Made in America

Magpul products

2011-11-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

I have not yet used these products, but when I was handed a magazine to test that was proudly marked "Made in America" and all the people I know who are AR shooters swear by them, I must post: Made in America: Magpul. Unlike a lot of other products of it's type, they're made in America and reasonably priced. Buy some before everyone figures it out!!

About time

2011-08-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

Who knew that Menards had a patriotic streak?

Now if only they'll source the other 2,000,000 other product that they sell from manufacturers in the US.

Lisle tools

2011-08-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

Lisle tools makes most of the good quality hand tools that are sold point of purchase in auto parts stores. The Lisle 3/8" drive metric allen set in my toolbox may be my most versatile tool. I'm damned if I know what I'd do without it. And thanks to Partner, I find they're still an American company, going strong.

Anderson's Winery, Valparaiso, Indiana

2011-06-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Og coordinated a trip to Anderson's Winery in Valparaiso, Indiana this last weekend with Brigid, myself, Mr. B/Himself, the Ogwife, and the Oglet. Not only do they have locally made wines, they also create various soda pops--green apple, blue raspberry, apple, grape, and their own root beer (which the Oglet tried and liked, not being old enough for the wine). They have been in place for about 50 years and specialize in "light, fruity wines produced by fruit and grapes grown in the Midwest region". We came home with several bottles including their Red Raspberry, Strawberry, Rhubarb (a favorite of the Ogwife), Cherry, and their Vineyard Blue grape. Being root beer aficionados (and on the advice of the the Oglet), Himself and I also brought home a couple of bottles of root beer to do a side-by-side comparison with Point Root Beer (Stevens Point, WI) and Sprecher's (Milwaukee), our present favorites.

You can belly up to their bar for a wine tasting that they will tailor to the preferences of the tastees. They also have a small refrigerator filled with Fair Oaks Farm cheeses and make their own fudge onsite. If you are in the Chicago-land area, it's worth a side trip being not-that-far south of Indiana Dunes State Park to make a nice day trip. I'm not sure you can order online, but you can give them a call and see.

Libman cleaning products

2011-06-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

makes brooms, dust pans, other bathroom and kitchen cleaning prooducts- like swiffer type stuff etc. and all made in the USA, and priced similarly to comparable chinese crap. Partner reminded me and sent me the link to Libman here.

Batteries not included

2011-06-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Another thing that recently occurred to me, is Batteries.

Johnson Controls still makes all it's car batteries here in the USA. Most of the manufacturing is done in Illinois. They make the batteries that are branded Motorcraft, Duralast, EverStart, and DieHard among others.

If you have a choce between a Motorcraft or a Duralast, and the cold cranking hours are the same, pick the cheaper one. Inside the plastic, they re both the same battery.

Wadsworth Tool

2011-03-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is a Wadsworth Tool kit. It is the finest screwdriver set in the world, bar none. it is expensive, but it's worth it. I've had mine for about twelve years now, and I get very upset if it goes missing for even a few minutes.

I just got done putting a new DPFE sensor on the Exploder, and I'm damned if I know how I'd have done it without this tool.

Orange Juice

2011-02-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

When perusing the grocery store shelves for some juice, I discovered that, of the major brands of orange juice, Florida's Natural is grown and packaged entirely in the USA. I think it tastes great and I'll reach for it before I'll go for one of the competitors.

What a fantastic weekend!

2011-02-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

Ooops. Moved to Nonoriginalrants.

Belts and holsters

2011-02-03T19:41:00.001-08:00

If you are needing a belt that is well made, and bulletproof....Or at least as tough as nails, take a look at The Holster Site . I ordered one of his belts and loved it so much that I ordered a second, this time in basketweave.

These things are very well made, stitched and glued to perfection. Lined with, I believe, a kevlar weave between the two layers of leather. They come with an awesome warranty and are built like a brick outhouse.

I was so impressed that he and I are now discussing a custom holster for my 1911. It likely won't be cheap, but I am willing to pay well for my gunleather as long as it is well built and functional, and I think that, based upon my experience with the belt(s) that it will be.

His leather is (mostly) sourced from the US, and each item is assembled in the US, by a US citizen no less.

(crossposted to Middleoftheright.net)

BTW, I am getting zero compensation for this)

Ace Gun Cases

2011-01-29T05:14:00.000-08:00

I've been directed to Ace Cases. I don't know anythying about them other than they claim to be all made in USA. They have a pretty good range of US made soft gun cases available online. I DO know about Liberty Sporting of St Louis MO, because there's a little korean guy who comes to EVERY gun show and sells them. :ast show I bought an M1 carbine case.

The Ace cases are very similar in appearance. If anyone has one I'd appreciate a review. The Liberty cases are just fine- soft linings, heavy duty nylon zippers that won't scratch wood or plastic.

L.S. Starrett

2011-01-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Made in Athol (No, thath not a lisping way of thaying asshole) Massachusets, is a Made in America product reminded me by Rich of Rich's Garage.

Starrett products are about the best in the industry-they don't come close to comparing to even the best Japanese stuff. The feel and action of Starrett mikes and other tools are like no other.

I intensely dislike Starrett dial test indicators, but otherwise the stuff they make is very, very good, and it's still made here. Thanks, Rich, for the reminder. Damned good stuff, that.

Stihl chainsaws

2011-01-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

I've got a cheapo poulan saw that I bought out of necessity some years back, but I had a friend come cut some wood for me with his Stihl.

Stihl stuff appears to mostly be made in the USA. I know the saw I used had a 24" bar, but it seemed to do a lot better with a 20". So it seemed as if they overrated the power of the saw just a bit, and buying a bigger saw for a slightly smaller blade seemed to be an excellent idea.

I've used a couple different chainsaws, but the Stihl and the Husky were the best, and the Stihl, being US made, gets my dollar, next time I need one.

Stupidity.

2011-01-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

How could I be so stupid as to omit Zippo?

Yeah, they have a great product, yeah it's made right here, but FIRE!!!

Thanks, Art.

Case knives

2011-01-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

I know I'm an anachronism because I don't like "Tactical" knives. I'm surrounded by people carrying the latest quick-opening Tanto, and the best Spyderco, but they all look hideous to me. SO I carry traditional knives, the Stockman style being my personal favorite all purpose knife. And there is no better manufacturer of these than Case.

I carried Uncle henry knives for a while, and hated that they went to China. I still keep my eyes open for old carbon steel ones at gunshows. I have carried a couple fo the chinese Uncle Henry knives, and they are, actually, remarkably good quality- but I try to support US makers, which is the point of this site. SO when the supply of old stock carbon steel Buck stockman knives dries up, I'll be settling on Case. I have a couple already, and as they wear or get lost, that's what I'll be using.

Master Lock

2011-01-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

While I am of the opinion that a lock just keeps honest people out of spaces you would prefer they not be in, and are worthless for real security, It would seem that Master Lock is returning its production to Milwaukee, WI from China.

Might be worth a thought next time you need a lock.

Precision Cartridge

2011-01-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

There'sa guy right here in the midwest that does decent quality range ammo, and he sells it to police departments and private individuals. His prices are decent, and he knows what the hell he's doing. Dennis Fossey, the Proprietor, is a grouchy old cuss who loves cash customers and people who arent' full of shit. If you don't get along well with Dennis, you're probably full of shit.

Anyway, visit his website. He ships all over the damned place, everywhere legal, anyway.

Chop Rite Meat grinders

2011-01-01T19:01:00.001-08:00

Reccomended by Roger, are ACTUAL CAST IRON MEAT GRINDERS!!!! Damn, they look nice. And they have a website! Nice looking stuff- they have sausage stuffers, meat grinders, and cherry stoners! Damned shame they don't make flour mills. And of course, made right here. Dang, now I want one.

Other boots

2011-01-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

Nocona boots. Now part of Justin, they too have begun making some boots elsewhere, but for the most part, are still made here.

Like Danner, these are not cheap, but are quality boots that last and are comfortable.

The Rackulator

2011-01-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

reccomended to me by Violent Indifference, is one of those little electronic gadgets that we all love, but unlike MOST of them, this one is made right here.

Unfortunate name, though. Seems like the name of this device

Cabelas Socks

2011-01-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

I don't know how the hell they do it, but Cabelas sells good quality mens socks- black with reinforced soles, and white with reinforced soles, three pair for 12 bucks retail, and often on sale for $9. I have been wearing them for ages, and they are some hella good socks. I have not yet tried their Made in USA wool socks, but I suspect the quality is also good. I will review them as soon as I get some.

Danner Boots

2011-01-01T16:36:00.000-08:00

I have a pair of Danner Desert Acadias. Danner has begun to make some boots elsewhere, but I can and will and do unequivocally state, the Arcadias are the most supportive and best fitting boots I have ever worn.

Welcome

2011-01-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

I started this blog and intend to invite any who will contribute; The predominant purpose is to review and promote products made in the USA.

If you have suggestions or would like to submit a company or product review, leave it in comments here, or send an email to mhardig at gmail dot com.