Leather Wallets Archives - Page 4 of 5

July 31, 2014December 19, 2017

Good Stuff Design Four Pocket Leather Bifold Wallet- $55

Shaun Malinowski, 31, began working with leather just over a year ago when he was rebuilding a 1972 Honda motorcycle. As a cosmetic addition, he wanted to wrap the bike’s battery box with leather even though, up to this point, he had never worked with leather. Upon completing the project, Shaun was left with quite a lot of leather and decided to see what else he could make. From here, he was hooked.

Cracked plastic ID window, torn credit card pocket, or torn nylon bill pocket are the most common culprits to end the life of your common department store wallet purchase. A good sturdy wallet that is built to tough, stylish and functional takes a bit more effort to find – not only that, but a wallet you are actually going to use and not decide down the road doesn’t fit your newly acquired credit cards. Everyone seems to have their preferences when it comes to size and functionality. Shaun Malinowski has his shop on Etsy called Good Stuff Design that is just what the name suggests. His simple custom designed wallets are well constructed, sturdy, and stylish.

Construction

Here is an original design by Shaun which is a 4 pocket bifold wallet. The leather used is a 3 oz. vegetable tanned leather that is hand dyed with saddle tan oil dye and finished with a conditioner. The edges are all hand-stitched with brown waxed nylon thread and burnished and dyed. The wallet has one unlined pocket in the back for bills and four pockets in the front for cards or other paper. The two front pockets are merely slots instead of fully lined pockets. When open, the wallet measures 8″ x 3.75″; when closed, it measures 4.5″ x 3.75″.

Function

This wallet can best be described as a step up from a minimal wallet. It has ample room in the back pockets for cards, receipts, or other papers and also has a bill slot which most minimal wallets do not. I have always found it awkward to try to stuff folded bills in a side pocket on a more minimal design, especially when you have more than one bill or are in a rush. The pockets seem to hold whatever you stuff in them, making it as thin or as fat as you allow it. With 3 cards in both front pockets, a few receipts in either back pocket and 5 bills, it is still pretty slim.

Aesthetic

Out of the box, like most leather goods, it is a pretty stiff wallet. However, it only took about one day to get the card and bill pocket to stretch out. The color was a bright orange, which was a bit bright for my taste, but I’m happy to say that it has already started to wear in and darken to a more tan/brown color. With age, this color should look very nice and antique like. Lastly, I was concerned that the front pocket ‘slots’ were flimsy and a tad awkward but then grew to appreciate them after a week’s vacation of stuffing cards, bills, and receipts into this wallet. The slot design helps to keep the wallet thin when closed and is easy to get adjusted to.

BestLeather Conclusion

For the price, this wallet is well worth the money. What looks to be simple and classic is actually a smart design with a minimal feel, yet with the convenience of added pockets and a bill pocket to those like me who just can’t get used to two pockets to hold all. Shaun has several wallet designs and can work with you to customize them to your liking as well. See Shaun’s shop here.

July 9, 2014December 19, 2017

Moore & Giles Half Zip Wallet Review – $140

Wallets.

Everybody has one, and there are countless iterations. Some are made of leather. Some are made of pleather. Some are made of of nylon and Velcro, and some are made of duct tape. In a world of dull, run of the mill wallets, it is refreshing when you see one that it is unique and has some character. Unique was probably the first word that came to mind when I saw the Half Zip Wallet from Moore & Giles. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a mens wallet that has a zipper, but it just happens to be fitting for this design. The Half Zip Wallet is the brainchild of Thomas Brennan, designer with Moore & Giles.

MOORE & GILES

Moore & Giles is chiefly a leather producing company. They produce finished leathers for the high-end hospitality, aviation, and residential interior design industries. Born in 1933 by Donald Graeme Moore (if you know anything about Moore & Giles you’ll notice that many of their products have names like The Donald, Graeme, Brennan, etc, which are all named after current and past employees of the company), Moore & Giles initially sold components for the footwear industry and eventually expanded that to shoe leathers. leather linings, and sole leather. As excellent companies do, they have continually shifted strategy to meet the needs of a changing market and found a burgeoning business in the high-end leather trade. Fairly recently, the company has added a line of high-end leather goods, which upholds the company’s tradition of producing a fine quality product. The Half Zip Wallet that BestLeather had the opportunity of reviewing is no exception.

THE LEATHER

The Half Zip wallet is made of two primary components, one piece of two to three ounce vegetable tanned leather for the exterior and a tonal waxed canvas lining for the interior. As frequent visitors to BestLeather.org know, vegetable tanned leather is known for its durability and quality. It takes significantly longer to vegetable tan leather, and the result is a hardy product that ages well over time. Moore & Giles has their leather tanned at a factory in Italy known for producing some of the finest leathers in the world. Combining veg tanned leather with waxed canvas makes sense, considering waxed canvases water resistant properties. Originating in the sailing industry in Scotland in the 1920’s, waxed canvas has become the go-to material for many bag and apparel manufacturers because of its durability and waterproof properties.

The leather is Hickory, or light brown, color that will patina over time into a golden bronze. The canvas is a pale tan color and the combination of the two colors marry well.

The edges of the Half Zip Wallet, including the zipper pull, have all been burnished as well. At BestLeather, we love to see edges burnished because it shows a higher degree of finish, which both increases the beauty of the product and also gives the edge increased durability and protection against abrasion. It is another sign of a quality product.

DESIGN

The Half Zip wallet’s signature design is the zipper. As mentioned, I have never seen a mens wallet with a zipper, but it makes sense. We carry some of the most valuable stuff we own in our wallet, namely our money, credit cards, driver’s license, and our Papa Murphy’s frequent use card. It makes sense to stuff all of those valuable items into a wallet that stays closed no matter what. You can also add a little coinage for those that still frequent bubble gum machines without worrying about losing your quarters.

The wallet also has a thin piece of leather folded over and sewn into the interior of the wallet which you can use to place your credit cards. It’s a nice feature that gives the wallet some compartmentalization, and allows you to keep some organization within your wallet as opposed to everything floating about.

FUNCTION

As a specialist in the finished leather market, Moore & Giles knows how to put fine leather goods together that work well. In my opinion, most wallets should be somewhat thin, considering we sit on them throughout the day. The Half Zip wallet is very thin, but is still substantial enough to carry everything you need. Even after stuffing several credit cards and some bills in the wallet and zipping it up and throwing it in my back pocket, I hardly noticed it. It has a small footprint while being able to carry what you need in a wallet at the same time. That is not an easy accomplishment, but Moore & Giles has done it well and done it in style.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

If you are an individual who is bored of their plain ole’ bi-fold and wants something unique, durable, and stylish in a wallet, the Half Zip Wallet from Moore & Giles would be an excellent choice. Though spendy for a wallet at $140, you get a wallet that fits well on the haunches, that has a lot of utility while still remaining simple, and that is truly unique in a sea of boring wallets.

July 4, 2014December 19, 2017

The Leather Shop Rivet Wallet Review – $45

There are a lot of small, leather wallets on the market, but none are as unique and comfortable as The Leather Shop’s Rivet Wallet. The Leather Shop is a team of craftsmen located in the Georgetown District of Seattle. We wrote about them when reviewing their MacBook Pro Bag, which continues to be an excellent bag for carrying my computer and a few papers – even a folder of papers.

The Georgetown District is a forerunner in Seattle for marketing artisan crafts and goods. So, it is fitting you will find The Leather Shop here.

CONSTRUCTION

The Rivet Wallet is cut from a single piece of high quality, saddle leather. It is handmade in the USA from American leather. When producing products from saddle leather, The Leather Shop only uses the single bend parts of the cowhide, which are the strongest parts. The wallet is dyed, glazed, and edge burnished – and this is all done by hand.

The Rivet Wallet gets its name from the riveting at two stress points – there is no stitching. The rivet design is unique and, besides adding to the quality of the wallet, the rivets look good. The Leather Shop says their “goal is to create long lasting, high quality leather goods” and after using the Rivet Wallet for a while, it is certain the wallet will last a long time.

The Rivet Wallet is approximately four inches wide by three inches tall and one-half inch deep. It weighs approximately one and one-half ounces or forty-two grams. So, you can see, it is very compact and light – but it has the durability of high quality leather.

FUNCTION

Many of the thin leather wallets on the market are good for traveling light but the Rivet Wallet works well as an everyday wallet, largely due to its pocket-type design. It has a single compartment and has enough room for several cards and some cash and coin. Even when it is full, it has a comfortable feel in the hand.

AESTHETIC

The Rivet Wallet has a smooth and slim profile that is stitch-less and it has the unique rivet design. It comes in Tan, Yellow and Natural. The colors are enhanced by the glazing, which is done by hand.

The wallet is more than well crafted; it is a work of art. It has a handsome appearance and fits well in a casual or professional environment. People have commented on its appearance – and I tell them of its usefulness.

Here is a photo of The Leather Shop’s MacBook Pro Bag with the Rivet Wallet – and my dog, Miles. Miles loves high quality leather products – and he knows these are not for chewing. Miles approves of the Rivet Wallet, especially when I carry a treat inside for him.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Leather Shop’s Rivet Wallet is a well crafted product that is durable and will look good for years. It holds a lot – more than most thin wallets – due to the pocket-type design. It has a profile that is slim and smooth and it feels comfortable in the hand or the pocket, whether empty or full. You can use it everyday and take it with you whether you are going casual or professional. The Best Leather conclusion is the product is good and well worth the small investment.

July 2, 2014December 19, 2017

Pact Minimal Wallet Review – Threadless & Glueless – $45

There are lots of wallets being reviewed around here lately. I just finished writing about the Kenton Sorenson Minimal Wallet and concluded that it would be difficult to replace. Fat chance! Two weeks later, I’ve got a new wallet and am very impressed with it. The work of a leather review is never over. You’ll type your finger to the bone in this rough business of reviewing leather.

It’s glueless, threadless, and robust. Say what?!

When Darrin from Pact told me he had developed a way of making fine leather goods without using glue or thread, I was hesitant to believe such a claim. “Yeah right, that leather will soften up and the whole thing comes apart in a year. Just wait.” That’s what I thought then on the phone, but not anymore.

What changed my mind was seeing and handling a five year old design of a MacBook sleeve, which was an early prototype of Darrin’s. Here are some pictures of it after five years of continual use.

Pact Leather threadless1 — Some weirdos don’t like veg tanned leather. Weirdos, I say. It’s quite beautiful to me, personally.

Pact Leather threadless2 — Here you can see the connections have stood up quite well because they aren’t experiencing constant friction or wear.

Those photos will give you an idea how innovative this type of construction is. It requires extremely high levels of precision in the cuts to guarantee durability, so they use a laser to cut out the leather. The leather fits together with barbs. Of course, the leather is vegetable tanned, so it is sufficiently rigid. Chrome tanned leather would be too flexible to hold together well.

Not having glue or thread presents some interesting developments in the manufacturing process. This may be the first leather making shop without a single sewing machine. Lego building experience is helpful though. Check for that on the resumes, Darrin.

Anyways, we are getting off track. About that wallet….

The footprint of the wallet is not much bigger than a business card and it is about a half an inch thick when you pack it full. In the true spirit of minimalism, you won’t be carrying your tax return around in this wallet. It will handle a few bills and some cards nicely. You can stretch it full, like with most wallets, to get more capacity.

The Minimal wallet is composed of 2-3 oz vegetable tan from the Hermann Oak tannery. It is quality leather. Usually, I have something to say about the thread, but not this time.

Darrin, the designer, is an architect, and it shows. Every product I’ve seen has a simplistic elegance. I don’t think Pact products are for everyone, but for those that appreciate minimalism this brand will be a treat.

I’ve only had the wallet for a week and I know I can easily use it for a long time. I have no doubts about its durability and functionally; it fits just enough cards.

To get yours, head over to Pact’s Kickstarter and pitch in so they can buy some sweet laser equipment. There are quite a few other neat goodies. Be on the watch for a giveaway of their satchel.

The first ten pledges will get a discounted price of $30 for this wallet.

Pact Minimal Wallet Review2 — assembled – minus one

Pact Minimal Wallet Review3 — it fits this much

Pact Minimal Wallet Review4 — those tabs hold it together

Pact Minimal Wallet Review5 — This is an obligatory photo. By the way, if you ever venture near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, I recommend the Java coffee shop. You just might find me there some evening, pounding away on a MacBook quite furiously.

Pact Minimal Wallet Review6 — all that packed into a very small package

June 29, 2014December 19, 2017

Vagabond Traveler Wanderer 4 Classic Leather Wallet Review – $23

Vagabond Traveler is a leather company based in Orlando, Florida. They offer a wide range of products, from leather notebook holders to leather-accented canvas duffle bags to small goods, and the best part is that they offer them at “gateway drug” pricing. Seriously – for hand-stitched leather goods, they are about as affordable as they get.

This post, we will be looking at the Wanderer 4 Classic Leather Wallet.

design

The Wanderer 4 Classic is, true to its name, a fairly old-school type of wallet. To put it more simply, this wallet is big. Measuring 4.3 by 3.5 inches, it is certainly not a minimalist wallet. Instead, it has card slots–six of them, to be exact. It has an ID slot, space for, not one, but two! SD cards, and space for cash. Again, Vagabond Traveler doesn’t settle for just one cash slot, mind you. It’s got two, just in case you’re really ballin’ with loads of dolla-dolla bills, y’all.

You might think that all this room would be incredibly bulky, but this particular Vagabond Traveler item is actually lined with nylon fabric, rather than being 100% leather. It was a smart choice; the fabric keeps a thinner profile, despite the wallet being able to carry your ID, credit card, other credit card, supermarket loyalty card, cash, more cash, a couple of receipts, and that slip of paper with the number of the one place your boy Blue told you about with that thing you’ve been meaning to try.

construction

Unfortunately, keeping the price very low has led to a bit of sloppiness with the construction. The slot that was cut to insert one’s ID is pretty crooked. There is also a ladder-type design sewn into the exterior of the wallet with thread. I was unable to determine a function of the design; it seems to be purely aesthetic.

BestLeather conclusion

At about $23, the Vagabond Traveler Wanderer 4 Classic is exactly what it is meant to be — a good, if not great, classic bifold wallet. It doesn’t have much flash or whistles, but it will do exactly what it is meant to do: hold your cash, cards, and whatever else you ask it to.

June 28, 2014December 19, 2017

Ashland Leather Johnny The Fox Wallet Review – $125

I am a wimp when it comes to wallets. Perhaps it’s the curse of the 21st century metropolitan male: trim-fit pants leave little room for bulky wallets in the pockets, front or back. So my wallets have always been paper thin (I’m serious, my last wallet was literally made of a folded piece of Tyvek). So naturally, I was leary about getting attached to a leather wallet. I was afraid that it’d just end up riding in my coat pockets or my briefcase.

As always on my first pass over such objects, my eye fell on the immaculate stitching on this wallet from Ashland Leather. It is consistent and beautiful, on both sides. The soft interior leather left the imprint of the sewing machine’s footprint, but it is not to bad effect.

You can also read our review of Ashland Leather’s beautiful $200 shell cordovan wallet here.

Only after holding it in my hands for a few moments did I remember the near-mystic feature of the famed Chromexcel: the color that changes like oiled latigo on each crease. I eagerly bent the body of wallet in my hand and watched the lighter colors leap from the creases I was making. I admit that I may have gone slightly weak-kneed.

It strikes me that the interior leather does not do the exterior justice, except to remind one of the exquisite nature of the exterior. The interior feels and looks more waxy, less natural and buttery than the metamorphous chromexcel.

The lines of the wallet, however, are perfect. The die cut, creases and panel alignment is without fault. It is instantly apparent that one’s hand is holding an object of value.

LIVING WITH IT…

This wallet disappears with use. I don’t mean that it was stolen, I just mean that I forgot about it. I used it, and it disappeared in it’s function. That is the mark of superb product. My old wallet never disappeared. It was always there, shuffling my cards up to make it impossible to find things. This wallet just disappeared. When I needed something, it was always in the same place. That’s the beauty of it’s simplicity.

Today, though, as I prepared to write this, I rolled it around in my hands and reexamined the exterior for a while. It has acquired a patina, especially in the corners where no cards support it’s structure. A few scratches accent both faces. A very pleasing element of Chromexcel’s character is that with a few seconds of rubbing with bare skin, large scratches transform from annoying, gaudy displays of carelessness to subtle storytelling variations that seem to glow.

The exterior leather has become very supple, and the color variations native to Chromexcel can be elucidated by running my finger along the inside of the wallet. Like magic, the color variations disappear again with a quick rub of my thumb. The only way to describe it is that it appears to be alive.

It’s worth noting that I never felt as if I should cradle this wallet. Maybe it’s the ability to rapidly repair minor scratches with nothing but your thumb, maybe it’s the robust quality of the build. Either way, it does not feel like a product that needs to be protected from the elements. I throw it around, let my 2 year old play with it, and toss it into my satchel with my textbooks, stethoscope and reflex hammer without a second thought. To that point, my suspicions were correct: this wallet does end up spending more time in my satchel or jacket pocket than in my pant pocket. But what of it?

BestLeather conclusion

I will end with this: the Johnny the Fox Chromexcel wallet from Ashland Leather melds into your life, disappearing into it’s function as soon as the leather becomes supple enough. And as something of a minimalist, that is really the highest honor I can bestow upon it. At $125, I don’t know that I would call it a bargain, per se. But as a Buy-It-For-Life product, it is a reasonable price of entry.

Check out the Johnny the Fox Wallet from Ashland Leather here.

June 25, 2014December 19, 2017

A Review of Winter Session’s Snap Wallet – $90

Winter Session was founded in Chicago in 2010 by Roy Katz, Tanya Fleisher, and Tristan Coulter. They began sewing together bags and aprons, with their project slowly gaining momentum as they began working with leather. In 2013, they uprooted and moved west to Denver, Colorado, where Winter Session is now based. Roy and Tanya describe their mission as “to design and produce thoughtful, well-made things in a responsible manner. Operating on a flexible scale, we combine traditional methods and innovative technology to find a balance between utilitarian function, durability and aesthetic appeal. We work hard to create affordable, high quality products meant to last.” And they have succeeded at that, with this, the newest iteration of their Snap Wallet.

Handsome and well worn in after a few months of heavy use.

construction and materials

The Snap Wallet from Winter Session is made of 4oz waxed Horween Dublin leather and stitched together with Irish waxed linen thread. The wallet features a single flap with a brass snap.

Horween Dublin is a vegetable tanned leather which is struck through (dyed uniformly through the piece). Dublin is a soft, smooth leather which will continue to soften with time and age, as well as obtain a beautiful patina (as you can see with my wallet after 3 months of constant use).

Beautiful Tobacco Dublin leather from Horween.

Irish waxed linen thread is actually a specific type of thread, something I did not know of prior to writing this review. I did some Googling and found that Irish waxed linen thread is very popular with jewelry making, as it is easy to slide through small holes and holds a knot very well, as well as its tensile strength. These qualities make Irish waxed linen thread an ideal leather working thread. It is a natural, braided, and waxed cloth thread, which is dyed in this case to an Olive color. Irish waxed linen is a very strong, natural thread which looks handsome and does its job well.

aesthetic

The Snap wallet is, in a word, gorgeous. The leather, in my case, is the Horween Tobacco Dublin, which is a lighter brown, but not as light as you might expect. It has a very beautiful richness to it. This placed with the dark green thread and the brass snap makes this wallet very appealing in a down to earth sort of way.

The wallet has a very simple, clean aesthetic which I am definitely drawn to. Very clean lines, good angles, very simple, very classy.

After a few months of heavy use, it has developed a beautiful patina, which has enhanced the beauty tenfold.

design and function

The Snap wallet features three pockets, two inside the flap and one on the back of the wallet itself. The pockets are all cut with the same angle, an obtuse rounded sort of thing. I really like this. The pockets are uniform and well thought out, as you can reach all of your cards easily without too much hassle. Not to mention it juxtaposes a classy modern touch to a rustic piece of leather, which really adds to the beauty of the piece.

This is an essentials wallet. What I mean by essentials is that you will not be able to truck around 50 cards in this thing. But do you really need 50 cards? I have found that by using a minimal wallet such as the Snap wallet, I have simplified my life. I do not need 50 cards; I really just need 5 or 6 cards and a few bills. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

BestLeather conclusion

The Snap wallet from Winter Session has become my go-to, everyday carry wallet. It holds exactly what I need and nothing more. It has been with me to Europe (Euros as well as GBP and Suisse Franc fit well in this wallet), Seattle, Portland, the Sawtooth Mountains, the Bitterroot Mountains, the Northern Cascades, and it has not looked out of place anywhere. The Snap wallet is classy, functional, beautiful, durable, and overall a great piece to add to your collection. If you are a fan of minimalist wallets, this is for you. If you are a fan of bifolds but want to simplify, this is for you. If you have 50 cards and are insistent that you need all of them, maybe this is not for you, but I would still recommend it as a treatment for your hoarding habit. At $90, the Snap wallet fits right into the usual price range for wallets of this type. You are paying for handmade quality with some of the best materials available and it is absolutely worth your money.

Check out the Winter Session Snap Wallet here.

June 18, 2014December 19, 2017

Kenton Sorenson Modern Man Front Pocket Wallet Review – $90

Leatherworking can be art. Each leather company is looking for a way to do something different. Everyone wants to be unique, to stand out for doing things better. Because there are only so many things you can do with leather, it’s not uncommon to see similar designs (sometimes with fancy expensive letters being sent from lawyers). The eye for design escapes many who punch and stitch, but not Kenton Sorenson. Vegetable tanned leather is what Kenton does. You could say he specializes in it. Frankly, design wise, he is my favorite. And I’ve seen a lot of leather.

construction

The leather is a tight grain 4 oz vegetable tan cowhide. High quality. You can feel the quality in how dense the leather is. The microscopic strands that make up the leather are very small and tightly packed together. This is because the leather is taken from the best part of the hide, which is generally the midsection and the rear quarter. The rest of the hide can be fine for use but premium leather goods are generally cut from this area because there are less stretch marks or scars. Stretch marks are where the hide has to absorb the impact of movement. The stomach of the cow has the most stretch marks. Thread is bonded nylon which is extremely strong. A groove is cut into the leather that the thread sits in so it doesn’t wear a lot as you pull it out. The edges are very well burnished. My style preference is for any sophisticated leather piece to have well burnished edges

function

Dimensionally this wallet is no bigger than any other wallet and yet for its minimal design you can fit a lot in it. It has a large center slot pocket and slit pockets on each side. At the moment I have 6 credit card-like cards, several bills of cash, and eleven business cards without feeling like there is too much in it. Normally a wallet that can pack that much has so many layers of leather that it is more like a booster seat. I like to have my oft-used credit card in one side slit, cash and frequent buyer coffee card in the other, and business cards and ancillary credit cards and DL in the center slot. The main advantage over other minimal wallets is speed. With two quick access pockets you don’t hold up the checkout line sorting through your wallet.

aesthetic

There are four defining features, in my opinion, that imbue this design with class: the well burnished edges, the perfectly curved outer pockets, the inlaid stitching, and the excellent vegetable tanned leather. Burnishing is time consuming and often overlooked; it’s rare to find leather cut this perfectly. The inlaid stitching is a nice functional touch, and the vegetable tanned leather only gets better with use. A fine feature of veg tanned leather goods is the patina the item will acquire. As you use your wallet it will turn a golden brown hue.

conclusion

You very much get what you pay for with this wallet. Some will charge you this kind of money for a much sloppier wallet and call it rustic. Whatever their reasoning, few match this level of craftsmanship and skill. For $90, you can have a beautiful and entirely usable minimal wallet. Oh, and it fits in more than just your front pocket. Check out the Kenton Sorenson Modern Man Front Pocket Wallet.

June 2, 2014December 19, 2017

Backcast Outfitters Easy Wallet Review – $15.00

There are times when you want to go out but do not want to carry your wallet or purse with you. The Backcast Outfitters Easy Wallet is designed to hold three credit cards. So, if you want to grab your license, a couple of cards and some cash so you can travel light, this is the wallet for your night out. Continue reading “Backcast Outfitters Easy Wallet Review – $15.00”

May 26, 2014December 19, 2017

Born and Bred England Biker Wallet Review – $152

Born and Bred England is a maker of premium leather goods for both men and women. Based out of Brighton, England (about an hour south of London), the company produces goods with four simple principles in mind: style, practicality, simplicity, and durability. The company was founded in 2009 by Paul De Nagy, a Brazilian native, who is a self-taught leather craftsman. All of their goods are handmade–never by machine. The company was formed after Paul was asked by a number of his biker friends to make a wallet worthy of their travels and what he came up with was the Biker Wallet, which we will look at for this review.

PACKAGING

In the classic movie Forrest Gump, Forrest quotes his mother, saying, “There is a lot you can tell about a man by looking at his shoes … where he’s goin, where he’s been”. Similarly, you can tell a lot about a company by how they package and prepare their products to be seen for the first time. Born and Bred is one of those special companies that take the packaging of their products seriously.

When I first opened the box with the Biker Wallet inside, I was greeted by black packaging paper, neatly folded and pressed over the wallet. Upon taking off the packaging paper, I found the wallet wrapped inside a tan cloth bag, with Born and Bred’s logo imprinted on it. After pulling the wallet out, I also found a small black envelope with the standard Born and Bred guarantee card. It is a card that indicates what type of product you purchased (Style), when it was made (Born), and who it was made by (Bred).

The wallet sent to us was born on March 14th, 2014 and was made by Paul himself. It also contains an ID number specific to each product, as well as the company’s contact information and guarantee policy, which is a lifetime guarantee. This all made for an experience that was unique and pleasurable. It is an indication of a company that takes great pride in what it sells and, in my opinion, is an indication of a high quality item.

THE LEATHER

The Born and Bred Biker Wallet is indeed a high-quality item made of durable vegetable tanned leather that is four ounces thick. Vegetable tanned leather is known for its durability. The tanning process for veg tanned leather takes significantly longer than the most popular tanning method (chrome tanning), and results in a product that is arguably superior. A benefit of veg tanned leather is that it patinas well over time, meaning that the color can change slightly and often darkens a bit, which gives the leather a beautiful, worn appearance. Chrome leather does not patina; it wears.

Veg tanned leather can also be burnished, which Born and Bred did to all of the edges of the Biker wallet. Burnishing is the process of waxing the unfinished edges of leather, and then applying the leather to hardwood spinning at a very high RPM. The exposed edges tighten and become hard. It is process that takes time and effort and that many companies do not employ, but results in a more finished and refined product.

The color of the wallet is a light brown, what Born and Bred calls whiskey. The wallet also comes in black, but I have to say that I love the whiskey color. The color of the leather is also struck through, meaning that the leather has been drum dyed until the desired color saturates the leather all of the way through to the middle. It is a more time consuming process that is therefore more expensive, and again results in a superior product. As is common for vegetable tanned leather, the wallet is fairly stiff when brand new. That is to be expected and appreciated, as you will have the opportunity to soften and work the leather through continued use, like a brand new baseball glove.

STYLE

The Biker Wallet is a classic bi-fold, where you open and have a large pocket for storing your cash, receipts, or other paper. The wallet also has a coin pocket, with a snap, that is generous enough to hold a fair amount of coinage. On the other flap are two pockets for credit cards. I was able to slide a couple cards into each slot, which, as the leather stretches a bit over time, will probably hold two more if desired.

The Biker Wallet is not a minimalist wallet. It is made for hauling plenty of cash, cards and coins. It is meant for traveling on the open roads, and carrying everything you need for a trip. The only drawback to that function is that the wallet is thick. When folded over and pressed down, it is just over 1.5 inches thick. It is seven layers of beautiful veg tanned leather.

When I first pulled the wallet out of it’s packaging, I was reminded of a scene from the first Crocodile Dundee movie. A hooligan approached Dundee and his girlfriend and asked for his wallet, after pulling out a small switchblade knife. Dundee smiles and casually pulls out his huge knife (presumably the same one he has used in hunting crocodiles) and says “That’s not a knife. This is a knife”.

My first impression when I pulled this wallet out was that all of those wallets you see at department stores and retail shops are not real wallets; THIS is a wallet. It is big, but it is beautiful and very well designed. You may not want to sit on it while working on your computer for hours at a time, but if you are traveling, or on your bike, or if your job requires a lot of standing and moving around, this wallet is perfect.

THREAD AND HARDWARE

Similar to the leather used for the Biker Wallet, the thread and hardware Born and Bred uses is also premium. The thread is a waxed nylon thread, which Born and Bred waxes in house. Nylon thread is very tough, and is the type of thread that many premium leather goods makers use. The snap used for the coin pouch is solid brass, as is the small D ring on the outside spine of the wallet, which can be used for securing to a belt loop with a chain or similar tethering method.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The Biker Wallet from Born and Bred England is made with premium raw materials and is expertly crafted. The wallet has plenty of style. It is fully practical. It is simple in design and once you pick it up, you immediately know that it is going to be durable. It is an excellent wallet whether you are a biker or not.

May 19, 2014December 19, 2017

The Classic Bifold from Orox Leather Review – $110

Orox Leather is a family owned company in Portland, Oregon. They build a full line of cool, interesting leather goods, including a line of leather/canvas lunch bags, bags, totes, and wallets. This is their take on the bifold wallet, the Classic Bifold from Orox.

construction

The Classic Bifold is made of the renowned Chromexcel leather from Horween out of Chicago that is stitched together with nylon thread. It features cut out pockets to hold your cash and multiple cards.

function

The wallet functions as a wallet should. It is relatively thin, it has the capability of holding all of your essential cards and cash, and it fits in your back pocket without causing your spine to warp out of alignment.

At first, it was a little tight fitting all of my cards and cash, but after about a week of use, it broke in and the cards fit snugly, but not too loosely either. Perfect fit.

aesthetic

Upon first receiving this wallet from Orox, I was slightly disgruntled by the appearance. At first glance, it appears roughly cut, the edges not sanded well, and the stitching not straight. But after talking with Martin at Orox, I realized that this was actually the aesthetic they were going for — a pre-worn in, rugged, rough and rowdy look. And in this light, they achieved this aesthetic perfectly. It would not look out of place in an old western movie. After my conversation with Martin, I took a few new looks at the wallet and realized that it actually is beautiful in its ruggedness. This is a very unique aesthetic.

BestLeather conclusion

If you are looking for a ruggedly beautiful, pre-worn-in, aesthetically balanced, and well constructed wallet, then you have struck gold with the Classic Bifold. Look no further. At $110, you are getting what you pay for — a handmade wallet using high-quality materials.

May 9, 2014December 19, 2017

Orox Utilis Classic iPhone Wallet Review – $70

The Orox Utilis iPhone wallet/case is a beautiful, well-constucted option to carry your cash, your cards, and your phone (assuming you are a part of the iPhone family). Continue reading “Orox Utilis Classic iPhone Wallet Review – $70”

April 23, 2014December 19, 2017

Ewing Dry Goods Minimalist Wallet – $60

Bear Fat and Beeswax. This got my attention. The Ewing Dry Goods store prides themselves on products Made in USA and burnishing the edges with a mixture of bear fat and beeswax. The mixture gives the leather that extra edge standing up to moisture and abusive elements. This is what you would expect from a leather crafter in Alaska.

If this has your attention too, you probably are not interested in ordinary, plain products you can purchase from your local big-box store. You enjoy merchandise that represents adventure, character and quality. This is a good time for you to learn about the Minimalist Wallet by Ewing Dry Goods. They call it the “perfect little wallet that holds only the essentials: your cards and some cash.”

CONSTRUCTION

The Minimalist Wallet is made from one piece of 7oz Horween Chromexcel. This is some of the finest leather made in America. It is folded in half and hand-sewn with artificial sinew and the edges are burnished and rubbed with bear fat and beeswax. This is heavy construction and build to last.

FUNCTION

Ewing claims the Minimalist Wallet is “the perfect little wallet” but if it were, it would be expandable to daily use. It is a great wallet for on-the-go; dashing out with just a driver license, a card or two and some cash. When Best Leather received the wallet, I stuffed five cards in it and some cash and was quite impressed.

The wallet is fun. It makes you rethink what you need to carry on a daily basis and it seems to be reshaping me into a true, if not reluctant, minimalist. But, then, in my pursuit to make the Minimalist into a daily wallet, rather than sacrifice entirely, I set out to see if it could carry more and found the wallet holds eight credit cards, gift cards and license and still has room for cash. This was amazing because even one or two cards by themselves remained snug in the wallet, yet when stuffed with eight, the cards could still move in and out with ease.

At this point, this reviewer was convinced. I have had several thin wallets but none that could hold eight cards. The Ewing Dry Goods Minimalist Wallet is, indeed, the perfect little wallet. But, then again, business cards. . . how do we get the wallet to hold eight cards and a dozen business cards, as well? Just wondering.

AESTHETIC

Seven ounces of Horween Chromexcel leather has a good look and feel and it is most assuredly durable, even if taking a lot of abuse. As mentioned before, the edges of the leather are burnished with bear fat and beeswax. This gives it a smooth, almost melted appearance and highlights the matte black color of the wallet we reviewed.

The Ewing Dry Goods Minimalist Wallet comes in Black, Burgundy, Brown and Dark Olive. This reviewer likes the black and it goes well with the black Survivor Clip.

All Ewing Dry Goods products are stamped with their logo – if size permits. The logo is handsome, featuring the horizontal portions of a large capital “E” set into the right side of a Spruce tree.

BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

The product is good. This reviewer enjoys the look and feel – and the fact it holds enough cards to be a daily wallet. It is built of the finest leather and will last many years. It is a fine little wallet and is well worth the investment.

March 15, 2014May 9, 2020

Saddleback Leather Small Bi-fold Wallet Review – $47

Saddleback Leather has multiple styles of wallets to choose fron. This review will cover the Saddleback Leather Small Bi-fold Wallet in Tobacco and Black (and it seems they do not even have the black color available any longer). The wallets come in two other colors; chestnut and carbon (a grayish color). I do plan on purchasing the other colors to see which I like best, especially after they have developed a nice patina. Patina is a shiny or dark surface that forms naturally on something such as wood or leather that is used and or worn for a certain period of time. Here is a great example of patina. Upon the six month and year follow up reviews there will be pictures posted so you can see the developed patina.

Packaging

Some companies have awesome packaging that somehow sends you back to your favorite Christmas, yet this is not so with Saddleback. But even though the packaging may not be overdone the product you receive certainly will be.

Some Initial Details

The first thing that stood out was the smell. That true leather smell is so delicious. Among many things, the smell was what I kept showing and telling people about. Then after some odd looks I would explain that the wallet only cost about $36. I could not get over the fact that I had purchased a full grain leather wallet that people were raving about for less than 50 bucks. Saddleback did not disappoint. The wallet has aged for about three months and the smell, unfortunately, has worn less pungent than I would like. Yet as the smell has declined the quality of craftsmanship is really starting to show off.

Aesthetic

When you receive your wallet do not be shocked by the stiffness of it. This is how a lot of good leather starts off before the user breaks it in. At first, barely any bills fit into the slot (unless you put some strength and finesse into it); yet that has slowly gotten easier over the last three months. The bottom right corner on the face of the wallet has “Saddleback” stamped on it and the bottom right inside flap has Blue, Dave Munson’s (the founder and owner of Saddleback Leather) late dog stamped on it.

Function

Six cards can barely fit in each card slot (more will go in if you really want them to). There are two card slots. When accessing cards be aware that you might be tempted to take out all of the cards, shuffle through them, and then pick which one you want. It is possible to leave all the cards in the slot and nimbly pick through them depending on how many cards you are going to put in each slot. The wallet is geared more toward a minimalist tool and I normally carry four cards max in each side and it fits them perfectly. Currently I have four bills in the bill slot with 4 paper punch cards, one stamp, and a receipt from Papa Murphy’s. All of it fits great with room for more. The bills have enough room to go deep enough as to not stick out, which is admirable. For those of you who usually put a giant rock-sized thing called a wallet in your back pocket, this might be the cure the doctor has for you to minimize the things you carry and be a little easier on your body. When I received it I definitely had to go through and prioritize the things I actually need to carry.

Quick Aside of Dave’s Deals

So how was this product obtained for only $36? Dave’s Deals. Since his products are hand made (another star for him) sometimes small mistakes are made, usually in the stitching. He will then mark down the product by as much as 25%, depending on the flaw. Each flaw will be different. On the wallet I purchased, the only flaws were about four places where the stitch must have been messed up so they re-stitched it. Now it looks just a little thicker than the normal stitch. There is slight fraying from one of the stitching flaws but if it ever breaks I will happily let them uphold their warranty.

BestLeather conclusion

I will add some thoughts and updates as time goes on to see how this wallet ages but these three months make me think that there is going to be much enjoyment of this great product for years to come. My family just might fight over it when I am dead. This is a great purchase for a wallet especially since it is in the lower price range for such a good quality product, Dave’s Deals or not. Make sure to check back in the following months for updates and let me know your thoughts if you own or have had a significant encounter with the wallet. Overall the Saddleback Leather Small Bi-fold Wallet was a great purchase.

Click here to see everything that is discounted on Dave’s Deals today.

March 14, 2014December 19, 2017

Waskerd Slim Strayer Wallet Review – $55

As time progresses it seems that many of the materials and skills that our ancestors used are falling away. Of course they are replaced with more easily produced, less expensive products and materials. We could assume that this is better, but Waskerd has a different philosophy. They make all of their products by hand, and all their materials are from the US. It’s a throwback to the days when most of what you owned was built by someone who you knew. I can say that having the Waskerd Strayer Wallet has proven to me that the old way has advantages. In comparison to my life filled with mass-produced generic products it is fast becoming one of my favorite possessions.

Construction Technique

Derek, the owner at Waskerd, has made a point to keep his construction processes as far away from the mechanically produced as possible; the result is very high quality leather goods. Everything that he makes is by hand, and just as the old days he emphasises knowing where everything that goes into his products comes from. As a purist he avoids templates, opting to cut and stitch by eye. The wallets can be ordered with custom leather and thread colors as well. Both of these features lend to the town leathersmith aspect of his business and certainly makes each wallet an original.

Leather

The Waskerd Strayer is made out of full grain leather. Full grain leather is the best quality available meaning that this wallet will last for years. In addition it is chrome tanned and after only a few weeks use it is already developing a nice patina. In years to come it will develop personality through my habits of use. A nice touch is the unfinished edges that highlight the way the leather wears. In some cases a manufacturer will leave edges raw in an attempt to skip a step. Since this leather is chrome tanned, the edges fit the look and feel of the wallet.

Stitching

Waskerd uses waxed polyester thread. As opposed to cotton it is much more durable (less likely to rot, break or come unraveled, and impervious to ultraviolet rays). Each hole is punched by hand. This is great because even though the stitching is extremely straight, it has a nice bespoke look and feel to it. He uses a saddle stitch for better durability and the corners are cleverly double stitched for better wear.

One of the endearing features of Waskerd’s unique designs are the intricate W sewn into the front of their wallets. This is fantastic and a level of creativity we don’t often get to see.

Bestleather Conclusion

This is a good wallet. At $55 it is reasonably priced especially since it will last for so long. The one drawback that I have found is that your bills must be double folded in the front. As a result they all need to be pulled out every time you pay cash. For someone who uses less cash and more cards the Strayer is worth looking into more. Their other wallets are also well worth a look.

Click here to check out the Strayer Slim wallet on Waskerd.com.

March 8, 2014December 19, 2017

Ashland Leather Johnny the Fox Bi-fold Wallet – $200

The Ashland Leather company is maker of fine, small leather goods. Based in Chicago, Illinois, they specialize in making high quality wallets, key fobs, key cases, and leather watch straps. Ashland Leather was formed by two tanners from the Horween Leather Tannery. With a knowledge of how to make superb leather, they decided that they needed to also make great products from great leather and their company was born. BestLeather had the opportunity of reviewing their Johnny the Fox bi-fold wallet.

the name

Your first question might be, “Johnny the Fox, what’s up with the name”. That’s a good question. Named after a 1920’s Chicago gangster who was tough as nails, this wallet is similarly tough, with a never say die construction. All of Ashland Leather wallets have similar names from unique Chicago history. For more info on the inspiration behind the name, read here.

the leather

The Johnny the Fox is a classic bi-fold wallet, but the fact that it is made with genuine shell cordovan from Horween, ratchets up the uniqueness and quality of the wallet a few notches. My first impression of the wallet was that it is a very simple bifold, but as I held it, and thumbed over it, I could tell that it was not an ordinary bi-fold, and the main reason was the leather.

Shell Cordovan is a very unique and fairly rare leather. A small section (the shell) is taken from a horse hide and tanned by Horween to perfection. It’s a process that they have perfected over many years, and the end product is a piece of leather that is beautiful, looks rich, and as a distinctive feel. In fact, it takes Horween over 6 months to complete the tanning and finishing process for their Cordovan.

Shell Cordovan is known for it’s durability, denser grain, and resistance to abrasions. What I did not initially know about Horween’s Shell Cordovan was its high gloss finish. This makes the wallet pop when you whip it out of your back pocket and pull out the green.

the function

Johnny the Fox has a main compartment for your bills, along with three slots on each side of the fold for your cards. It also has a sleeve where you can slide in additional cards or necessities. Though not a minimalist wallet where you slip in a few cards or cash and that is it, this is a simple wallet. Using it this past week, there was something pleasing in using a classic wallet where there was sufficient room to carry some bills, plus all of the cards that I need to use. It is a little too thick to also be used as a front pocket wallet, but it was never meant to be.

Ashland Leather also has high attention to detail in the crafting of their products. This wallet had precise stitching placement, clean lines on all of the cut leather, and perfectly symmetrical. The fine craftsmanship is a great complement to the fine leather.

BestLeather conclusion

Ashland Leather’s Johnny the Fox bi-fold wallet is simple, it is classic, and the leather is beautiful. The quality of leather used on this wallet will ensure many years of use and abuse. If you are in the market for a classic bi-fold, with a high degree of class, look no further than the Johnny the Fox from Ashland Leather.

February 15, 2014December 19, 2017

Waskerd Pinnell Money Clip Wallet Review – $78

Derek Shaw, located in Philadelphia, really exemplifies the spirit of Philadelphia in his designs and business model. They are simple and effective. He realized that life was much better in the old days, when people knew the process behind everything they consumed and knew exactly where everything came from. In other words, true hand-crafted quality. Not to mention he values simplicity and minimalist qualities in his designs. His company is actually called Waskerd Slim Wallets, which should really say enough. His products are designed with simplicity and attention to detail in the quality and construction.

construction

The Pinnell is created from a single strip of full grain leather, which is then stitched together using a durable polyester thread. This wallet features a simple, hand-forged stainless steel cash hanger, and can hold, according to the Waskerd website, 4 cards and 10+ bills at a time. I’ve managed to fit 5 plastic cards and a few paper punch cards to the local coffee shop, and it is snug.

The stitching is done entirely by hand. Entirely. Derek punches all the holes and sews the thing together himself, which takes a considerable amount of time, patience, and effort. The quality and the craftsmanship of the Pinnell becomes evident upon closer inspection of the stitching. It’s arrow straight, but with the slight abnormalities that are present with hand-stitched items: i.e. a bump here, a divot there.

The cash hangar is a hand-forged piece of stainless steel and it serves its job well. It grips the bills well and features the timeless look of stainless steel.

aesthetic

The Pinnell is clean. Simply put, it is clean; however, it is a different kind of clean, one that features a personality. What I mean is that this is not a clean cut, stainless steel and black stone modern Swedish building. It is not black and white. Rather, this wallet is simple, clean, and yet somehow teeming with color and energy, which speaks to the soul of the designer, and features a bit of its own soul.

The stitching is a major part of the aesthetic and contrasts the leather really rather well. I have the Hereford Red with white stitching and the contrast is really striking.

The wallet is designed with simple lines. Right angles, rectangles, simple and timeless. The subtle curve of the card pockets really adds to the effect as well, bringing yet another aesthetically pleasing contrast to the piece.

function

Right now, I have about 5 cards, a few punch cards and 8 bills or so, and the pockets don’t seem over-stressed or stretched. The Waskerd website says that it’ll hold 4 cards and 10+ bills, but you can definitely fit 6 or 7 cards, and a surplus of bills with no issues. The leather will also stretch if required.

The cash hanger is snug, which I suppose is a good thing, unless you are OCD about your bill placement like I am. If you are the type of person who likes to have all of his bills facing one direction and placed in order of value, this wallet could be a bit frustrating for you. For instance, if you have a twenty, a ten, a few fives, and a few ones and you want to insert another ten, the only really way to do it without crumpling/tearing the bill is pulling all of your cash out, re-organizing, then re-inserting your cash into the hanger. This really is not an issue, though, as long as you are patient. And it’s non-existent if you are a normal and sane person, but worth mentioning nonetheless.

BestLeather conclusion

I am new to the world of money clip style wallets. Aesthetically, it’s a great way to do things. Really simple, clean, functional. As I have quickly learned, minimalist wallets are really the way to go. The Waskerd Pinnell is a gorgeous approach to minimal wallets and a great approach to money clip wallets. The price, at $78, is very reasonable considering the amount of time and effort and care it takes to put this thing together. So, if you are in the market for a money clip wallet, this is a solid option. If you are in the market for a minimal wallet this is also a great option. BestLeather.org has a surplus of reviews on cool, minimal wallets, most of which are in or below this price range, including the Craft & Lore 5 Port, and a few from Saddleback. However, if money clips are your game, then game on because this wallet is for you.

Check out the Pinnell Money Clip from Waskerd here.

February 7, 2014December 19, 2017

Avund Goods Forsta V Wallet Review – $119

Avund Goods is an artisan leather goods maker with a singular focus on designing and crafting the finest leather goods. I have had the opportunity of spending the last few weeks with their Forsta V Wallet.

packaging

Packaging is often not a major consideration of most goods makers. There are exceptions to this though, and often when there is a lot of attention spent on the packaging of a product, you know that the product itself is going to be special (think Apple products or the Nest thermostat). Elegant packaging, elegant products.

After opening the UPS package from Avund, I was welcomed by simple brown packaging paper, with the Avund Goods stamp, tied with blue lace. After opening the packaging, I was welcomed again with the wallet wrapped in a small burlap pouch. I immediately thought that this is a company that knows what it is doing and how to set itself apart. Needless to say, I was excited to get to the goods.

attention to detail

It was clear after spending a few minutes with the Forsta V Wallet, that Avund spares no attention to detail. The wallet is made from 100%, full grain vegetable tanned leather, which arguably produces the most durable leather. The wallet is a gorgeous light golden brown leather, with a V-shaped slot in the middle, where you can keep several credit cards on each side. I currently have 4 cards per side and I could probably squeeze one more to each side if I wanted.

The wallet is a classic bi-fold, with the bill compartment just tall enough for your cash. If I had it my way, I’d make the wallet about ⅛ of an inch taller, so I could carry a few more bills without them hanging over the edge, but this design forces me to not try and stuff more than I should in my wallet. The wallet is intentionally slim, but substantial enough to carry the necessities.

Porsche of wallets

You can tell a big difference when you drive a finely tuned, precision machine like a Porsche and when you sit behind the wheel of a Chevy Sedan. Similarly, you can immediately tell a big difference between the Forsta V and your run of the mill leather wallet. The Forsta V is leaps and bounds more sophisticated and crafted. Every edge of the wallet has been either highly burnished with beeswax, or beveled to create an elegant look, and in most cases both. Even the finely beveled edges have been burnished to a crisp black. The blue, waxed linen thread is stitched evenly and is straight as an arrow. In fact, it took Avund three weeks of testing and prototyping to determine the appropriate hole configuration for the most pleasing aesthetics and performance.

The Forsta V is made from one solitary piece of leather, folded over twice. This eliminates the need for unnecessary stitching and therefore less chance of a stitch coming loose or a seam breaking. This simple design further ensures that the wallet will last a lifetime. Also, the V that is cut out of the middle of this piece of leather, is actually used to craft another product that Avund sells, the Changer V. Talk about efficient use of materials.

The confluence of these details is analogous to the crafting and putting together of that famous little sports car, a product that is sure to please and is sure to work just like it is supposed to.

bestleather conclusion

The Forsta V from Avund Goods is an expertly crafted wallet with high attention to detail and design. You would be hard pressed to find a wallet this is better made and that is more sophisticated. It really is the Porsche of wallets.

Click Here to Visit Avund Goods

February 6, 2014December 19, 2017

Wenning & Co. The Swick Wallet Review – $45

The Swick Wallet from Wenning and Company is a minimalistic approach to a wallet. It serves to carry what is necessary and not a lot more. I received the wallet from Wenning & Co about a week ago, and have enjoyed using it since then. Continue reading “Wenning & Co. The Swick Wallet Review – $45”

February 5, 2014December 19, 2017

Filson & Horween: The Movie

Filson has released a new line of wallets in conjunction with Horween and has also released a beautiful movie about Horween. It is so facinating to see the old world methods used to tan leather at Horween when some of the other tanneries are using completely modern machinery.

Their new wallet is very interesting in that it seems to have many ripples in the leather. It almost seems very thin from the photos. We sent an email inquiring about reviewing this new wallet. We’ll see what they say.

The Horween Leather Story from Filson on Vimeo.