The Always List
It occurred to me that these days when I shop it’s for something cheap or expensive. That’s to say, I track down old version of favorites on eBay or at vintage stores (a good bargain). Or I buy the original thing itself (not at all a bargain). At this point there are certain things that just make me happy. And many of those things are an investment. So I thought of a general rule. If something will last for ten years and improve with age then that thing is worth it.
One clue is if these things have existed for a while already. They are proven and you already know you like them. Nothing novel or experimental. For many good things prices are going up. If you want to get out of the game that makes sense. But if you’re planning to ever get in then don’t wait forever. Michael Williams pointed these hard facts of life out to me when I was moaning about the price of Belgian shoes. I’m still upset that they broke the $600 barrier. I mean really. But you have to decide what you believe in.
I still think that if you love something that gives you pleasure every time you use it, whether it’s a camera or a fly rod or a wallet or a fountain pen then you should get it. You will recover from the price and focus on the enjoyment. If you don’t use it, then the price will always bother you.
With that in mind, here are some things that are worth the investment.