Living thread - Buy American

[Grand58742]

Much like a lot of you folks on here, I prefer to buy American when and if I can. Even if it means a little more money up front, I know I helped keep an American worker in a job and didn't keep the plant from closing and moving overseas. I get tired of walking into some big box stores and seeing the "Made in China" labels on everything, so I've made it my specific mission to find American made products when I can, even if it means I pay a couple more bucks.

So I was thinking, it would be nice to have a living continual thread about "Buy American" when and if possible. This isn't a specific thread about what American companies produce what, but specifically what items you bought that would be helpful to others.

Now I understand we have some preppers here from other nations. The rules apply to you as well. If you are German and buy a "Made in Germany" product, please post it up. Or Canadian or Japanese or whatever. Specifically whatever keeps your products in your nation and the jobs in your homes.

Rules are simple:

What the product is and what purpose it serves. Company/product info and a link would be nice if you have one.

Where you bought it.

What price you paid (optional)

Brief description on how well it works (or doesn't)

Just an idea I had for us to share knowledge on good American products since they aren't easy to find these days. And again, I don't want to turn this into a thread about what is still made. Just those products you specifically have bought that would be useful to others.

[Grand58742]

Since I started the thread, I might as well be the first to put something up. My first product will be the:

Estwing Sportsman’s axe (camping hatchet)

http://www.estwing.com/product.php?product_id=1600

Bought at Home Depot. Sports the “Made in the USA” sticker proudly on the side of the handle.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100351736/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Paid $34 for it (kinda steep)

I used this hatchet for the first time when I was camping with the Boy Scouts (no, I wouldn’t let them get a hold of it lol) The metal the head and handle is made of it good steel and makes a resounding “ting” when struck. My father who worked around metal all his life has always said that’s an indication of good steel.

While one might think the hatchet is somewhat heavy, it is balanced nicely and has a good edge on it. I could get through a one inch diameter limb with one or two hits. Larger stuff would obviously take more, but for the most part, a hatchet is used for smaller stuff anyway.

After a week of cutting, I expected the blade to be somewhat dull. However, it still looked like the day I picked it up from the store. I hadn’t done a great deal of cutting, but the edge was still bright and didn’t look like it had been used.

My only complaint is the leather handle. While I’m sure the clear coat stuff they put on it will eventually wear off, I didn’t care for it as it was slightly slick when working with sweaty hands. However, a little pine rosin should help out with that problem if I need some in depth work. Other than that, no complaints whatsoever about this item and would recommend it to someone looking for a hatchet. While it is pricey, the Estwing name is one that is trusted and their longevity is not in doubt.

[brokedownbiker]

Nice idea Grand, I'm a big believer in buying American as well. The first thing(s) that came to mind is/are my favorite knives. My Buck 119 and 110 knives, made in Post Falls, ID. These are my go-to utility knives, my 110 folder has been on my belt for over 20 years (I've gone thru 5 sheaths in the time- 3 leather and 2 nylon). My 119 fixed blade has been with me every time I've camped since I was in high school- a loooooong time ago. They aren't 'tacti-cool' blades but they are well made and extremely durable.

BTW- are ya getting settled in?

[WiseOwl]

We just bought some cast iron skillets from a company made in Tennessee. Cant remember the name of the company but it was mentioned on here.....Bought them at this cookware store at the Tanger Outlet south of Atlanta............Thanks for the good advice (cant remember who)

[Grand58742]

We just bought some cast iron skillets from a company made in Tennessee. Cant remember the name of the company but it was mentioned on here.....Bought them at this cookware store at the Tanger Outlet south of Atlanta............Thanks for the good advice (cant remember who)

Lodge Cast Iron probably. It's made outside of Chattanooga.

Exceptional stuff.

[WiseOwl]

Yes sir it is...I now cook steaks and burgers on it in the oven rather than go out in this 100 degree heat and slave on the grill.....cant even tell the difference...well to me anyways

[Grand58742]

Ain't nothing better in this life than some bacon cooked up in some good cast iron over an open fire.

And I think I just made myself hungry lol