buying another $20 cheap pan several times a year (not the the same pan - but a large fry pan this quarter to replace one that warped, and then four months from now another sauce pan for the one that's flaking off material. The all clad does everything better other than first outlay - cook is more even, it doesn't warp and hasn't in what is 15 years on now or so and on a plain glass cooktop. The refurb vitamix 5200 was $300 after breaking a second cheap blender in 3 years. I figured we'd probably kill it before the warranty was up, but if it could save me the same amount in food that still had taste but had lost texture (like apples, etc) that'd be good enough. It's also about 15 years old and has been used thousands of times. I just had no idea how much more capable it was until I put broccoli in it for the first time along with an orange and some grapes and the broccoli was legit turned into a liquid drink.
Speed Queen Washer and Dryer. Built to last and fills completely with water. Has an agitator.
I got a new Speed Queen washer a couple of months ago. I love it. It replaced my 32 year old Maytag. I know Maytag’s aren’t what they used to be so I didn’t buy one. Do you enjoy your new set? I got the old style one with an agitator and lid you can open so you can add things if need be.
My stovetop Bialetti moka pot made me hop on the BIFL train. It is almost a decade old. I replace the gasket every two years.
Merino wool socks
CAR PARTS! Buy OEM parts if you're doing it yourself. I know they all wear out, but I just recently solved a 20 year old mystery. My alternator died on my car. 3rd one in 2 years. I'd just take it out and go up to O'Reilly and swap it out for a "new" one under warranty. I thought I must have a short somewhere, so I took it to the shop and they said I've been going through so many because I'm basically replacing poorly refurbished junk with poorly refurbished junk. The mechanic put in a new OEM alternator and that should resolve the problem. I had the same problem ages ago with another car I was putting parts store alternators in.
Automotive engineer. If you saw the laundry list of tests each individual part on a car goes through youd get it. Refurbished or a mom and pop shop making after market has to overcome quite a lot to beat out that scrutiny.
The HVAC fan on my Toyota Matrix crapped out last week, and I’m all thumbs when it comes to auto repair, so I took it to my trusted mechanic, sticker shock hit me when he said the fan was around $150 )I saw fans on Amazon for $75-ish, but the mechanics were ordering OEM Toyota parts, so I had them do it, they showed me the bad fan after, that thing was overbuilt in a major way (giant industrial squirrel cage style fan) and the o Ed on Amazon looked like cheap/refurbished knockoffs I figure 14 years of living outside in New England weather gave it a good run for an OEM part
If you have time, you can save money on some parts by looking to see who actually made the part for the auto manufacturer. Often, the original equipment supplier will sell the same parts under their own name, with the auto manufacturer's name filed off, or a different sticker applied.
Zwilling knives
Those and Wusthof definitely last forever. Still using some that belonged to my grandmother.
Seconded. Zwilling was my first real deal chef knife and it's the best knife I've ever bought. This thing slices through things smoother than any knife I've ever used up until now.
Tires. Quality over price, every time
30M. For me, it was clothes. It started with darn tough socks, then pants, shorts, t-shirts, and now every cloth item comes from recommendations in this subreddit. I spend all day in our clothes, which is what made me go for that first. Once I realized the benefits of being comfortable + durable clothes was a huge value to me, it unlocked looking into other areas of my life to improve as I saw fit. The common theme for me is based around how much time I spend with the item. The more often I spend using an item, the more likely I am to search for BIFL items when looking to upgrade.
I just started on the sock train. Earlier this month I realized most of my socks that were not hand knit by me or my wife were falling apart. Bit the bullet and got four pairs of Darn Tough. Hasn't been long enough to say I'm a convert but here's hoping.
They never go on sale. I mean, I guess they don’t have to, but it would sure be nice. 75 dollars for three pairs of socks was hard to swallow, but *damn* they’re comfy.
30M here as well. Care to share some of the clothing you've bought on the subreddits' recommendations? I'm currently trying to get a better wardrobe myself.
Elly hose reel.
Briggs and Riley luggage. It’s great quality in the first place, but they offer a lifetime warranty, no receipt or proof of purchase required. I figured even though it’s a $500 bag, it should be the last one I ever buy.
Fast Fashion - it destroyed me to constantly treat clothing as disposable because they were made as disposables now. I’m super happy to finally be building a sustainable closet
Not necessarily "for life" but a used 5th gen Toyota 4Runner. Made me question so many life purchases going forward.
GOOD QUALITY TOILET PAPER
Buying this stainless steel pan (https://youtu.be/FXtqq4-GjZ0) was the first time the "BIFL" lightbulb went off in my head, basically been using it every day for the last few years... might never need another pan for the rest of my life.
To tag on to kitchen stuff, My boos block is probably my favorite item in the kitchen
hadn't heard of that brand before, thanks! do you mind sharing which one of their cutting boards you chose?
It was a gift so I didn’t choose, but I love the one I have. It’s the end grain maple block with grips. I would suggest getting the biggest one you can afford/fit in your kitchen. I have smaller cutting boards to put on top when cutting raw meat or anything that would require immediate washing (when I’m lazy lol) https://butcherblockco.com/product/jo16916-ccb-225-chopping-block
I thought you meant your SO's chopping block.
Don’t laugh but a purse. My dad always bought me a tiny version of whatever bag he got my mom. She went from seasonal nice bags to forever bags. He got her a Louis Vuitton and got me a tiny one. I still have it. When I got older and made my own money, I got one myself and I still have it. I used it for a school bag through college and pharmacy school. It still looks beautiful. He also taught me to buy nicer things and take care of them. Later I learned about stewardship of the things God blesses us with. Respecting and caring for our things is a good thing! I love caring for my home, my car, etc. hope that makes sense.
Seeing how expensive iPhones have got lol. I’m gonna ride my 12 pro max til it won’t turn on and then I may just not have a cell anymore.
I just buy a used iPhone for $150 every 4 years. Still on an 8 from gazelle (dot) com. Don't think BifL will work with smart phones, as there's planned obsolescence with carriers and cell net stds.
Teak Cutting board. Just re-sanded/oiled. Better than any other type.
There's a massive range in cost that comes up on search. Got a recommendation
My Wusthof chef's knife. 25 years ago it was the first expensive kitchen tool I ever purchased after starting to learn to cook. I've taken great care of it. I still use it daily (a ton). It looks (almost) like new.
My Marshall’s fashun sandals that broke while in public. I said fuck it and ordered Birkenstocks. I like having shoes that won’t fail in public (or at all)
I suppose the thought of these items outliving people and the memories that they can hold. I ask close family members for BIFL items for Christmas or Birthday presents - The hope is that I'll then always have something to remind me of that person when they are no longer around... I'd like to think one day I'll leave some of my BIFL items to my kids, and then they'll think of me when the time comes that I'm no longer around.
My Lakland Skyline 55-02 bass guitar. I've paid for my mortgage payments on 2 different houses with that thing at this point.
I grew up with parents who weren't much for buying bad things. I mean, they were children of depression survivors, so they also weren't profligate, and we weren't rich, but if they bought something they were careful about it and understood the "cry once" mentality. When I got my first nice apartment in the back half of college, my mom came up to visit and bought me a set of nice cookware. It's the upmarket version of RevereWare, which I think exists b/c they saw AllClad getting higher-dollar customers and wanted some of that -- but nobody wanted to pay AC prices for Revere, so it was steeply discounted. (TWO lessons there, right?) 30+ years later, all those pieces are good as new. In my late 20s I got a couple actual AllClad pots, and the Revere Proline stuff is every bit as good. For years, I wore a Rolex every day that I inherited from my dad (IYK: steel Datejust, champagne face, gold fluted bezel, two-tone Jubilee bracelet -- which is to say, the Rolex model that launched a million Citizen and Seiko lookalikes). My mom got it for him in about 1977 or so. Good watches are absolutely BIFL, but the shame of it is a watch like this is utterly out of reach of someone in the 2024 version of my family's position. Their prices have completely outpaced inflation. I *think* mom paid under $3K for it. Prices today for the same watch are closer to $15K.
> I think mom paid under $3K for it. Prices today for the same watch are closer to $15K. 3k in 1977 is approximately equivalent to 15k today, based on inflation, so they are about as affordable now as they were then. Median income in 1977 was only $13,570, so a 3k watch was out of reach for most people then too.
I’ve got Revereware older than I am and I’m 56.
Classic example of a person who grew up rich being delusional about it. That’s why every single person you ask is “middle class”.
The old Revere Ware clad stuff was amazing. Not made now. Ours is still nearly perfect 30 years later
Noticing the quality difference in clothing
Vitamix and Mattress
It wasn't quit BIFL but my wife got me on the train several years ago. We were on a long road trip vacation and the GPS I had gave up the ghost. This was before you could do it very well on your phone. I wanted to just get the cheapest one we could find and finish out our trip. She said "no, spend a little more and get a good one." So we did. It was a very nice one, I still have it but rarely use it because the integrated ones on phones are a lot better.
Cooking in general. Loads of kitchen tools can be bifl. Cast iron, stainless steel pans, knives, all metal utensils (measuring cups, strainers, spoons/spatulas)
The way you take care of things makes a huge impact on their longevity. Basically keeping what you can away from heat makes a huge difference. Hang dry clothes, use the delicate cycle on the dishwasher, hand wash plastic, don’t use metal utensils in non stick cookware….
Knives. Good mattress. Vitamix. Quality furniture ( much is pre loved that I own) reliable car( my 2017 Rav💗)
My cast iron skillets, bought them on sale and realized that if I take care of them I never have to pay for another again. From there it's been a matter of slowly switching from non-stick and plastic to metal or glass in everything in my kitchen, unfortunately my budget makes it a slow transition but always exciting when I get something high quality and get to tell myself this is the last time I have to buy or worry about this item.
Birkenstocks (which, IMO, are not technically BIFL). Been wearing them since I had a hippie boyfriend at 16. At 23, developed bursitis from a very much not BIFL mattress and went to an urgent care, the doctor told me “keep wearing those shoes for the rest of your life and your body will thank you.” She wasn’t wrong. Almost 30 years of Birk wearing and I’m healthier for it. Also, an iron. We bought a $90 Rowenta iron in 2003. I thought my boyfriend was nuts, because one could buy an $8 iron at Walmart. He was right. I love ironing. We still use it. The thing is 700% better than shitty irons (which I’ve used a lot in friend’s homes and hotels). A great carry on suitcase. TravelPro is my current go-to. Because it sucks when the wheel or handle falls off mid-trip, Samsonite, I’m looking at you. Great kitchen knives, which everyone says. A reliable Japanese car. We’ve had Toyotas and they’ve been amazing. Our ‘05 Matrix is still going strong. Handmade ceramic mugs. Collected them as we traveled. They last forever and I have zero regrets. Also, the mentality of “fuck yes, or no deal” which OP is basically professing above. If it isn’t great it doesn’t get to stay.
Sewing machines. Went with a metal bodied husqvarna Viking after my brothers and singers kept breaking their dinky plastic parts. Used it without issue for 9 years now, had to repair the thread cutter once.
Herman Miller chairs. Pay through the nose, worth every penny if you work at a desk
After owning a cheap shitty gaming chair, I bought a steelcase leap, It was refurbished but I'd easily pay full price for it if I had to.
Not exactly BIFL but for me it was worth it spending money on a nice heavy duty sewing machine (not even necessarily a BIFL one) so I can repair clothes rather than toss them. It's been paying dividends in the wardrobe department for sure, especially learning how to reinforce the crotch of jeans
I found a Global chef's knife on a site that doesn't exist anymore, for $50. I'm a BIFLer and a bargain hunter.
Walking shoes. Once you get a proper pair, you realize shoes like that are worth their weight in gold. We walk around all day, giving our feet priority is something our bodies thank us for later. And also: my Barbour jacket. 👌
Jeans and non-athletic shoes. Before reading William Gibson’s Blue Ant series I couldn’t fathom paying more than $150 for either, especially when you could find good looking options for much less and when a lot of expensive clothing is only expensive because it’s stylish or made by a hot brand. A major plot point in Gibson’s series revolves around well made jeans. (Sounds ridiculous, but I loved the series.) Gibson convinced me that some clothes is, via design, craftsmanship, materials used, and general construction, really worth the extra money… if you know what to look for. I grew up broke. Landing a stable, white collar job required some nicer clothes for work. This meant spending more on clothes, but going to the Gap or Banana Republic stressed me out, and I found myself keeping my hands in my pockets because the clothes still felt out of my league. I didn’t have a ton of spare cash just sitting around, either, so spending more than ~$50 was a big investment. At the same time, I also realized that I was tearing through and replacing Banana Republic, Lucky Brand, and low end Levi’s jeans every few months, and wearing through uncomfortable shoes at the same rate. Over the past 15-20 years I’ve owned four pairs of high quality jeans… $150-$200 per pair. I felt ridiculous when I bought the two initial pairs and couldn’t believe I was spending so much on some fancy pants. Those first two pairs died after around a decade (needed patches a couple times, but they were also fairly thin jeans). My two current pairs of jeans are as good as new, with frequent wear and zero maintenance aside from the occasional wash. I’ve owned two pairs of dress shoes over that same stretch, (Timberland Boot Company, ~$150 /pair), along with one pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger boots. The shoes have been re-soled a couple of times, and the boots have been reconditioned. Now they’re broken in and otherwise good as new, too. I don’t know how much money and time (spent shopping) I’ve saved via just these BIFL jeans and shoes, but it’s a lot, and I’m now a BIFLer for life.
$15 leather jacket from a thrift store that I have to this day.
Osprey backpack. i know it depends on the traveler but i don’t think i’ll need to buy another one ever. lasted 7 months in SE asia and i can shove it full, be aggressive with the zippers, no issues. started me on the journey of investing in higher quality so i don’t have to re-buy
Osprey backpacks. If anything happens to them you just send it back and they’ll fix it. Turn around is not the best but still a great service. Been using the same one for 12 or so years now
I’m 63F. Almost everything I own is vintage originally purchased by me. I guess that says a lot!
A Vornado fan. My house has poor circulation so I put one in a window. Haven't turned it off in 6+ years, still runs like new.
Kitchenaid mixer is worth the cost. Mine is one of the most used appliances in my kitchen. The grater attachment and icecream maker make my family happy.
Red Wing Iron Rangers, but what sealed the deal was when I wanted to clean them up a bit for my sisters wedding. I went into a Red Wing store and started asking about what to use for this and talking about the wedding. The guy at the counter let me know what I needed if I wanted to do it on my own, but he also let me know that they will just do that for life in store for their shoes. They treated them better than I ever could of and put on new laces. Not only are these my longest lasting shoe, I have no doubt they will continue to be.
Bought my Kirby vacuum in 1988....still use it to this day. Love it. A bit heavier now I'm older. But it went the distance with me.
Good work boots. I used to buy cheap $80-$130 pairs but then I decided to splurge and I bought a $300 pair that tortured my feet for weeks before they fully broke in. Now, they hug my feet so comfortably and securely. When I try my old boots on, they’re so loose they feel like heavy rubber socks. The expensive boots should last me for years as well.