Everyone knows someone who has had the same washing machine for 20 years. It’s like there is a cutoff that exists for appliances — if they were made within the last 15 years, they’ll die every three years or so, but if they reach that 20-year threshold, you’ll have ’em for decades. This is all undoubtedly thanks to companies changing the way they make their products, even when it’s totally uncalled for. Thankfully, there are some brands that have stuck to their tried and true methods, so we can rely on the same quality we’ve enjoyed for decades. Here are seven products that are still made the same way they always have been.
1. Lodge Cast Iron
Since its founding in 1896, Lodge has relied on the traditional sand mold casting method to create its American-made cast iron cookware. The meticulous process involves pouring molten iron into carefully crafted molds made of sand. Despite inevitable advancements in technology, Lodge has remained committed to preserving its original artisanal methods.
2. Weber Kettle Grill
Rewind time back to the 1950s, and you’ll find the iconic Weber Kettle Grill looks the same as it does at present-day backyard barbecues. That’s because the company has been using the same traditional manufacturing methods it’s relied on since its inception. That manufacturing process begins with high-quality steel that is precisely cut and formed into the kettle shape. This steel is then coated with a porcelain enamel finish, a technique Weber has perfected over the decades to ensure durability and resistance to rust and weathering. The classic design, featuring a dome-shaped lid and three-legged base, remains true to George Stephen’s original invention, which revolutionized outdoor cooking.
Related: Quiz: So How Much Do You Really Know About Grilling?
3. Leatherman Multi-Tool
Since Tim Leatherman created the first Leatherman Multi-Tool prototype in Portland, Oregon, during the early 1980s, the same manufacturing process has been followed. The iconic design, featuring a variety of tools integrated into a compact, foldable format, remains true to Leatherman’s original vision. Each tool is meticulously crafted with high-quality stainless steel that is precision cut and heat-treated before assembly.
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4. Dr. Bronner’s Soap
Dr. Bronner’s soap is known for its natural ingredients and versatile uses, and it’s still made using the same traditional methods that Dr. Emanuel Bronner first employed when he founded the company in 1948. The production process relies on the time-honored cold process method of soap making, where organic oils like coconut, olive, and hemp are mixed with a lye solution and allowed to naturally “saponify” (that is, turn a substance into soap) without external heat. This tried and true process preserves the integrity and beneficial properties of the oils, resulting in the high-quality soap we all know and love.
5. Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats
Despite being purchased by Wilson Sporting Goods in 2015, Louisville Slugger bats are still manufactured in Louisville, and they are still made using the traditional methods that have been in place since the company’s founding in 1884. Each bat begins as a carefully selected piece of hardwood, typically ash or maple, which is turned on a lathe to achieve the precise shape and weight required for optimal performance. Skilled craftsmen then sand, stain, and finish the bats by hand, ensuring each one meets the high standards of durability and balance that have made these bats an iconic symbol of America’s pastime.
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6. Rolex Watches
Rolex watches, synonymous with luxury and precision, are still made in Switzerland with the same meticulous craftsmanship that has defined the brand for over a century. Each Rolex begins with the finest raw materials, which are crafted in-house to meet the brand’s exacting standards. The process involves a combination of cutting-edge technology and time-honored watchmaking techniques. Master watchmakers assemble and hand-finish each movement, ensuring every tiny component perfectly harmonizes. Plus, the iconic Oyster case, first introduced in 1926, continues to be crafted using the same robust methods that ensure water resistance and durability.
7. Red Wing Boots
Red Wing boots, renowned for their durability and craftsmanship, have been made the same way since their arrival in 1905. Each pair of boots begins with premium leather, sourced from the company’s own tannery. The material is then cut, stitched, and assembled into boots by hand, ensuring every detail is perfected. The boots are constructed using the Goodyear welt process, a time-intensive method that involves stitching the upper leather, lining, and welt to the midsole, and then attaching the outsole. There’s a reason these boots are beloved by working-class folks.
