(Part 3) Top products from r/BuyItForLife

I couldn't tell you if it is BIFL yet, but I just bought a cuisinart immersion blender. It works great. The blending portion is super easy to clean, and I believe it is dishwasher safe. The design is really comfortable and easy to use.
Check I out, it's not too expensive:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ARQVM5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1395250389&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

Swiss gear synergy, this model specifically.
My husband just got this to replace the identical one he had for over ten years. His first one is still in good shape but his job offered to buy him a brand new one for his new work laptop, so yes please!
The pockets on this thing are amazing. I want one! Top pocket, little front pocket, medium front pocket, maybe pocket, best laptop sleeve I've seen in any backpack, side pockets... I really like lots of pockets as opposed to two big ones and a small one like most backpacks lately.
Before he got this, i would have said Columbia, I've had my Columbia backpack for 15 years, but this one is slightly cooler than mine. :)
Wenger Synergy Backpack, Gray (GA-7305-14F00) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NONHYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QYTZxb8VJFT3S

My husband is one of those guys who has everything and if he does want something he just gets it. He is so hard to buy for.

So my brother gave him a truly unique gift that he seems to use a LOT. It's a small book called "Pocket Ref" by Thomas J Glover. This thing is amazing, it has all sorts of technical information that I never had even thought about.

Another item out of all the stuff I've gotten him over the years, that he LOVES is a gadget, but it's a useful gadget. It's an electricity usage meter. Here is an example, there are tons out there, and he tests out the usage every time we get another appliance or anything that is plugged in.

Lastly, a good flashlight is something that was invaluable to him, he finds that he likes flashlights that are rechargeable. We live in an area with hurricanes and tornadoes so we lose power frequently. Here is his favorite flashlight.

The items I can think of right now that I've bought pretty much because of this subreddit:

1. Zojirushi Travel mug - I use this as my office coffee mug. I fill it up in the morning and if I get sidetracked then it's still hot hours later.
   
   
2. Saddleback Pocket ID Wallet - simple and gets the job done
   
   
3. Weber One-Touch Gold Charcoal Grill - I love this grill.
   
   
4. Red Wing Iron Ranger 8111 (amber color) - the first 3 weeks I thought I made a huge mistake but now they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.
   
   
5. Fisher Space Pen - I've had to stop other people from pocketing it. My wife tried to take it because she likes the way it writes.
   
   
6. [Kershaw Skyline Knife] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CZBDF8) - I'm not into putting a lot of money into a pocketknife so this fits the bill nicely.
   
   
7. ToiletTree Heavy Duty Nose and Facial Hair Trimmer - my previous nose trimmers felt like it was ripping the hair out by the root. This one I don't feel anything and it's very well made
   
   All of these I would buy again.

My Zojirushi thermos is amazingly BIFL. Not only can you pull the lid completely apart for easy cleaning (my biggest gripe with the Contigo is that the lid is a PITA to clean) but it keep liquids hot for a VERY long time. I have put hot tea in it at 9am, drank out of it most of the work day, then accidentally left it closed on my desk overnight - the next day at 9am the tea inside is still warm. Crazy.

You can still open it up with one hand, too. Love love love it.

Not a pepper mill per se, but it works brilliantly as one. The Hario Coffee Hand Grinder Skerton uses a ceramic milling mechanism. I use it for coffee and other things that require grinding. Very adjustable/versatile/BI4L worthy.

I've had bodum glass break repeatedly on me... cheap fix, but annoying.

Perhaps one of the ones intended for camping, GSI makes a few nice ones.

But! I'd recommend skipping the french press and getting either an Aeropress or a handled Chemex.

The chemex is glass, but well made... the aeropress is plastic, but also well made. I have a chemex from the 60s, so they're lifetime items if handled well. Plus it makes better coffee, imho.

Assuming you're not interested in sites like Simply Noise (which I use a lot), I would recommend the Marpac Sleepmate. I bought one for my mom and she loves it. She let me test it when I went home to visit, and it was pretty awesome.

The difference is huge. I was considering the Klipsch pro media system 2.1 but then you have to realize... If an entry-level sub generally costs at LEAST ~100+ bucks... Then you are using some pretty cheap speakers with the klipsch if the whole setup costs $140... And you can't upgrade anything or sell parts individually..

These Micca's already have great bass to begin with.. A sub might even be overkill if you are just in a small apartment or bedroom. But that's a chance I look forward to taking.

Edit: Realized mine was larger than what OP requested.

I love mine. I bought mine a few weeks ago after reading a similar thread, (actually I bought two) and it's by far the best purchase I've made for beverages. The temperature doesn't really start to drop until after the 12 hour mark. I have the one with the flip top even though I don't really commute that far, but it's really convenient to use. Even when I'm at home, I'll brew enough to fill it up + a mug, because it does a better job of keeping it hot and without burning it than the warming plate on my coffee maker.

I highly recommend this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KVCEQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The other one I got is more thermos style, and while it does keep the coffee hot for 12+ hours, it does have a minor amount of spilling after pouring from it, so keeping napkins nearby is kinda necessary.

I quite like the design, feel, and quality of Caran D'Ache. If you like, you can get their pen and pencil to look like a matched set. They're high quality instruments but don't cost anything near the overpriced fluff.

I also really like the Zebra F-701, which is even cheaper. It's more substantial than the F301 which I also like a lot, and keep around me everywhere. But the F-701 I keep in the same spot at my desk. Also available in both pen and pencil

How is Zojirushi not at the top of this thread. Here's a video of thermos comparisons I grabbed from another thread a while back here which does a comparison between them and a number of other top brands. I'd take a Zojirushi over a Thermos brand or Stanley any day, their designs are just so much more functional. I've got one of these which is often mentioned on this sub, and I could not like more. It both performs excellently (almost too well, I generally cool down my tea before putting it in so that I can drink it within the next 7 hours) and is seriously built to last, not to mention is easier than some other competitors offerings to clean.

Zebra F-701. Great pen, stainless steel. Nice balance and writes great. Plus its $5.

http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-F-701-Stainless-Ballpoint-Retractable/dp/B002L6RB80/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410233699&sr=8-1&keywords=f-701+zebra

I agree. For a long time I used these and I really like their slender shape. They have the same innards as the one posted by dbzpsycho1 above.

I recently switched to the all metal one that he posted. I bought two of them on Amazon and I refill them as needed. Even though they're slightly thicker they are indestructible which is great!

I really enjoy my klipsch pro media 2.1! Amazing sound quality for the price and they are THX certified
http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO

Sorry that I can't give you a brand, but I bought mine from a local mattress manufacturer. It's made from the same talalay latex that my mattress is made of. Comes in soft, medium, firm. Firm is probably best for side sleepers like us. Very comfy. Look up talalay latex pillow. Expect to spend about $80.

Stay away from memory foam. It's a closed-cell foam and gets really hot because it can't breathe.

Edit: This looks close to what I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Malouf-Talalay-Latex-Zoned-Pillow/dp/B00382XCL6

I would suggest a white noise machine like this instead. Better than sleeping with earplugs all the time. I live in a condo and it works perfectly.

I have wondered about this one which I'll get if I need to replace our current one.

Nogent Classic Service Super Kim Manual Can Opener

Easier to clean than a sewing away,takes up less room than most, should be faster than a P-38.

I've had a bunch of Maglites, and I don't really like them. I've never owned one of their LED flashlights though, so maybe they're better. But, as far as I know, Maglites have always been more about durability than anything else. You can take it camping and maybe use it as a weapon...but If I were looking for a BIFL flashlight, I'd probably look at something from Fenix, or Zebralight. They both have GREAT reputations for quality amongst the flashlight geeks, and I've come to learn that reputations like that tend to be well-earned.

Currently I carry one of these. It's not what I'd consider BIFL-quality, but it's got a decent little LED in it and it's only $4. I use it every day, and have carried it for over a year...the lens cracked slightly after I dropped it onto some concrete (about 5' drop), but it still works better than any Maglight I've ever owner (again, non-LED).

Obenauf's Leather Preserver. I've used it for a while now on all my leather boots. It will darken but damn does it work well. Beeswax for waterproofing and oils to hydrate and protect the leather. Great stuff.

Yup! I have the same one as well and it has been great. OP, I use it for exactly that, blending big pots of soup.

edit: Here's a little nicer of a link: http://amzn.com/B00ARQVM5O

I have a latex pillow that is wonderful. It's a Z by Malouf. I got it for $50 so I'm sure you can find something cheaper than amazon if you shop around. In the end, just buy what is most comfortable for you.

I did a lot of reading and deliberating when I bought my toaster oven roughly 5 years ago, and I am very happy with the choice I made.

I am a hobbyist chef and I use this thing almost every day. Seriously take a look. I think it's better than Breville's offerings, and I'm generally a fan of Breville appliances.

Obenaufs is what I use on both pair of my leather boots (Red Wing Iron Rangers and my upland field boots [that see way more beating]). Does a great job for both. I put it on the Iron Rangers right when I got them and apply it semi-regularly.

edit: This stuff. No experience with the Dr. Marten branded stuff, but Obenaufs has been great.

These are small, cheap(ish) products with a lifetime guarantee and a good track record:

Merkur Safety Razor, $20

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, $13.39

Leatherman Multi Tools, $20-Infinity

Darn Tough Socks, ~$20

Saddleback Leather Wallets, $40-infinity

Buck 110 Hunter, $30

Ive had this wonky can opener for about 5 years. Really clever in the way it works because it doesn't actually cut the can. Also has a 2L bottle opener on the other side too. Highly recommended and a conversation piece as well.

This Nogent is by far the best can opener I've ever owned. It's so easy to use even with massive cans or tiny ones like tomato paste.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug

I love this thing. Its ability to keep things hot or cold makes me question the rules of thermodynamics.

I have this one. Just make sure when you purchase, it says that the order will be fulfilled by Amazon. I didn't get a fake.

Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Skerton Storage Capacity (100g) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001802PIQ/

I would second the cast iron skillet idea. I have a new one stored in a box as an emergency gift. However, I would recommend including a brief care guide and the proper tool for cleaning it (either a very stiff brush) or, if you want to get fancy, this...http://www.amazon.com/Chain-Mail-Cast-Iron-Scrubber/dp/B0087UYR1S.

I love my http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NB-G110P-Xpress-Toaster-Silver/dp/B008C9UFDI

highly recommended by this board, i use it several times a week.

You could try something like this https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Can-Opener-Ganji-Kankiri/dp/B001TV6A7G


Looks like it would last well.

Grandad almost certainly would have had a Stanley Vacuum Bottle. As /u/capolan notes, it would have been glass lined while today's are stainless steel, but they're otherwise pretty much unchanged from 75 years ago.

You can buy a device off Amazon called a kill-a-watt meter and it will tell you exactly how much electricity it actually uses.

P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_o9IMBbZ7ZG5WK

If you're interested. If not then just sit back and enjoy your fantastic fridge!

I've had this Swiss Gear backpack for >4 years now and it has help up better than any I've ever had. http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-GA-7305-14F00-SwissGear-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000NONHYY

I have a latex pillow that I’ve had for, I don’t know, 6 years maybe and it’s held up perfectly fine.

Z 100% Natural Talalay Latex Zoned Pillow - Queen - High Loft, Plush https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00382XCL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mY3cAbJT86942

They make 4 different styles. High loft plush, high loft firm, low loft plush, and low loft firm.

For a side sleeper you want a high loft.

They also make them in king sizes.

every time i see people recommending "old school" can openers, i cringe and have to recommend the "safe cut" or "side cut" can openers. They will last longer because they don't use crazy leverage to puncture the top of a can and a big honking blade that will dull easily. plus you have the added feature of being able to put the lid back on the can if you need to (its not going to re-seal it or anything but its better than no lid at all!)

any of these are going to be fine and last you a while. i have one from ikea i think

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Cook-Classic-Safe-Opener/dp/B000AX13US

https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Smooth-Manual-Opener-HYBLOM/dp/B01HRE7WDY

https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Smooth-Opener/dp/B000079XW2

https://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Safety-Master-Opener/dp/B000B6NXL6/

Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill Skerton Storage Capacity (100g) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001802PIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_BSZkybT322R3V

I appreciate the feedback- this is the grinder and it is inexpensive. Do you recommend this one? Will get myself one!

i also got one of these noise machines. it works extremely well, and also makes me feel like an old man. you can also try taking GABA before you go to sleep, which is a chemical naturally secreted by the brain that calms your nervous system.

also, check these or these out. for as bi4l as you can get, i would go with these sensaphonic soft plugs

This definitely isn't about computer speakers, so my apologies in advance to the subreddit for feeding the irrelevancy - but I must throw my 2 cents in here.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 - http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319991372&sr=8-6

Bestbuy still keeps them on their shelves - this model was replaced a few years ago, and has probably been going for nearly a decade, and it's still one of the best dedicated computer setups there is. The only issue is they have this shitty PS/2 type connector on the back of the sub that puts everything together that sucks miserably, and tends to wear out.

Wouldn't be too hard or time consuming to do - get one of these power consumption meters (actually these are awesome to have even after the experiment is done - it can become a bit of an obsession) and plug the vacuum into it and use as normal. Do the same run again with the other vacuum.

The meter will give you the actual consumption in kWH, then you just multiply that by how much time you had to run each vacuum.

what's interesting is that the thermos at least hasn't changed a single bit:

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Classic-Vacuum-Bottle-Hammertone/dp/B000FZX93K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511763398&sr=8-1&keywords=aladdin+thermos

Though I can't speak for the current box, and you still scored like 70% off

I love my Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001802PIQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is where I received all of my info: http://www.redwingshoes.com/shoe-care

I use this to condition and this to waterproof. Both work great.

Buy this one, it's amazing! Had it for many years and it's still smooth as butter.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B6NXL6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482735644&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=kuhn+rikon+can+opener&dpPl=1&dpID=31HPXT-RgRL&ref=plSrch

This fucking amazing flashlight. http://www.amazon.com/FordEx-Group-300lm-Flashlight-Adjustable/dp/B006E0QAFY/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380670675&sr=8-1&keywords=flashlight

I'm a side sleeper I use this Malouf latex pillow and I love it. Some off gassing but once you've had it for a while you'll be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Malouf-Talalay-Latex-Zoned-Pillow/dp/B00382XCL6

I personally like the Panasonic Flash Xpress. It was recently brought back to the US market. It uses infrared heating so it's very fast. However, since it is originally designed for the Japanese market, it won't fit some larger things like allegedly "personal" pizzas that some brands put out.

These are good: http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO

I've had mine for ~8 years, they sound great but the volume knob adds noise to the output (not very well-built IMO).

http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-GA-7305-14F00-SwissGear-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000NONHYY Has treated me well. I got mine back in 2008, and it still looks practically new. It's gone through grad school in a major city (and all the public transportation that entails), vacations, and general duty as my daily messenger bag to/from work. The laptop sleeve is well-padded, the material feels heavy and secure, and it looks decent too.

I used to have to write down logs every hour and I liked writing fast. I always used these and have never had a problem. Plus they are refillable. http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-Pen-Retractable-Ballpoint-1-pack/dp/B002L6RB80

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Edition-KeyChain-Flashlight-LegionArms/dp/B00LZ4TST4/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_y

I hear good things. Crazy small.

I ordered 2 of these over a month ago and I'm starting to get pissed. At the time they were $3.50 a piece, so I'm not saying it wasn't worth the gamble, but I've definitely had plenty of other random orders come in on the slow boat from China much quicker.

If I don't wind up liking them after a few months I'll be snagging one of the E05's for sure.

I bought a 0.5 mm Alvin on a whim sophomore year in college. I almost returned it because I didn't realize how expensive it was until I got home, but I decided to give it a shot.

It's been about eight years and I actually had to search for "good mechanical pencils" on Google because the writing had completely worn off and I couldn't remember the brand. Highly recommended.

I'm a big fan of my Buck 110, a few Kershaw knives I have, Spyderco, and Benchmade.

Opinel knives are also great, but I find they have less utility than some of the brands I listed earlier.

With proper care, my Buck 110 and my Fender Squier Standard Stratocaster should outlive me and my son.

Try the Ganji Kankiri https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Can-Opener-Ganji-Kankiri/dp/B001TV6A7G
Two pieces of metal. No gears or twisting parts - just a handle and a blade. Incredibly easy to clean and use. Sure, the can lid can get a bit jagged after, but I know I will not be buying a new can opener for the rest of my life.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E05WQM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've used this for a while. I'm impressed so far.

We really like this one by Kuhn-Rikon! https://www.amazon.com/Kuhn-Rikon-Safety-Master-Opener/dp/B000B6NXL6

I've never heard anyone recommend using a razor. This is my go-to tool for cleaning off crusty cast iron: https://www.amazon.com/Knapp-Made-CM-Scrubber-Stainless/dp/B0087UYR1S

Maybe not that exact scrubber, but one just like it.

I gotta plug this bad boy every time I come across a coffee thread.

Have had the same Aeropress for just about two years now, only had to buy extra filters once, and they give you a gagillion of them. Also, you can reuse the filters a few times.

Makes great, smooth tasting coffee, and only requires some hot water. Highly recommended!

No joke, this is the best toaster in the entire world. They stopped making them years ago but I just searched again and apparently IT'S BACK!!!!!!!

edit: link: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/NB-G110P

edit 2: cheaper! http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NB-G110P-Xpress-Toaster-Silver/dp/B008C9UFDI/

edit 3: removed referral link. Was not even aware of it. Sorry. Jeez.

I've never really needed soap with this thing, even if the pan has been sitting for awhile. I just use a little bit of water, quickly scrub the pan clean, and then just wipe it out with a paper towel.

The motor and stick are connect with a piece of plastic. I have gone through several before giving up. I am not alone with this problem.

link

Here's a link to it. I have this one, and I love it, but I have noticed that the size of the grounds isn't as consistent as I was led to believe it would be. It's not really an issue for me, but I'm not the most refined connoisseur, either.

I would recommend this; https://www.amazon.com/Obenaufs-LP-Boot-Preservative-Preserves/dp/B0002X520S over mink oil. I use this in my leather restoration kit.

This one comes with a life time warranty. I remember my Grandfather bringing a thermos like this when he took me hunting. http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-1-1Qt-Classic-Vacuum-Bottle/dp/B000FZX93K/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1397098567&sr=8-24&keywords=thermos

> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E05WQM

Any issues with rust? Some of the reviews mention rust. It sounds like you need to keep it dry.

I bought the Alvin draft-matic after doing some research, and it feels very well made, though slightly different in style. I haven't had it long enough to endorse it as BIFL, but it's another option to consider.

Little black cree LED zoom flashlights. Bought several. They light up the world better than my old giant Mag Lights with just a single AA battery. Seem to be very water resistant and shock resistant. They were running $5-8 when I bought my first on meritline, but now can be had even cheaper on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/FordEx-Group-300lm-Flashlight-Adjustable/dp/B006E0QAFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380818822&sr=8-1&keywords=cree+zoom

Yeah, it's a chain mail thing. It's this - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087UYR1S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

TCO is a major driving factor in the BIFL philosophy.

The idea of buying something once, and using it for the rest of your life, even if you have to spend a premium up front is generally much less costly in the long run. Other factors that are important that this fridge likely has is repairability and quality.

If you want to test everyone's concern for yourself, get a kill-a-watt device and measure the power usage for yourself.

Z by Maulof Talalay Laxtex pillow http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00382XCL6?pc_redir=1411972846&robot_redir=1

Edit: I think I paid $99 for a high loft king. The prices on amazon are high at the moment just wait and it will be cheaper.

I'm on a leather kick right now, this bag will last you a lifetime, probably at least. It's pricey though, so probably not what you're looking for. Also the fact that it uses straps makes it a bit more of an effort to open up, so your desire for speedy laptop access might be affected. http://www.saddlebackleather.com/frontpocketbackpack

I used this Swiss Gear backpack my last years in college and it has held up well in the near 10 years after. Much more realistically priced for a college student. http://smile.amazon.com/Wenger-GA-7305-14F00-SwissGear-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000NONHYY/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1426605222&sr=8-19&keywords=swiss+gear+backpack

Plus they have a bunch of different models you can choose from.

Try this for cleaning: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087UYR1S

Also keep in mind that the next time you use the pan, once it reaches 212 F it will be sterilized.

They still sell the Promedia 2.1 (https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-ProMedia-Certified-Computer-Speaker/dp/B000062VUO). The design hasn't changed but I heard the internals might have been in newer models. They still remain highly regarded for computer speakers.

To follow up on my own comment, looking at the reviews of Kill-A-Watt, the P3 P4400 seems to be more reliable than the newer model.

The older one is here: https://www.amazon.com/P3-P4400-Electricity-Usage-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1523094097&sr=8-2&keywords=kill-a-watt&dpID=41jXOUcM37L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch#customerReviews

Obenhauf's: http://www.amazon.com/Obenaufs-LP-Boot-Preservative-Preserves/dp/B0002X520S

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000B6NXL6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509861665&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=kuhn+rikon+can+opener&dpPl=1&dpID=31HPXT-RgRL&ref=plSrch

Here it is on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-110-Folding-Genuine/dp/B000EHYZKK

Both the Stanley and the Thermos brand have models with bigger cups.

Have you ever tried one of theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?

http://www.amazon.com/Marpac-DOHM-DS-Natural-actual-Machine/dp/B000KUHFGM

I've used one of these all through college, still use it today. Originally purchased in 2010.

https://www.amazon.com/Wenger-Synergy-Backpack-Gray-GA-7305-14F00/dp/B000NONHYY/ref=pd_sbs_147_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=P2ESX7E6CB58Q7SY9VAG

I have this one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E05WQM/

Ganji Kankiri

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001TV6A7G/

https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Can-Opener-Ganji-Kankiri/dp/B001TV6A7G

Zebra F-701 This is the BIFL pen.

F701

http://www.amazon.com/Zebra-F-701-Stainless-Ballpoint-Retractable/dp/B002L6RB80

An Aeropress also lasts forever and is cheaper. Filters are low-cost too.

Aeropress all the way!

Alvin Draftmatic

I've been using an Alvin Draftmatic pencil for more than 15 years.

I'd just get the Cuisinart immersion blender. Unless you plan on running it into the ground.

zojirushi zojirushi zojirushi!

http://www.amazon.ca/Zojirushi-Stainless-Travel-16-Ounce-0-48-Liter/dp/B00B1KVCEQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397094847&sr=8-1&keywords=zojirushi+mug

I would normally agree with you until I discovered this bad mamma jamma

I never thought I could love a toaster so much, but.. here we are. 10/10 good ass toaster.

We have two of THESE and they both have been used every night for the past 6 years, plus travelling, with no failures. This unit actually has a small fan that blows through the holes in the case and that is what makes the noise. You can adjust the number of holes for the desired sound volume, and the fan motor has a low and high speed.

What about an Aeropress? Downside: Probably more parts (though doubtably more volume) than a simple French press.

I've had one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-Synergy-Backpack-Gray-GA-7305-14F00/dp/B000NONHYY

For 6 years with no issues.

Japanese Can Openers is where it's at, no moving parts.

Japanese Can Opener (Ganji Kankiri) with a bottle opener. It's big and red so hard to loose. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001TV6A7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wVw8Cb73HPG0V

Alvin ( and the chipmunks! ) is the way to go.

No rubber grip, all metal. The only downside of the pencil is the metal tube that the graphite feeds out of it, it is susceptible to being bent. So long as you're not a kid in highschool throwing all your stuff around you'll be fine.

Mag lites are dead. Cree flashlights with 14500 batteries will last longer, provide more light, and cost 1/100th the cost of what these used to sell for.

For example

Cusinart is terrible. I'm on my second.

Here's why: I was looking for the same thing as you. After a long search, I decided that a BIFL stick blender simply wasn't worth the money it was going to cost for something genuinely commercial.

Not when I can buy a Cuisinart that will last for five years of light duty.

It'll die when the plastic gears strip, as you pointed out. But it does serve its very occasional purpose and for about 1/10th cost of a seriously good one.

If I used a stick blender more than once every two weeks, I'd probably consider a more serious machine. As it is, the Cuisinart is a dead stick blending, but for the price of a decent dinner, I can live with that.