Remember the old days, when products were made to last? Neither do I. This sad fact was brought home to me last weekend when I was forced to purchase yet another telephone to replace the ailing model that it seemed I’d just bought last year to replace the broken phone I’d just bought about a year before. These weren’t cheap, throwaway phones. I don’t mind spending a little extra for quality, no matter what my wife says. They simply didn't last.

Anyway, this got me to thinking about the products that I own that have truly met and exceeded my expectations. I’m still thinking, but to date the list is short: KitchenAid Mixer (the culinary equivalent of a V8-powered go-kart), Swing-A-Way can opener #407 (a marvel of simplicity and function), and Swiss Army Knife (the, well, Swiss Army Knife of knives).

I’m sure I’m missing some and I’ll try to post more as I think of them, but I’m also interested in hearing from you. What products have you encountered that have truly stood the test of time and provided service and value far exceeding your expectations? What do you find invaluable?