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Posted by Jerry in Idaho on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 23:36:15 :
I am wearing out my Birkenstocks. This is the second pair I have owned. 5 years ago, Beetle, the young lab mix pup that I rescued from a certain death either from freezing, starvation, or being run over, ate the first pair, which I had just had re-soled, the first night we left him alone. Needless to say, I used the damaged sandals to impress in his memory not to do that again. He has never chewed on anything since.
I ordered a new pair online today. I got them for $98, compared to the current price of $125, which is twice what I paid for my first ones 25 years ago. It is noteworthy that the second pair lasted about 6 years whereas the first pair went almost 20, and would probably still be here if Beetle hadn't eaten them. We'll see how this next pair goes.
This has been true of newer power tools I have purchased compared to ones I have that are 40 or 50 years old. The new tools, reputable name brands, fail within 3 to 5 years. The old tools, some of which are finally starting to leak oil or developing a faulty switch, are still quite useable, other than those minor problems. How many years have we been paying twice what something is worth for junk that will not last? Every time I think I should sell my W300 and my W500, I then realize that I should hang onto them. I might someday need a truck that will actually start and run. JH
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