Whenever I find myself in position to purchase a product I want but don’t necessarily need, I check the label. Specifically I look to see where said product was made. If I see that it was made here — in America — I’m far more likely to make the discretionary buy than I would be if it’s just another “Made in China.”
Why? Because I live here. Simple. The American economy is my economy and I like to support it when I can. I’m aware of the complex economic arguments that circle around this issue and I’m certainly not advocating a withdrawal from the global economy. All I’m saying is that when I’m spending my “maybe” dollars I’m generally trying to spend them here.
I know I’m not alone in that, which means I’m also not alone in understanding how hard it is. Over the past few months, though, I’ve purchased a handful of very nice, American-made products that I think are worth a mention. Eventually I hope to expand this list and turn it into a kind of resource (thus the “Part One” in the title of this post). For now, here are four:
1. Case Knives
As I’ve stated before, everyone should carry a knife. It’s a basic matter of readiness.
I picked up a Case pocket knife on a whim at Lowe’s one day to replace my trustworthy Victorinox. The US-made pedigree was, at the time, the main reason why. Since then I’ve been more than pleased with the choice, so much so that I bought a second one. These knives are durable, sharp, well-constructed, and pleasant to hold.
2. Tramontina Cookware
The Tramontina website isn’t much and, as a result, I don’t know much about the company. What I do know is that I was at Costco one day and I saw a US-made frying pan I could use. I bought it and have no complaints.
From what I can gather, Tramontina doesn’t manufacture in the US exclusively. Regardless, I can vouch for that frying pan in a big way.
3. Anchor Hocking Glassware
I was at Target, thinking I could use a replacement for the old plastic measuring cup I had at home. Not that what I had wasn’t still functional, it was just heavily worn. So I picked up what looked like a damn nice piece from Anchor, and I saw it’s made in the US.
Sold.
4. Zippo Lighters
I realize, alas, that smoking is no longer in vogue. As a result, a lot of folks probably don’t see the need to own or carry a lighter. That’s a mistake.
A ready source of flame is, like a pocket knife, smart to have on hand. Maybe you don’t smoke — someone you know might. Maybe you need to light candles for a dinner party. Maybe you need to handle fireworks duties on July 4th. Maybe you’re camping and need to start a fire. Maybe you’re staring down a zombie invasion and need some torches. Whatever. Having a quality lighter is just good strategy.
No better option than Zippo. Classic, iconic, and made in PA. ‘Nuff said.
As I said above, I’d like to turn this preliminary list into a resource. Please pass along your recommendations for everyday, US-made goods that you use and enjoy.
One note on that: comments are moderated and don’t show up automatically. As long as it’s not spam, though, it will get posted.
Filed in: americana, business, essentials, living well, made here.
[...] in May when I posted Part One of this series, I didn’t imagine waiting until August to do Part Two. Truth is, though, that it’s hard [...]