When I buy smaller gear items, like flashlights, fire starters, whistles, knives, ect. I always buy at least two. One to use the heck out of and one to put away (possibly in my BOB, car kit, ect).

If it's something I really like, sometimes I'll go back and buy more, just to have some extras. If it's something that I end up not really liking (but is still a good piece of gear), I'll either sell it or store it.

By doing this, I've built up a surplus of extra gear over the years. Some of it heavily used, some lightly used, and some brand new. It means I rarely have to raid my kits for a piece of gear. It also means, when a family member or friends needs something, I can often just give it to them outright as a gift (which I actually prefer to loaning stuff out most of the time).

Of course, my method won't work for everyone, but I figure, I've got the money and the storage space, so why not?