Most of the time, I'd rather repair than replace.
Most of the time, I'd rather buy an antique steel, wood, brass, and glass version than the latest plastic and aluminum thing.
Most of the time, I'd rather make it myself than buy it.
Most of the time. Not always in every case.
I don't find any fault in those who feel differently. It's a matter of taste. Plus, sometimes they give me their castoffs. I've gotten some really great stuff that others tossed when they replaced something that didn't work (for them) anymore with something new. When I was able to fix the old stuff it often outlasted the new thing they bought as a replacement.
I've shown some of those old things on this blog over the years. It's not that I have anything against new stuff. If I can afford it, and it serves a purpose no antique can serve, then I'm happy with the new thing.
I like my modern polymer-framed guns just as much as my old steel and wood guns. I like my cell phone as much as I'd like an old crank wall phone-- although the crank phone wouldn't actually work for me anymore (the house isn't even wired for a landline).
But the older stuff just has something no newer product has. It is often of higher quality. I like the patina of used stuff. I like the history-- both when I know it and when I'm only speculating. I like the feel of "antiques", even when I buy them at a yard sale or junk shop. They feel solid and substantial.
I also like the fact that very often, with the old used stuff, with repairing rather than replacing, and with making it myself, no "tax" goes to government. That has a quality all its own.
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