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.

[KevinDavis]

Is there a link that points to American made stuff??

[SE Mom]

Here's one I use now and then Kevin:

http://www.buyamericanmart.com/

[HungarianGypsy]

Somebody on a Wal-Mart bashing thread posted http://www.usstuff.com. Not as many things as I wanted were available. Maybe I just need to look more.

[KYGrandma]

Bourbon, meaning Maker's Mark

[Fester Chugabrew]

I'd like to see a retail store that researched each and every product, then offered only the best choice for that item. For example, toasters. At least two qualifications would be a.) built to last, and b.) 100% made in the USA.

Prices would be higher, yes. But you wouldn't have to diddle around as much.

[PLOM...NOT!]

For the serious yachting enthusiasts (if you have a few hundred million just laying around)...my brother makes 'em for Burger Boats in Manitowoc, WI/USA!

[dljordan]

"My philips screw driver (made in China) gets stripped after usage of two times...the steel they use is so cheap!"

I've had to repair my Chinese bandsaw many times because it falls apart every time I use it. I don't think the Chinese have got a real grip on metal manufacturing. Their screws (think Home depot) are crap and will break in a heartbeat. I just love the way they put American names on their stuff or American distributors rename products. It's all about the money.

[PLOM...NOT!]

Manitowoc is also known for its' Manitowoc Ice Machines(found in many hotels and bars)and Manitowoc Cranes, found on many big construction sites!

[Revolting cat!]

Toyota automobiles.

[andysandmikesmom]

Sorry to hear that about the Madame Alexander dolls..I also collect them, tho have not bought one for long time now...

I collect many other dolls as well...one doll artist, that I love, is Francine Cee(I dont know if she is even still alive)...but all of her dolls are full body porcelain, and most are antique reproductions...they are made by her, somewhere out in the western USA...they were also very costly(ranging from almost 300-600 dollars per doll)...

Fortunately tho, I have been able to find many of them on ebay, at a fraction of that cost..God Bless ebay, for satisfying my doll collecting addiction at low prices...

[Revolting cat!]

Nickel coins. OK, dimes too!

[BluH2o]

Haven't read thru all the posts so maybe someone beat me to it ... Bill's khakis, Simplicity vacuum cleaners, and last but not least Filson canvas luggage. You pay more but the quality and longevity of these products is outstanding. All made in the good ol' USofA.

[Grampa Dave]

"Toyota automobiles."

The Toyota Tundra Pickup which is made in America appears to be an incredible vehicle.

I know 6 people who own one or are on their second one due to lease expirations. They are totally sold.

Recently I had my OJ Simpson Bronco smogged (it has been a good vehicle). The fellow who did the Smog testing has been in been business for about 30 years. Beside Smog testing he does oil changes, radiator and transmission fluid changes.

I asked if my Bronco gave up the ghost, what 4 wheel drive would he recommend. Without any hesitation, he said the Tundra 4 wheel club cab. He said that the older ones to the newer ones were basically perfect re smog testing and the other services he does. He has never heard a Tundra owner complain about poor workmanship or reliability. Many of the older models are approaching 200,000 miles or have gone over it. Some with 100,000 plus miles still have the original spark plugs.

He said that they were the Lexus's of the pickups. My wife has a two year old Lexus that has only needed new wipers after 2 years and the regular lo mileage maintenance program.

[TN4Liberty]

Man, ain't that the truth. But what the hel* is "CPSC"?

Since no one responded, I assume it is Consumer Product Safety Commission.

[OldFogy]

Warther kitchen knives made in Dover Ohio are the best I have found. Nice web site. Better blades (sharper and more sharpenable)than my Henkels and Wusthufs. Pretty handles are perhaps overly slick. $20-$40 range. Staight carbon are the best for the money if you can still find them. Ugly but easily sharpened. Read some blub by a guy in a culinary site saying he prefered his $7 Chinese carbon to his $100 ceramic that chipped. Good luck.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

please forgive me, but does it really matter what kind of box you are shoved into when you die? Waste of money in my opinion.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Your experience with your Ford is vastly different from mine. Same with Honda.

[jslade]

Ithaca Shotguns. Made in Ithaca, New York. Ithaca Gun,P. First shotgun I ever bought. I have the light weight 12 g. I can shot it with one hand (arm). Bottom ejection. I like that.

[jslade]

I wish there was a store like Wal Mart that only sold American made goods.

You just came out with a great entreprenuerial idea!

[MarkL]

In that regard, what about Fender guitars? Some in US, some in Japan, some in Mexico.

Some of the worlds best guitar makers are here in the US... Alembic, Fodera, Tobias, and my personal favorite, Carl Thompson

. Carl's a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and while he claims to be a musician who happens to make basses (and guitars), I'd say that he's a musician who happens to be an artist with wood!

Here's Carl with my 1975 bass, after he gave it "some loving care."

Before:

After:

After 31 years, it really needed it! When he built it, he had been in business for less than a year.

Here's probably his most "famous" bass, the "Rainbow Bass" he built for Les Claypool of Primus.

And here are some examples of his work: