I said six as a joke but I thought I’d put together a list anyway.
The knife is Global. I was a sous chef in New Orleans and everyone on the line had their preference. I like Japanese steel Santoku knives even if it cost more to resharpen. If I’m chopping a hundred onions, it matters. (I can sharpen a knife but when it’s your job, you get a professional to do it. Cheap knives, I just sharpen myself.)
My jacket doesn’t seem to have a brand (or it’s faded away). I bought it off the shelf because I was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans while traveling with a stylish woman and she was like, “That looks amazing on you!” In retrospect, she was lying and just wanted me to look credible instead of a shiftless transient wearing a stupid t-shirt.
Lodge or (better but overpriced) Le Creuset enameled cast iron pots will last you forever.
Osprey bags, in my experience are solid. They’re probably overpriced now but not having your bag or zippers be a problem when traveling for work or pleasure is worth $50 every time.
I worked construction for awhile and I stick with DeWalt tools. They did a battery volt switch thing that maybe wasn’t necessary — it was an advancement in battery tech — but the adapter was cheap. I don’t need my drill or sawzall often but when I do, it better fucking work.
To give a modern example, I’ve had good experiences with Cotopaxi bags and pants. My boss bought a bag from them after seeing my bag last. And you can wash the pants in a sink if you’re into hiking.
Thule has also served me well. But that’s a specialist thing so I didn’t include it in the top 6.
To be clear, every single one of these companies might have been bought by a private equity firm that intends to ruin it and milk the brand equity while making everything worse. I’m not endorsing any corporation. I just have found those companies to be worth paying a bit more for compared to generic.
Occidental Leather. They make tool bags, pouches, and tool belts. Top notch shit, small company. I got a set in '94. I finally had to buy a new set in 2021 after 40hrs a week, 50 weeks a year of daily, hard use framing houses.
I’d send them in every 5 or 6 years and they do repairs and cleaning for super reasonable prices.
Which other companies come to mind? I’ll support them too!
I said six as a joke but I thought I’d put together a list anyway.
To be clear, every single one of these companies might have been bought by a private equity firm that intends to ruin it and milk the brand equity while making everything worse. I’m not endorsing any corporation. I just have found those companies to be worth paying a bit more for compared to generic.
Get some Darn Tough socks! I’ve been using them for years and outside of the initial purchase I’ve been rocking free socks!
Occidental Leather. They make tool bags, pouches, and tool belts. Top notch shit, small company. I got a set in '94. I finally had to buy a new set in 2021 after 40hrs a week, 50 weeks a year of daily, hard use framing houses. I’d send them in every 5 or 6 years and they do repairs and cleaning for super reasonable prices.