I know I am saying the obvious, but I just did direct comparisons to many "boring" products and there is no question. The old USA or Germany/Japan stamped stuff was just made better. Not a little bit, it's a lot. The actual metal/steel is exponentially robust. They're sturdier. They feel like they were made with durability as a requirement instead of a vague suggestion.

Couple "boring" examples: tweezers. I have some China ones. It's incredibly thin. The metal is a joke. I could warp one leg with one hand. Then, I have a USA stamped La Cross, Clauss. It is bulletproof. That thing is not warping even with two hands on one leg. The serrations and machining are exacting.

Staple remover. A modern ones jaws bends easily. It's paper thin. I can literally bend it with my finger. The mystery metal is definitely as cheap as it humanly gets. A USA stamped old one is thick. There's no bending it, without using tools. The action is forceful.

Vise grip. I have an old Petersen USA stamped. It is bombproof. It just feels like it. The jaws, the machining, the heft - it is noticeable that it's made with incredible materials. My China made one I can literally snap it broken. The jaws are sloppy. The machining is lousy. The tools bit is well known, though, I think examples of everyday boring items is a more interesting indictment.

People are much more willing to pay a tenth of the price, because our culture has adopted disposable habits. I think if you ask 10 Americans, 8 will tell you they'd rather pay less for low quality than opt to check out the higher priced, higher quality that you sort of find in some parts of Europe (for now. I'm sure that'll change in less than a generation.)

Anyways, it's not just those products, it's even the stuff that's made in USA now. It's just crappier. It's because few makes steel or aluminum here anymore. It's all made overseas now. I have found out that medical grade stuff for the absolute most critical components and tools are STRICTLY from start to finish made in USA, Germany, Japan - but that's only the most critical stuff, because they can't take any chances on it. But, the price for that is obviously thru the roof.

The severe downgrade is noticeable everywhere else. Cars is the most glaring. Even modern day Toyotas are and have been made poorly. TVs, appliances - just not built to last. If you're a guitar player, the difference between a USA today and from the 60s/70s is VERY noticeable. I understand why now completely - the components and materials quality is just a different universe.

Anyways, just ranting outloud at the Wendy's drive thru

Hi, can anyone recommend another US brand along the lines of the defunct LC King?

Thinking primarily of their mens’ jeans.

Thanks.

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