We're all tired of spending money on stuff that breaks. Whether it's a tool that wears out instantly or a pair of pants that gets a hole too soon, it seems like more things in this world should be something you buy for life (or for a very long time). They're not as common, but numerous companies make excellent products that last a long time and can be repaired when or if they fail.
Anyone who has spent time on the Buy It for Life subreddit likely knows about many of these products already, but we have a few special rules for our guide. For one thing, everything you see here can be bought right now. You can purchase them used—buy them that way if you want!—but we wanted to make sure each item can be bought new with its original factory warranty and is still supported by the company that made it. The second major rule? A WIRED Gear reviewer has to have personally used each product for years and vouch for it. That way, you know who to scream at in the comments if yours breaks.
Here's a good rule of thumb: Just because something is well-made doesn't mean it doesn't require proper maintenance. Take care of your stuff, and it'll last for years.
Updated March 2026: We've added a Flexzilla hose, Le Crueset's Enameled Cast Iron, Blundstone Boots, a moka pot, and a Chemex.
Table of Contents
Kitchen
Photograph: Parker Hall
A Quality Chef's Knife
I'm a fan of all things Japanese, so my most prized knife is an 8-inch Shun chef's knife, a Christmas gift from my then-girlfriend (now wife!). I have used this knife nearly daily for about a decade, sharpening it every six months to keep it employed. It shows a few scuffs (my fault), but no signs of stopping. It's also among the sharpest knives I have ever used. This is my recommendation, but there are plenty of other high-end knives worth considering, including those from German and American brands. Read our Best Chef's Knives guide for more.
A Knife Sharpening Set
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