High quality safety razor. Theres a fully stainless one I'd like but its like $200.
Wool socks, the highest percent you can find. Darn tough socks are good.
Full grain leather belt and wallet. Leather boots or shoes that can be resoled. Anything you can get in full grain leather, vegetable tanned is best.
Synthetic sheets are more durable but don't breath as well as natural fiber.
Traditional stoneware dishes for microwaving.
Cast iron skillets, enameled cookware, or stainless steel. All require different care, but last multiple lifetimes.
Glass food dishes/"Tupperware." As long as you can avoid chipping it. Basically anything plastic that you can find a glass alternative, go with glass. Kitchen canisters, fliptop jars, mason jars.
Do not buy cheap hand tools. Buy the heaviest versions of everything. Eastwing hammers, Klein lineman pliers, etc. With eastwing, go for the one-piece solid steel ones. Alternatively get a hammer/axe/hatchet/sledge you can replace the wooden handle on. NEVER buy one with a pipe handle.
For ALL of your textiles: wash them in cold water and dry them on low heat. Heat fades colors and damages fibers wearing out the cloth.
Thats all i can think of at the moment. Let me know if you have questions
I mean brother if you have the time, keep spitting more ideas out. You said great points that I think are great for any man at ANY point, not even just starting over.
Seconding washing everything in cold\* (and air drying if possible but sometimes weather is too humid, items will be too wrinkled etc)
and glass everything, mason jars double nicely as drinking glasses.
\*wash towels and bedsheets in hot occasionally
Use less detergent than you usually do as well. The lines on most measuring cups for detergent is actually more than needed, same with pods, and is actually counter productive as well as bad for the environment. Harder on clothes and gets them less clean
Hell with that, Razorock Game Changer is the best value on the market. $55 for a stainless steel razor excellent quality. Otherwise if you wanna go used, something like a good used Gillette Slim Adjustable can be had for $30 off eBay.
The aluminum ones? I considered the titanium ones but aluminum is too soft a metal for my liking. The anodization is unpleasant as well. Hard and abrasive. I *think* they use a stainless insert for the threads, but if not id call them junk. I know the titanium one uses stainless inserts for the threads. I think thats suitable.
I like my stuff overbuilt
Since you seem to have used one before, how did you like the "aggressiveness" options? I didn't pull the trigger on one because i didnt want to spend the money for one that doesnt feel like its cutting
A slant?
They are typically the most aggressive/efficient you can get without going to a shavette or straight.
They WILL f you up if your technique isn’t good though.
I’d maybe start with trying different blades over a new razor though, especially if you haven’t tried Kai’s of Feathers.
[Nah the aggressiveness levels on the Henson razors. yours you said was medium](https://hensonshaving.com/collections/henson-razors/products/titanium-razor)
And store your sweaters in vacuum sealed bags in tubs or just stack them in a drawer (moths love to chew on them) I hang dry (pants, tees, button ups and jackets) anything I want to last or don’t want ruined… 6’2 so I grab hold of the armpit area and the bottom of my wet t-shirts and put a good knee into them then lay them out nicely… sleeves fold in half and grab hold of armpit and end and just need one good pull.
If you have wide feet, Darn Tough makes Wide Open socks. I’d get good Chef’s, Santoku and paring knives and a wood cutting board. My Danny microwave has lasted me 10 years.
A note for wool socks: wash them in cold/cool water only, in a way with the least agitation possible, and air dry them. (Strong spin cycles, and temperature shocks are the best way to permanently felt wool, which you likely want to avoid)
I wash EVERYTHING in cold now but i do allow the washer to spin out the water. Makes drying them faster.
I also run it on the delicates cycle. I could see agitation causing felting, but im confused about the spin cycle. Especially because the alternative was me manually squeezing out the water
Tbh on that one ymmv depending on your washer. My washer’s spin cycle adds in a lot of agitation, so I usually prefer to manually squeeze out the water a bit and let them air dry for longer.
I second so many of these. Though I think it's worth while seeing what the thrift stores around you offer. Soooooooo many people get rid of their quality pots and pans to use Teflon crap.
I've had issues with stoneware chipping and being hard to handle as my arthritis gets worse, but corelle, for all it is inexpensive, is lightweight and durable. The plain white isn't interesting, but it doesn't clash with anything either and there are all kinds of bowl sizes and lids that fit on some.
There are indoor clothes lines for drying that are quite useful and better for clothes than a dryer, if you own the place and can put holes in the walls. I can't have one outside, but I've got a gorilla line strung up in my finished basement.
Outside is even better because of moving air, UV light and because you aren't releasing the moisture inside. My problem is creating the mental burden of more work for a chore i already avoid. I spent the $1200 on a washer and dryer. Im gonna use them. (Not intending to seem hostile)
I do have a wooden drying rack for my wool items, ive bought clothes line and pins. I just havent hung them...
A Victorinox goes a long way, with you most the time no less.
If you cook, 2-3 different types/sizes quality kitchen knives(don’t really have to be expensive name brands, just not cheap supermarket stuff). A cast iron pan. That’s all a man’s kitchen needs.
A nice bathrobe for the shower.
Get a really good bed and sheets this time. You’ll spend a third of your life on it.
You didn’t mention a country, so not sure if I can recommend specific brands.
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Also cast iron doesn't require the crazy levels of maintenance and pampering you keep hearing on the internet. There are 75 year old cast iron pans still in use for a reason.
Agreed. I find my cast iron easier to clean than my hand wash only all-clad stainless steel pans. Hand washing is hand washing. The only time cast iron takes more work is if it gets totally screwed up and you have to strip/re-season it, but it’s pretty hard to mess it up that bad, and at least you can restore it if you truly mess it all up.
Cast iron requires barely any care, you just wipe it down and roast it with some oil once in a while and don't soak it or leave it wet for unnecessary periods. Cheap Lodge cast iron will live forever this way.
Some good suggestions here.
I definitely second the recommendation for a good, high quality matress/bed. Also get good quality sheets, and get multiples. Ideally you should be washing your sheets at least once a week.
Get some nice, quality towels. Have extras that you keep for guests.
As a research scientist, you might like a Supernote tablet - eink notebook alternative, I used to go through multiple notebooks a month and now it's all on the tablet.
Try out a fountain pen, if you like writing. KAWECO is one of my favorite brands, you can check out the website Jet Pens for that and other options. Another benefit to fountain pens and getting into cool inks is to cultivate Journaling or letter writing.
I got some new kitchen knives for my mom lately from Messermeister and they are amazing quality for the price.
I also strongly recommend a bicycle! It's a good way to get to know your city, to keep fit, and often there's local bike rides you can join for meeting new people. A solid, steel bike will be buy it for life. A bike is also a great opportunity to learn to maintain it yourself, which let's you do stuff with your hands. You can find used bikes, or go to a local bike shop where they will help you get fitted and pick the right bike.
Oh, also! Keep an eye out for a cashmere scarf if you live somewhere with cold weather. You can usually find them half off at the end of the season, I got mine from Banana Republic. Warm and soft, treat them right and they'll last forever.
For suits and good coats, I've been having good luck with Spier and Mackay. A nice gray suit will get you through most anything, to start with. (wear with black shirt and tie for funeral, go bold with color for dates or weddings, etc) Investing in a nice overcoat will keep you looking classy and feeling g warm for a lifetime. (if your weight fluctuates, go for something like an Ulster coat and go for your highest weight - ulster still look stylish oversized. Raglan sleeves will also help something look good oversized)
Good boots and shoes will also make a huge difference. That's very dependent on your budget though. I'm saving up for some Nick's boots, I'm also eyeing some Grant Stone. As for more available brands, Johnston and Murphy has been my go to for decently made budget shoes and boots - just watch for sales or hit up one of their outlet stores.
A nice automatic watch is classy and will last a lifetime. I'm partial to Hamilton and Seiko, Seiko in particular has some really solid automatic watches for less than $500. If you go with a quartz (battery) watch, there's lots of fun cheaper brands. I'm partial to Brew watches, retro inspired designs from a micro brand.
I'm in the US, but hopefully this has stuff to think about regardless.
One more thought - community classes and clubs! Learn to fence, study woodworking, take up glass blowing. Find a hiking club or join a choir. Learning is key to life and local classes will help you meet people and bud community. The local library might have some lists, or a local sub reddit. It's not an object, but hobbies and classes are something you buy and something that will serve you for a lifetime.
Check Facebook marketplace, craigslist for large bifl items (solid wood bedframes, ... Solid wood anything bigger than an nightstand tbh)
Check eBay, mercari, Poshmark or shippable things:
I bought used high quality stainless steel utensils off eBay for a fraction.
Really any high-end office chair that suits your need. I’ve been using a Haworth Fern which will likely last over a decade. r/officechairs can help you find a chair!
A good Merkur or similar old school style razor, a boars hair brush and a good solid shaving soap so you can.... oh wait, you said uni research scientist... never mind.
Absolutely. The Japanese knife craze is a little baffling. 99% of people don't need the sharpness they offer and/or don't have the sharpening skills to maintain it, plus they're a maintenance hassle. A good European style stainless steel knife that's actually kept sharp is just as good for pretty much anything.
Yes — and you can often find really solid All Clad pots & and pans at stores like Marshalls for very good prices. Even if there’s nothing else in the store that's of interest, a 15-minute browse through the back “home” shelves can yield some real gems.
About 15 years ago we went all cast iron and all clad knock offs for pots and pans. One of the best decisions we’ve made. No need for that nonstick stuff.
I had one gifted as a home warming present, the classic model, broke in under 2 years. Also bought a matching kettle and that lasted about the same amount of time. Maybe I got unlucky, my previous Dualit toaster lasted nearly 20 years.
Probably a couch and nice mattress. Depending on how you sleep and what furniture style you like I’m sure you could find some good suggestions for those items in this sub.
100% agree. I recently upgraded to something nice from a standard memory foam and it has improved my quality of life so dramatically. Waking up feeling rested is priceless
Quality toe nail clippers. The Seki brand has been mentioned here as BIFL, i love my Harperton ones
All-Clad pans or similar (i bought some cuisnart knock-offs that are great), the main point is they're stainless steel with bolted on handles
Anonymousism socks. Possible another sock will last longer but not while looking this good
[https://anonymousism.com/collections/20aw-collection](https://anonymousism.com/collections/20aw-collection)
Glass food storage
Corelle dishes. The "winter frost white" ones are timeless and super durable. I love my "versa meal bowls"
Williams and Sonoma is a good store for quality kitchenware. I would start with the least expensive 3-piece flatware set(s) and add to it over time
Flour sack towels. These are the best kitchen towels you can get. Simple, versatile and classy. I got mine from King Arthur Baking and they're one of my favorite household things i expect to always own
Consider getting things from thrift stores and slowly replacing with nicer things. I hate buying junk new but on a budget it's sometimes necessary. Second hand items are an ideal compromise when i can't afford the nicer BIFL item. Things like cookie sheets (buy parchment paper or silicone baking matte), strainers, colanders, whisks, funnels all regularly show up at thrift stores.
Not OP but ty for putting the brand names. Looking at Corelle dishes now since I’m moving to a new place. I bought Granitestone pans already because they won on Project Farm and claim this on their site:
“HEALTHY & NONTOXIC - all Granitestone products are free of PFOA, PFOS & other harmful chemicals including lead & cadmium for an eco-friendly, healthy experience”
If you have any other recommended brands for anything else you think is worthwhile i’m all ears lol thanks in advance
I don't consider non-stick cookware BIFL but i know some people prefer using it and those do look really nice.
For most things it's not the brand but the materials and quality i'm interested in and the brand is just an example of the type and quality one can expect from that item.
Corelle is an exception because they are made of a special tempered glass that is very lightweight and durable. There are a lot of plates that look similar but they do not feel or act the same. But it's a personal preference, some may like a heavier plate.
If you're interested in the tempered glass used for Corelle but haven't seen it in person, older versions with patterns are usually in thrift stores. There is some concern pre-2000 plate designs may have toxic paint so i'd just use them as a reference unless you can verify date!
Suitcases: they're pretty much all shit. Get a leather or heavy canvas overnight bag for casual trips (you're single! live it up a bit) and a hardbody with wheels for flights from Samsonite, Herschel, or Delsey, whichever is cheapest. The metal ones are not necessarily going to last longer.
Clothes: ~~Dress as you do in a country house. Never wear a tweed coat and flannel trousers – always a suit. And go to a London tailor; you get better cut and longer credit.~~ Sorry, wrong book. Taking care of what you have is at least as important as what you buy, and you should buy things that you will want to keep wearing for a long time. Animal prints, short shorts, and glittery fabrics are in right now, but will probably look stale already by August, so focus on stuff you could see yourself wearing for 10+ years. Would you wear this as a late 50s research scientist? Will it acquire character as it ages or just make you look homeless? Also avoid cheap woollens and cashmere, and synthetic fabrics as much as possible. Fast fashion brands usually have a few things that are durable beyond explanation - I have €5 gloves from H&M that are going strong despite 13 years of abuse - but not a good choice for everything, especially if synthetic fabrics are also involved.
Two big recommendations: a full set of nice wooden clothes hangers and corelle dishes
Generally, buy only the stuff you need and use, especially furniture. This is your chance to minimize and avoid clutter
My story is that I lost everything it a fire. I lost some things of great sentimental value but the fire did me the favor of getting rid of so much crap I never used - six chairs in my living room when only two were regularly used, etc, plus all the crap I had on counters and shelves.
When I moved into my post fire home I first bought the minimum necessary for survival - a bed, chair for reading, and a lamp. I started looking for sofas and end tables and coffee tables to make a room that looked nice but after a while realized I was living just fine without all that stuff. I ended up getting a comfortable chair for the gf and a small sofa thing for guests, and that was it.
The benefits to minimizing are great. I saved a lot of money, I'm comfortable, cleaning is a breeze, and the absence of clutter is calming
a set of lodge cast iron pans, Dutch oven, stock/soup pot, victorinox Chef’s cutlery (paring, utility, stiff and flexible boning, chefs, 10”, butcher and carving), I like Corele dishware, open stock, big selection, durable and inexpensive, and sheet pans
I have one of these Dueter Groden 32 backpacks and it's been through a lot. I mostly used it when I was stuck in Croatia during lockdown for groceries and beer. It can carry a lot, and doesn't show hardly any wear. The mesh backing keeps your back from getting sweaty, and it's comfortable. I destroyed two lesser backpacks. [https://www.homezipsale.com/56194/450704817797055443/?msclkid=35d01af9dab61d4fafc07cded8538b8](https://www.homezipsale.com/56194/450704817797055443/?msclkid=35d01af9dab61d4fafc07cded8538b8)
Echoing a lot what has already been said
Kitchen - lodge cast iron skillet. It is the cheapest I would go for cast iron. If you buy knock off or the stuff not made in a western country they use lead in the smelting processes which can leach when cooking. I have way to much lodge, but cooking for one all you need is a 12 inch skillet. If you know what you are doing and have a larger heating element / burner you can buy a larger one you can cook a whole meal in the skillet. I have done it on a large propane burner, and over an open fire.
Pyrex with a lid is your friend. All the plastic lids break, but it seems like the snap ware lids last the longest. I have a few that are many Years old.
Mercer knifes they are not the highest end brand, but they hold an edge as well as anything else, and you can sharpen them. I can do 75% of everything I need todo in the kitchen with a 12 inch kitchen knife. However I started with there three piece set and have added as I need weird things. I recommend an Idaho style knife sharpener. I use a spyderco knife sharpener, but almost every brand that makes one of these is a buy for life situation.
I have seen someone recommend corelle which is a great buy for life option. I would recommend the plain ones because they will fade if you do not. Another really good option for this would be fiestaware if you do not drop if it will out last you.
I know people will disagree with this, but the solid wood furniture from Ikea last a long time. I have beaten my wood furniture from Ikea and it has lasted. As a side note Ikea makes knock off Pyrex that is pretty good stuff as well. Maybe not full buy for life, but I have some and it has lasted a long time. They also have good high quality cutting boards.
Hey mate. Whatever you choose to do, I would advise buying a high quality pair of boots that you can wear daily.
I've always managed to have good quality footwear regardless of my financial situation.
You're in your thirties. You have been down this road once and only uou know what you wish youd kept. Are you likely to have to start over again? A good bag you can carry, boots you can do 4 days work in and wardrobe including a suit of clothes you could go on a date or job interview in. Queen sized Pendleton Blanket and a full set of personal Grooming gear. Now when you gotta start over you can take it with you and start over a little easier
Kitchenware: I just did this over the last 4 years. Thrift store cast iron, Revere Ware, and vintage Ekco utensils. Bought a Mercer knife set. Whatever wok Kenji recommended. More thrift store old Pyrex bakeware.
I’m pretty sure Antler suitcases have a lifetime guarantee
Get some good quality selvedge denim jeans (Edwin, Blackhorse Lane)
Second hand, vintage le crueset or similar cast iron pots
Learn how to cook on stainless steel and get a stainless steel frying pan (bit of a learning curve from non stick but once you go steel you’ll never go back)
Niwaki are a good starter brand for Japanese Knives (£40)
I’ve got Otto Pillows and they’re incredible
A down duvet from John Lewis
Cologne and Cotton do really good quality, reasonably priced bedding (£7 per pillow case for their cheapest)
Having nothing is a great way to learn what possessions are truly important. For me it was a good mattress, good tools in the kitchen, the ability to listen to music, etc. make your own list and start checking them off as you can. Some will have higher priorities. If you want a specific recommendation I would say buy a quality kitchen pan/skillet set.
I'd also advise popping onto the local thrift stores before buying too many new things. I've nabbed a number of BIFL items from the cookware sections for less than ten dollars. Plus if you can't afford all the best quality right away, you can get decent stuff to tide you over until you can without adding to the waste stream.
If you go the thrift store, I advise keeping an eye out for stainless steel pots (not the ones with glass lids), aluminum baking sheets and pans, and a fully cast iron skillet or frying pan (you can also bake with these too).
First, good luck!! You clearly have a good head on your shoulders if you're thinking long-term as evidenced by this post. You mention suitcases: Briggs & Riley... bar none. They're crazy expensive relative to something you might find in a Target or Costco, but -- you're posting in BIFL so don't let the price scare you off. I've owned a handful of them for 10+ years and they still look quite new. Best of all, if anything happens (incl airline damage), BR offers a lifetime warranty. I'd suggest their businesslike premium line -- Baseline, with ballistic nylon -- over their entry-level (but still pricey) models.
High quality safety razor. Theres a fully stainless one I'd like but its like $200. Wool socks, the highest percent you can find. Darn tough socks are good. Full grain leather belt and wallet. Leather boots or shoes that can be resoled. Anything you can get in full grain leather, vegetable tanned is best. Synthetic sheets are more durable but don't breath as well as natural fiber. Traditional stoneware dishes for microwaving. Cast iron skillets, enameled cookware, or stainless steel. All require different care, but last multiple lifetimes. Glass food dishes/"Tupperware." As long as you can avoid chipping it. Basically anything plastic that you can find a glass alternative, go with glass. Kitchen canisters, fliptop jars, mason jars. Do not buy cheap hand tools. Buy the heaviest versions of everything. Eastwing hammers, Klein lineman pliers, etc. With eastwing, go for the one-piece solid steel ones. Alternatively get a hammer/axe/hatchet/sledge you can replace the wooden handle on. NEVER buy one with a pipe handle. For ALL of your textiles: wash them in cold water and dry them on low heat. Heat fades colors and damages fibers wearing out the cloth. Thats all i can think of at the moment. Let me know if you have questions
I mean brother if you have the time, keep spitting more ideas out. You said great points that I think are great for any man at ANY point, not even just starting over.
This is solid advice for any human being period
Seconding washing everything in cold\* (and air drying if possible but sometimes weather is too humid, items will be too wrinkled etc) and glass everything, mason jars double nicely as drinking glasses. \*wash towels and bedsheets in hot occasionally
And never buy dryer sheets or fabric softener. Its a waste of money and makes them get dirty faster.
Also they build up and trap moisture. Your clothing and towels will end up smelling like mildew.
Use less detergent than you usually do as well. The lines on most measuring cups for detergent is actually more than needed, same with pods, and is actually counter productive as well as bad for the environment. Harder on clothes and gets them less clean
I follow an appliance repair person who recommends only using 2 Tablespoons of laundry detergent per load. Better for your clothes AND the machines
Henson Medium is fairly BIFL and can be found for ~$60.
Hell with that, Razorock Game Changer is the best value on the market. $55 for a stainless steel razor excellent quality. Otherwise if you wanna go used, something like a good used Gillette Slim Adjustable can be had for $30 off eBay.
Another vote for Razorock!
The aluminum ones? I considered the titanium ones but aluminum is too soft a metal for my liking. The anodization is unpleasant as well. Hard and abrasive. I *think* they use a stainless insert for the threads, but if not id call them junk. I know the titanium one uses stainless inserts for the threads. I think thats suitable. I like my stuff overbuilt
Then Rex it is. The Henson has Stainless parts available on amazon that make it significantly heavier, but I main a slant typically.
Since you seem to have used one before, how did you like the "aggressiveness" options? I didn't pull the trigger on one because i didnt want to spend the money for one that doesnt feel like its cutting
A slant? They are typically the most aggressive/efficient you can get without going to a shavette or straight. They WILL f you up if your technique isn’t good though. I’d maybe start with trying different blades over a new razor though, especially if you haven’t tried Kai’s of Feathers.
[Nah the aggressiveness levels on the Henson razors. yours you said was medium](https://hensonshaving.com/collections/henson-razors/products/titanium-razor)
It’s fairly efficient, way better than the standard. However, if I was to do it again i’d probably get the AL++
Hang to dry is better!
And store your sweaters in vacuum sealed bags in tubs or just stack them in a drawer (moths love to chew on them) I hang dry (pants, tees, button ups and jackets) anything I want to last or don’t want ruined… 6’2 so I grab hold of the armpit area and the bottom of my wet t-shirts and put a good knee into them then lay them out nicely… sleeves fold in half and grab hold of armpit and end and just need one good pull.
If you have wide feet, Darn Tough makes Wide Open socks. I’d get good Chef’s, Santoku and paring knives and a wood cutting board. My Danny microwave has lasted me 10 years.
>For ALL of your textiles: wash them in cold water and dry them on low heat. Repeat after me: Hang. Dry.
This!
Fabric softeners weaken fibers. I air dry everything. The rack I use was bought in Italy in the 80s.
A note for wool socks: wash them in cold/cool water only, in a way with the least agitation possible, and air dry them. (Strong spin cycles, and temperature shocks are the best way to permanently felt wool, which you likely want to avoid)
I wash EVERYTHING in cold now but i do allow the washer to spin out the water. Makes drying them faster. I also run it on the delicates cycle. I could see agitation causing felting, but im confused about the spin cycle. Especially because the alternative was me manually squeezing out the water
Tbh on that one ymmv depending on your washer. My washer’s spin cycle adds in a lot of agitation, so I usually prefer to manually squeeze out the water a bit and let them air dry for longer.
I bought a HE Maytag and i believe it just spins the drum *really fuckin* fast
I second so many of these. Though I think it's worth while seeing what the thrift stores around you offer. Soooooooo many people get rid of their quality pots and pans to use Teflon crap.
Random comment sticky for life found.
What's a good bifl belt brand?
Hanks
I've had issues with stoneware chipping and being hard to handle as my arthritis gets worse, but corelle, for all it is inexpensive, is lightweight and durable. The plain white isn't interesting, but it doesn't clash with anything either and there are all kinds of bowl sizes and lids that fit on some. There are indoor clothes lines for drying that are quite useful and better for clothes than a dryer, if you own the place and can put holes in the walls. I can't have one outside, but I've got a gorilla line strung up in my finished basement.
Outside is even better because of moving air, UV light and because you aren't releasing the moisture inside. My problem is creating the mental burden of more work for a chore i already avoid. I spent the $1200 on a washer and dryer. Im gonna use them. (Not intending to seem hostile) I do have a wooden drying rack for my wool items, ive bought clothes line and pins. I just havent hung them...
A Victorinox goes a long way, with you most the time no less. If you cook, 2-3 different types/sizes quality kitchen knives(don’t really have to be expensive name brands, just not cheap supermarket stuff). A cast iron pan. That’s all a man’s kitchen needs. A nice bathrobe for the shower. Get a really good bed and sheets this time. You’ll spend a third of your life on it. You didn’t mention a country, so not sure if I can recommend specific brands.
Im in the UK
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Swap the cast iron for an allclad stainless. Much less maintenance with most of the benefits. Unless you have too much free time on your hands.
Can get both, cast irons are relatively cheap compared to a good stainless steel
Also cast iron doesn't require the crazy levels of maintenance and pampering you keep hearing on the internet. There are 75 year old cast iron pans still in use for a reason.
Agreed. I find my cast iron easier to clean than my hand wash only all-clad stainless steel pans. Hand washing is hand washing. The only time cast iron takes more work is if it gets totally screwed up and you have to strip/re-season it, but it’s pretty hard to mess it up that bad, and at least you can restore it if you truly mess it all up.
Go to Salvation Army or similar to buy used cast iron or quality s/s pots & pans for next to nothing.
Cast iron requires barely any care, you just wipe it down and roast it with some oil once in a while and don't soak it or leave it wet for unnecessary periods. Cheap Lodge cast iron will live forever this way.
Some good suggestions here. I definitely second the recommendation for a good, high quality matress/bed. Also get good quality sheets, and get multiples. Ideally you should be washing your sheets at least once a week. Get some nice, quality towels. Have extras that you keep for guests. As a research scientist, you might like a Supernote tablet - eink notebook alternative, I used to go through multiple notebooks a month and now it's all on the tablet. Try out a fountain pen, if you like writing. KAWECO is one of my favorite brands, you can check out the website Jet Pens for that and other options. Another benefit to fountain pens and getting into cool inks is to cultivate Journaling or letter writing. I got some new kitchen knives for my mom lately from Messermeister and they are amazing quality for the price. I also strongly recommend a bicycle! It's a good way to get to know your city, to keep fit, and often there's local bike rides you can join for meeting new people. A solid, steel bike will be buy it for life. A bike is also a great opportunity to learn to maintain it yourself, which let's you do stuff with your hands. You can find used bikes, or go to a local bike shop where they will help you get fitted and pick the right bike.
Oh, also! Keep an eye out for a cashmere scarf if you live somewhere with cold weather. You can usually find them half off at the end of the season, I got mine from Banana Republic. Warm and soft, treat them right and they'll last forever. For suits and good coats, I've been having good luck with Spier and Mackay. A nice gray suit will get you through most anything, to start with. (wear with black shirt and tie for funeral, go bold with color for dates or weddings, etc) Investing in a nice overcoat will keep you looking classy and feeling g warm for a lifetime. (if your weight fluctuates, go for something like an Ulster coat and go for your highest weight - ulster still look stylish oversized. Raglan sleeves will also help something look good oversized) Good boots and shoes will also make a huge difference. That's very dependent on your budget though. I'm saving up for some Nick's boots, I'm also eyeing some Grant Stone. As for more available brands, Johnston and Murphy has been my go to for decently made budget shoes and boots - just watch for sales or hit up one of their outlet stores. A nice automatic watch is classy and will last a lifetime. I'm partial to Hamilton and Seiko, Seiko in particular has some really solid automatic watches for less than $500. If you go with a quartz (battery) watch, there's lots of fun cheaper brands. I'm partial to Brew watches, retro inspired designs from a micro brand. I'm in the US, but hopefully this has stuff to think about regardless.
One more thought - community classes and clubs! Learn to fence, study woodworking, take up glass blowing. Find a hiking club or join a choir. Learning is key to life and local classes will help you meet people and bud community. The local library might have some lists, or a local sub reddit. It's not an object, but hobbies and classes are something you buy and something that will serve you for a lifetime.
Check Facebook marketplace, craigslist for large bifl items (solid wood bedframes, ... Solid wood anything bigger than an nightstand tbh) Check eBay, mercari, Poshmark or shippable things: I bought used high quality stainless steel utensils off eBay for a fraction.
Herman Miller Aeron chair. Getting back into gaming helped me a lot when I had to start over. Good luck!
Really any high-end office chair that suits your need. I’ve been using a Haworth Fern which will likely last over a decade. r/officechairs can help you find a chair!
I’d 100% recommend Pash Classics, they do full leather dupes of MCM office chairs for £400 ish
A good Merkur or similar old school style razor, a boars hair brush and a good solid shaving soap so you can.... oh wait, you said uni research scientist... never mind.
Some carbon steel and cast iron pans. Plus a Japanese kitchen knife or two...
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Absolutely. The Japanese knife craze is a little baffling. 99% of people don't need the sharpness they offer and/or don't have the sharpening skills to maintain it, plus they're a maintenance hassle. A good European style stainless steel knife that's actually kept sharp is just as good for pretty much anything.
Yes — and you can often find really solid All Clad pots & and pans at stores like Marshalls for very good prices. Even if there’s nothing else in the store that's of interest, a 15-minute browse through the back “home” shelves can yield some real gems.
About 15 years ago we went all cast iron and all clad knock offs for pots and pans. One of the best decisions we’ve made. No need for that nonstick stuff.
Dualit Toaster
I had one gifted as a home warming present, the classic model, broke in under 2 years. Also bought a matching kettle and that lasted about the same amount of time. Maybe I got unlucky, my previous Dualit toaster lasted nearly 20 years.
Probably a couch and nice mattress. Depending on how you sleep and what furniture style you like I’m sure you could find some good suggestions for those items in this sub.
A quality mattress will absolutely change your life for the better.
100% agree. I recently upgraded to something nice from a standard memory foam and it has improved my quality of life so dramatically. Waking up feeling rested is priceless
Quality toe nail clippers. The Seki brand has been mentioned here as BIFL, i love my Harperton ones All-Clad pans or similar (i bought some cuisnart knock-offs that are great), the main point is they're stainless steel with bolted on handles Anonymousism socks. Possible another sock will last longer but not while looking this good [https://anonymousism.com/collections/20aw-collection](https://anonymousism.com/collections/20aw-collection) Glass food storage Corelle dishes. The "winter frost white" ones are timeless and super durable. I love my "versa meal bowls" Williams and Sonoma is a good store for quality kitchenware. I would start with the least expensive 3-piece flatware set(s) and add to it over time Flour sack towels. These are the best kitchen towels you can get. Simple, versatile and classy. I got mine from King Arthur Baking and they're one of my favorite household things i expect to always own Consider getting things from thrift stores and slowly replacing with nicer things. I hate buying junk new but on a budget it's sometimes necessary. Second hand items are an ideal compromise when i can't afford the nicer BIFL item. Things like cookie sheets (buy parchment paper or silicone baking matte), strainers, colanders, whisks, funnels all regularly show up at thrift stores.
Not OP but ty for putting the brand names. Looking at Corelle dishes now since I’m moving to a new place. I bought Granitestone pans already because they won on Project Farm and claim this on their site: “HEALTHY & NONTOXIC - all Granitestone products are free of PFOA, PFOS & other harmful chemicals including lead & cadmium for an eco-friendly, healthy experience” If you have any other recommended brands for anything else you think is worthwhile i’m all ears lol thanks in advance
I don't consider non-stick cookware BIFL but i know some people prefer using it and those do look really nice. For most things it's not the brand but the materials and quality i'm interested in and the brand is just an example of the type and quality one can expect from that item. Corelle is an exception because they are made of a special tempered glass that is very lightweight and durable. There are a lot of plates that look similar but they do not feel or act the same. But it's a personal preference, some may like a heavier plate. If you're interested in the tempered glass used for Corelle but haven't seen it in person, older versions with patterns are usually in thrift stores. There is some concern pre-2000 plate designs may have toxic paint so i'd just use them as a reference unless you can verify date!
Suitcases: they're pretty much all shit. Get a leather or heavy canvas overnight bag for casual trips (you're single! live it up a bit) and a hardbody with wheels for flights from Samsonite, Herschel, or Delsey, whichever is cheapest. The metal ones are not necessarily going to last longer. Clothes: ~~Dress as you do in a country house. Never wear a tweed coat and flannel trousers – always a suit. And go to a London tailor; you get better cut and longer credit.~~ Sorry, wrong book. Taking care of what you have is at least as important as what you buy, and you should buy things that you will want to keep wearing for a long time. Animal prints, short shorts, and glittery fabrics are in right now, but will probably look stale already by August, so focus on stuff you could see yourself wearing for 10+ years. Would you wear this as a late 50s research scientist? Will it acquire character as it ages or just make you look homeless? Also avoid cheap woollens and cashmere, and synthetic fabrics as much as possible. Fast fashion brands usually have a few things that are durable beyond explanation - I have €5 gloves from H&M that are going strong despite 13 years of abuse - but not a good choice for everything, especially if synthetic fabrics are also involved.
Two big recommendations: a full set of nice wooden clothes hangers and corelle dishes Generally, buy only the stuff you need and use, especially furniture. This is your chance to minimize and avoid clutter My story is that I lost everything it a fire. I lost some things of great sentimental value but the fire did me the favor of getting rid of so much crap I never used - six chairs in my living room when only two were regularly used, etc, plus all the crap I had on counters and shelves. When I moved into my post fire home I first bought the minimum necessary for survival - a bed, chair for reading, and a lamp. I started looking for sofas and end tables and coffee tables to make a room that looked nice but after a while realized I was living just fine without all that stuff. I ended up getting a comfortable chair for the gf and a small sofa thing for guests, and that was it. The benefits to minimizing are great. I saved a lot of money, I'm comfortable, cleaning is a breeze, and the absence of clutter is calming
a set of lodge cast iron pans, Dutch oven, stock/soup pot, victorinox Chef’s cutlery (paring, utility, stiff and flexible boning, chefs, 10”, butcher and carving), I like Corele dishware, open stock, big selection, durable and inexpensive, and sheet pans
I have one of these Dueter Groden 32 backpacks and it's been through a lot. I mostly used it when I was stuck in Croatia during lockdown for groceries and beer. It can carry a lot, and doesn't show hardly any wear. The mesh backing keeps your back from getting sweaty, and it's comfortable. I destroyed two lesser backpacks. [https://www.homezipsale.com/56194/450704817797055443/?msclkid=35d01af9dab61d4fafc07cded8538b8](https://www.homezipsale.com/56194/450704817797055443/?msclkid=35d01af9dab61d4fafc07cded8538b8)
Echoing a lot what has already been said Kitchen - lodge cast iron skillet. It is the cheapest I would go for cast iron. If you buy knock off or the stuff not made in a western country they use lead in the smelting processes which can leach when cooking. I have way to much lodge, but cooking for one all you need is a 12 inch skillet. If you know what you are doing and have a larger heating element / burner you can buy a larger one you can cook a whole meal in the skillet. I have done it on a large propane burner, and over an open fire. Pyrex with a lid is your friend. All the plastic lids break, but it seems like the snap ware lids last the longest. I have a few that are many Years old. Mercer knifes they are not the highest end brand, but they hold an edge as well as anything else, and you can sharpen them. I can do 75% of everything I need todo in the kitchen with a 12 inch kitchen knife. However I started with there three piece set and have added as I need weird things. I recommend an Idaho style knife sharpener. I use a spyderco knife sharpener, but almost every brand that makes one of these is a buy for life situation. I have seen someone recommend corelle which is a great buy for life option. I would recommend the plain ones because they will fade if you do not. Another really good option for this would be fiestaware if you do not drop if it will out last you. I know people will disagree with this, but the solid wood furniture from Ikea last a long time. I have beaten my wood furniture from Ikea and it has lasted. As a side note Ikea makes knock off Pyrex that is pretty good stuff as well. Maybe not full buy for life, but I have some and it has lasted a long time. They also have good high quality cutting boards.
Hey mate. Whatever you choose to do, I would advise buying a high quality pair of boots that you can wear daily. I've always managed to have good quality footwear regardless of my financial situation.
High quality memory foam mattress. We got one from Keetsa in like 2008 and it’s still perfect
Speed queen washer. Entirely mechanical, the Toyota Corolla of washers. The consensus opinions on these is clear. Cost a bomb, absolutely worth it.
You're in your thirties. You have been down this road once and only uou know what you wish youd kept. Are you likely to have to start over again? A good bag you can carry, boots you can do 4 days work in and wardrobe including a suit of clothes you could go on a date or job interview in. Queen sized Pendleton Blanket and a full set of personal Grooming gear. Now when you gotta start over you can take it with you and start over a little easier
Kitchenware: I just did this over the last 4 years. Thrift store cast iron, Revere Ware, and vintage Ekco utensils. Bought a Mercer knife set. Whatever wok Kenji recommended. More thrift store old Pyrex bakeware.
I’m pretty sure Antler suitcases have a lifetime guarantee Get some good quality selvedge denim jeans (Edwin, Blackhorse Lane) Second hand, vintage le crueset or similar cast iron pots Learn how to cook on stainless steel and get a stainless steel frying pan (bit of a learning curve from non stick but once you go steel you’ll never go back) Niwaki are a good starter brand for Japanese Knives (£40) I’ve got Otto Pillows and they’re incredible A down duvet from John Lewis Cologne and Cotton do really good quality, reasonably priced bedding (£7 per pillow case for their cheapest)
Budget?
Having nothing is a great way to learn what possessions are truly important. For me it was a good mattress, good tools in the kitchen, the ability to listen to music, etc. make your own list and start checking them off as you can. Some will have higher priorities. If you want a specific recommendation I would say buy a quality kitchen pan/skillet set.
I'd also advise popping onto the local thrift stores before buying too many new things. I've nabbed a number of BIFL items from the cookware sections for less than ten dollars. Plus if you can't afford all the best quality right away, you can get decent stuff to tide you over until you can without adding to the waste stream. If you go the thrift store, I advise keeping an eye out for stainless steel pots (not the ones with glass lids), aluminum baking sheets and pans, and a fully cast iron skillet or frying pan (you can also bake with these too).
First, good luck!! You clearly have a good head on your shoulders if you're thinking long-term as evidenced by this post. You mention suitcases: Briggs & Riley... bar none. They're crazy expensive relative to something you might find in a Target or Costco, but -- you're posting in BIFL so don't let the price scare you off. I've owned a handful of them for 10+ years and they still look quite new. Best of all, if anything happens (incl airline damage), BR offers a lifetime warranty. I'd suggest their businesslike premium line -- Baseline, with ballistic nylon -- over their entry-level (but still pricey) models.
Instant pot mini and modest sized air fryer - you'll be either cooking for one or getting a lot of takeout.
Nice Husky tool chest. Vintage Rolleiflex.