How We Rate Products

The Longevity Score Methodology

What is the Longevity Score?

The Longevity Score is our proprietary rating system designed to identify products that truly deserve the 'Buy It For Life' label. We evaluate every product across three critical pillars, each weighted equally.

Pillar 1

Material Integrity

What it's made of matters

We analyze the materials and construction quality of every product. We look for:

  • Premium materials (full-grain leather, solid metals, quality textiles)
  • Robust construction methods (stitching, welding, joinery)
  • Resistance to wear, corrosion, and environmental damage
  • Track record of durability from long-term owners
Pillar 2

Repairability

Can you fix it when it breaks?

Even the best products eventually need maintenance or repair. We evaluate:

  • Availability of replacement parts
  • Ease of disassembly and repair
  • Brand support for repairs and servicing
  • Community repair resources and documentation
Pillar 3

Community Consensus

Real feedback from real owners

Lab tests only tell part of the story. We aggregate insights from:

  • r/BuyItForLife community (1.6M+ members)
  • Long-term owner reviews (5+ years of use)
  • Professional and trade user feedback
  • Warranty claim rates and brand reputation

How Scoring Works

Each pillar is scored from 1-10, and products must meet minimum thresholds in all three categories to earn our recommendation.

9-10
Exceptional

True heirloom quality. Will likely outlast the owner.

7-8
Excellent

Built to last decades with proper care.

5-6
Good

Above average durability. Solid value.

Below 5
Not Recommended

Does not meet BIFL standards.

Our Commitment to Transparency

We disclose all affiliate relationships
Affiliate commissions never influence our scores
We update reviews when products change
We admit when we get it wrong