LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- It can be tough to justify splurging on everyday items with bidgets getting tights but these buys are worth it. Here are 5 durable buys that are worth the splurge from Reader's Digest.
1. Cast-iron pan. Avoid pans with seams, cracks, or uneven sharp edges. Buy one that is all one piece-not one with a wooden handle. Avoid a ridged bottom; a flat surface conducts heat best.
2. A good kitchen knife. If you buy a good chef's knife and care for it properly, you should never have to replace it. Avoid knives that have a serrated cutting edge or those that claim to "never need sharpening." Good knives do need sharpening.
3. Hand tools. Good quality hand tools should last not just one lifetime, but for a couple of generations. Look for forged rather than cast metal, and plastic, fiberglass or metal handles rather than wood.
4. Albums. Look for a baby book, photo album, or scrapbook, with pages made from dye-free, pH-balanced archival paper. Affix your photos and memorabilia with picture corners or small mounting squares. Avoid plastic sheets, sticky-backed pages, and don't use regular tape.
5. Leather bag. The most durable bags are made of top-grain leather. Leather described as full grain won't necessarily last longer. Look for small tight stitches made with heavy thread. Make sure clamps, hinges, or locks are nicely matched and work smoothly.