In my continuing search for products which will last a long time and prove to be worth their investment, I’ve had some wins and losses.
BIFL Win: Leatherman Supertool
My original Leatherman Supertool was a birthday gift from my father back in high school. I still have (and use) that Leatherman today, but more impressive is that it’s still solid and tight. None of the tools have broken, the needlenose pliers are still perfectly aligned and even the wire cutters are in good shape!
The original, and still one of the best.
BIFL Fail: Gerber Crucial
Of course, just because we acquire things we could have forever doesn’t mean we don’t want more. The idea of a smaller, pocket-friendly multitool led me to purchase the Gerber Crucial. Unfortunately it fell short of the high standards I had from my Leatherman and is regulated to a toolbox drawer as a “last resort” tool.
Maybe they've gotten better since then?
BIFL Win: 2UNDR Power Shift Boxer Briefs
I’m not usually one to talk about my underwear, but these are spectacular. I bought my first pair 4 or 5 years ago and they hardly show any wear today! The only complaint I’ve seen about them is that they’re made of thick material. I think that just happens to be the tradeoff for long-lasting boxer briefs.
BIFL Fail: Exoficcio Boxer Briefs
I tried these from Exoficcio and hated them. The elastic waistband fell apart, the waffled synthetic material pulled and tugged my leg hair and they wound up in the trash. Buy some as a gift for someone you don’t like.
BIFL Win: Darn Tough Vermont Socks
You know the best way to determine which socks are best? By seeing which ones you choose most often. For me those always happen to be a pair of Darn Tough Vermont socks. Apart from being comfortable and durable, they have an amazing lifetime warranty.
Enjoy them until they wear out, then return them for a new pair!
BIFL Fail: American Trench Wool Socks
American Trench has typically been a great brand for me, but their wool socks wore out much faster than I had anticipated. After about one year the bottoms were threadbare and unfortunately their return policy falls far short of Darn Tough Vermont.
Decent for the time they last, which isn't long.
BIFL Win: Randolph Engineering Sunglasses
I was hesitant to spend good money on sunglasses, but after finding these on sale I bought a few more pairs at full price. Their optical quality, slip-resistant nose pads, and warranty have made me a lifetime customer.
Sunglasses so nice that my wife steals them.
BIFL Fail: Shades Club
I should have been smarter than to sign up for a sunglass subscription plan, but I wasn’t. Shades Club promise monthly deliveries of high quality sunglasses for ~$30/mo. but I found these to be about as good as what you’ll find at the local gas station.
BIFL Win: Nicks Builder Pro Work Boots
You’ve heard me talk about these boots many times before, but I’m going to keep spreading the word about high quality work boots. These boots made me realize that you don’t have to be uncomfortable and miserable at work. There is a better way! Well worth the high price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a customer who doesn’t love their Nicks boots.
The boot that changed my whole perception of how great work boots can be.
BIFL Fail: Thursday Duke Chelsea Boots
Thursday Boots are typically a safe bet, and often a wonderful option for those wanting a decent quality boot on a budget. The early Thursday boots were still finding their stride when I purchased these, and they suffered from collapsed foam after a short time. Luckily Thursday seem to be constantly refining their products, and I’m sure the Duke chelsea boots you can buy now are better than these.
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