THE BEST STUFF: Made in USA

Self ^ | December 31, 2001 | Self

[Fester Chugabrew]

As a discussion recently transpired here on Free Republic, it occurred to me how many cheap goods have infiltrated the marketplaces of the USA. It also occurred to me that Free Republic would be the best place to begin a list of those products, made in the United States of America, that today have a long lasting quality about them.

I mean tangible goods. For example, when I was younger I had a few Tonka^® trucks. Look at a Tonka^® truck today, you you will certainly see how they don't make them like they used to. Too much plastic, and a "Made in Hong Kong" label. The same seems to have happened, by and large, with Lionel^® Trains. While this is the perfect forum to debate the reasons for such cheapening of durigible goods, we should do something practical here on the side.

So let us build a list of the best stuff made in the United States of America, and let that list be shared. Then, perhaps, when the next holiday season arrives we will know what things to purchase as gifts. We will also know throughout the year what tangible goods may be of most benefit to our homes and families. We can do this "on the side" as it were, while we debate the more serious issues facing our land and people.

Please make sure the items are made in the USA. Think of those tangibles that have enduring qualities about them. Attributes would include: Heavy duty, solid design, long lasting reputation, high standards, etc. If, along the way, we discover there is little or nothing of true value made in the USA, then maybe some of us will be inspired to start something, or build something, of long lasting quality.

Some may come along to plug their own goods. That's okay, as long as it's quality stuff. In view of the fact, however, that this forum is not to be a platform for personal business advertising it may not be a good idea. Others have already begun a recent thread on FR to put forth the idea of a "Made in the USA" store. Please peruse this thread as well, but then come back here to help us list specific products that might be included in such a store.

As the list becomes tried and true we might refine it and release it as perhaps, for lack of a better title: The Made in USA List of Goods Made in the USA.

[Leisler]

Redwing boots, Carhart pants, bibs, shorts, hoodsie, coat, Estwing hammer, DeWalt table Saw, most any old dog...chicken wings...Lazy Boy recliners...Gerber folding work knife, Merc outboards, anything by the Plantex Amirillo, Texas plant....

[CARDINALRULES]

Fisher Space pens.

My mom has one of the "bullet" types ...still writes after 20+ years.

I picked her up an Apollo model for Christmas when I visited KSC in October.

[CIBvet]

Gramicci makes really tough cotton sportswear for the whole family.

They originally made rock-climbing pants, so they wear hard, but look nice.

New Balance 990's are very comfortable and still Made In USA.

[Grampa Dave]

Also New Balance makes shoes/boots that are both narrow for people like my wife and wide for people like me.

My older son is an avid fisher, hunter and boater. He loves the Grammaci clothing when our rainy season is over. He gets 4-5 years from each item, and he puts them through the tests.

[Grampa Dave]

All of these are great products. Our younger son is really hard on his jeans and jean jackets.

Two Christmas's ago we got him Carhart jeans, Carhart sweatshirt and a Carhart jacket. They are in great shape.

[js1138]

Swingline Staplers

Staplers have become junk. Most office staplers misfire with more than three pages. I have a number of ancient staplers obtained at garage sales that never jam or bend incorrectly.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Carvin guitars.

But otherwise, I usually buy Japanese:

Car: Lexus
Computer: Sony
Watch: Seiko

Samsung (Korea) also makes great products.

[Vigilantcitizen]

I don't really like their cordless drills, but they make the best hand held routers bar none...

[Fiddlstix]

Bump

[Grampa Dave]

I have an inlaw who could be a top mechanic if he didn't make such a good living in another endeavor.

His hobby is buying older American cars, spiffing and buffing them up and selling them.

He has said for decades that the so called consumers unions and many of the auto raters/magazines have been in bed with the foriegn auto manufacturers. His proof is when one of these foriegn auto manufacturers comes out with a new model and there is no testing or long term evaluation. Then they go ballistic about the new foriegn model, saying that it is the best thing since sliced bread.

So he is in total agreement with you.

[Grampa Dave]

For steel pipe that we need to pump our natural gas, oil and other liquids through, Oregon Steel, OS on the stock market makes incredible and long lasting steel pipes.

[Eva]

Corningware and Lennox China.

[sparkomatic]

Wilson Footballs made in Ohio.
Little Tikes toys are made in USA, I think.

[Grampa Dave]

Ooops, I forgot about Gramicci biking clothes. Our youngest son is an avid mountain and tour biker. He doesn't own a car and rides his bikes to and from work. Then he rides about another 125 miles per week to keep in shape and for his enjoyment.

He still has some of the Gramicci biking clothes that we bought him in the early 1990's. We bought him a couple more Gramicci's this past Christmas.

[junta]

Weatherby rifles are now USA produced, my Accumark in .308 is one finely produced firearm. L.L. Bean makes their Maine boot in its namesake state and they are great.

[Grampa Dave]

The Little Tikes or is it Tyke outdoor stuff for kids is incredible.

We have bought our grandkids outdoor tables and little gym climbing stuff. Some of that stuff is over 3 years old and still looks great.

It is plunked in their backyard or patio or ours. It stays out year round and is cleaned off with a hose. That is the only care.

Their inside toys get passed on neighbors with younger kids as our grandchildren outgrow them. Inspite of banging, kicking and other things I won't list, those toys are still in great shape.

[AGreatPer]

"Little Tikes toys are made in USA, I think"

Yes. One plant is in Shippensburg, PA.

[Diana Rose]

Flexable Flyer (and I think Radio Flyer?) toys... A little one in my family got a Flexable Flyer spring rocking horses for Christmas and I have never seen a toy enjoyed more by a child.

[Grampa Dave]

I'm about ready to give up my Orvis Credit card where I get a rebate and get the LL Bean and Cabela's card.

Orvis is starting to look like a ChiCom sporting goods outlet. Most of their fishing clothes, waders, boots and other accessories are ChiCom products. Before, I order anything from Orvis, I now ask for where the products are made.

[GraniteStateConservative]

CutCo in Olean, NY-- very good quality knife company.