The Very Best Thread

[chris snell]

The tool deals thread inspired me to post this. For those that know me in person, you know that I love finding the things that are top-quality and exhibit craftsmanship, precision, functionality, and/or design that is above all alternatives.

Have any product that you're in love with, that represents the very best of its kind? Post it up here and tell us why it's the best.

Here's my first contribution: the Orvis Invincible Sock. These socks are so well-made that I'm actually a little hesitant in recommending them because it's been eight years since I last bought them. I have pairs of these that I bought before my oldest kid was born that are still going strong. They simply do not wear out. They are warm and don't get strong odors (I think that's a wool thing?).

 

[evilfij]

MC2301

McIntosh MC2301 Vacuum Tube Amplifier

The McIntosh MC2301 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier delivers the most extraordinarily lifelike and dynamic performance ever heard from a McIntosh tube amplifier. With an output of 300 Watts, it provides enough high power to drive even the most demanding loudspeaker.

www.mcintoshlabs.com

Or if you are a plebe like me (I had a set of 2301s, but sold them after the tube budget would keep a NAS D90 on the road, any mcintosh tube amp). I still have an MC2102 which is two channel 100 watts per. I crank it into some giant magnapans and it holds. The tubes glow purple (gold lion KT88). Two MC2301 and some of the klipschorns is nirvana for me.

 

[hillstrubl]

I'm really not kidding by posting this, buy this butter and never look back. It absolutely blows away all other butter* AND is relatively easy to find.

🇮🇪​

*placeholder for artisanal handmade butter that isn't commercially available everywhere

 

[evilfij]

I saw that butter at the total wine in Delaware.

 

[hillstrubl]

I saw that butter at the total wine in Delaware.

exactly, its distribution is in total conflict with its quality

 

[mgreenspan]

B.O.B. Jogging strollers. Take the abuse and work great. Don’t mess with anything else if you’re just having a kid. They also have adapters for a Britax infant car seats. Save yourself the trouble and get one first before buying every other stroller around.

The locking front wheel is great. On the single it allows a second child to sit on the front and not affect the steering. We used it hiking in CA and it’s survived abuse for over 8 years. Tires have inner tubes so you can repair flats easily. Also can function as a shopping trolley with its large under seat storage.

Another add for functionality. It's really well balanced. You can easily hang purses, bags, or backpacks from the handle bars. I'm also 6'2". Most strollers end up causing some form of pain in my back due to the user height they are designed for. This thing works great for any height individual. It is bigger than most strollers, rear wheels are removable, but it does weigh slightly more than an umbrella stroller so definitely give it a test drive at a store beforehand so you know if it'll work for both partners.

 

[javelinadave]

They are plastic (ok, polymer), they are square (like a Defender) but they ALWAYS work. After tens of thousands of rounds they just keep on working. My G-34 that I compete with only get cleaned when it fails to cycle. Last cleaning it went 7800ish rounds before it had a hiccup. It currently has somewhere north of 20k rounds thru it and is on its second set of springs. Nothing can touch a Glock and their motto says it all, "PERFECTION".

 

[Frobisher]

Icebreaker's merino wool T shirt totally fits this bill. I've used one for several years as a base layer for hiking, climbing, hanging around, just about anything, and I've even washed it a few times. Not that it needs it hardly ever... It simply doesn't pick up odors like synthetics, and it always feels good no matter the temperature or level of exertion. Icebreaker even uses Defenders in their ads.

 

[JimC]

Huge fan of Icebreaker stuff, got some socks, shirts, etc. it’s more available in Europe so my wife even has an outer-layer crewneck sweater and stuff from them. So good.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I'm really not kidding by posting this, buy this butter and never look back. It absolutely blows away all other butter* AND is relatively easy to find.

🇮🇪​

View attachment 17673
*placeholder for artisanal handmade butter that isn't commercially available everywhere

We buy this from Costco. I think it’s $7.99 for 4 bricks.

 

[FlyersFan76]

I'm really not kidding by posting this, buy this butter and never look back. It absolutely blows away all other butter* AND is relatively easy to find.

🇮🇪​

*placeholder for artisanal handmade butter that isn't commercially available everywhere

Yeah I have to agree that butter is awesome.

 

[rover4x4]

I can also vouch for the Kerrygold butter, it is the absolute best.

 

[theShaytoon]

If you grill, smoke, or BBQ...this is absolutely the BEST tool. Thermoworks' Thermapen

 

[chris snell]

Love the Thermopen. For candy-making, it's significantly more accurate than an analog candy thermometer. I use it for prailines and peanut brittle.

 

[Napalm00]

I have this traditional puukko knife I bought in Finland. Made by marttiini in Finland. It's nothing super fancy but it's insanely sharp. Standard carbon steel blade that must be oiled. Single bevel scandinavian style edge.

I just use it to open letters

 

[KND]

I love cars and guns. If I can only own one lever action rifle. This is probably the best in my opinion especially in 45-70 govt.

As a matter of facts, I have two actually. I lied about only one, just a different color.

 

[SaintPanzer]

I am always fascinated by these threads. I learn so much. Of course, now I'm wondering if it's a "Best Things You Can Buy Today", or a "They don't make 'em like that anymore, so if you see one in an antique store/pawn shop/estate sale... buy it" thread. Somewhere, I have a magazine article from the 80s called "100 Things They Haven't Ruined Yet", but that's a different thread entirely. There are some things that are so utilitarian, it's not worth taking a photo... but I love my Orca Cooler (similar to a Yeti, but they actually measure the capacity on the INSIDE, not the outside like Yeti does, and they can still somehow make them cheaper in Tennessee than Yeti does in China), and Saddleback Leather still makes the nicest briefcase I've ever owned.

In the spirit of "they don't make them like that anymore", there is no action smoother than a pre-War Mannlicher Schoenauer rifle. This is a picture of mine with a Johann Springer Erben scope mount, so it's not showing off the butterknife bolt handle, but do an image search on DuckDuckGo to see the other side, and the full Mannlicher stock. How smooth is the action? On an empty chamber, bolt open, tilt the rifle down. The bolt will go home and lock. It's that smooth.

For things you can still find, I take your point on the Glock, but I really like my Les Baer. It was a last promotion gift to myself, and they guy who scrimshawed the ivory did a fantastic job.

And then there are knives. I know that can start a fight, but I really like my Benchmades. The Impel makes a great every day carry knife, and the larger one proved useful when I really needed it, so it's handy to have around.

I'm sure there are other things lying around here that fit. But that's where my head is at this week.

 

[Robert]

https://m.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/farm-and-ranch-saws/ms271/

 

[Terrapintige]

It's tough to beat a Rolex sport series watch. This GMT Master has been my daily workhorse for the last 12+ years. It keeps perfect time, it works in casual and formal situations, and there are no alerts or Bluetooth connections to annoy you.

 

[chris snell]

https://m.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/farm-and-ranch-saws/ms271/

Be sure to treat yourself and put a chainsaw scabbard in your Defender so that you can carry your saw safely on trips and cut firewood at camp. It's life-changing!