Waskerd Archives - BestLeather.org

June 16, 2015December 19, 2017

Waskerd Brea Zipper Wallet Review — $115

You know how they say the best chefs don’t just pay attention to taste but also to presentation? When my Waskerd Brea Zipper Wallet arrived in the mail, my mind went straight to those masterful chefs. Right away, the extreme attention to detail impressed me—the personalized note, the way it was wrapped as a gift in a colorful cloth and string, even the business card made of leather. The wallet itself just continued this same impressive theme of detail-oriented precision. In fact, it made me want to meet the person who’d put so much care into the making.

About Waskerd

These days most products come from factories and assembly lines, which removes the human touch and personal connection from the process and the purchase. Waskerd’s mission is to re-form the human connection that has gone missing. They run a small, family business and make each of their products by hand, including the sweet wallet I’ve been carrying in my pocket for the last while.

Construction

The Brea Zipper Wallet is made from a high-quality 100% full-grain leather. Full-grain means the leather was taken from the outside surface of the hide, which means more character because of beautiful imperfections. It also has the highest durability—it’s the same skin that protects against the elements and barbed wire.

The surface of my Brea is smooth and initially had a slight gloss to it. As I broke it in, the surface got rougher, which made the wallet even more aesthetically pleasing than before. The zipper has a rugged, heavy-duty feel, and I don’t doubt that it’ll last a lifetime.

Waskerd also has a satisfaction guarantee: If you don’t like something about your wallet, they’ll make it right or give you your money back. That’s a promise that’s hard to beat. It makes me trust their quality, and it makes the purchase low-risk for you as well.

Function

While most people like the idea of minimalism, sometimes it can be hard to carry out—too hard getting rid of things. If this sounds like something you’d say, then the Brea Zipper Wallet is for you. It’s small compared to most wallets, but it’s bigger than the ultra minimalist ones, meaning there’s plenty of room for as many cards, bills, checks, coupons, and photos as you might need. I personally like to go as minimal as possible, and this wallet is just slightly large for my taste—that’s really my only critique. If you find yourself in the same boat, Waskerd has an amazing lineup of other wallets, and you’re certain to find one that fits—and all with the same high quality.

One thing I love about this wallet is the zipper, a feature I didn’t realize I’d love till I tried it. The zipper seals up tight, so you can throw it around as you’re traveling and you don’t have to worry about your coin collection or guitar picks slipping out—they’ll be very secure. That’s a bonus you don’t see in most wallets, and something I’ve grown to love the longer I’ve had it.

The Brea also has an interesting design. On the outside, it’s simply one large pocket with a zipper. But inside it contains what they call an “inverted gusset.” As you can see in the pictures, one of the walls of the main pocket is taken inward, spanning the center in an extra fold. This gives you room for additional organization. In short, it turns one large pocket into three, and it does this cleverly, without adding much extra thickness.

Aesthetic

The Brea Zipper’s unique design has a lot of style—a certain panache that’s sure to raise eyebrows. The stitching is precise, and yet it has just enough subtle variation to prove that it isn’t some product crunched out by a machine. Again, you’ll notice the human touch, and so will your friends and associates if they have an eye for that sort of thing.

You can get it in a variety of colors too, so you’re certain to find one that matches your taste. I went with the “limousin brown” with white stitching, and I really like it. Has a lot of class.

BestLeather Conclusion

If you’re looking for a minimal wallet that has plenty of room, I highly recommend the Waskerd Brea Zipper Wallet. It’s tough, sleek, spacious, and the highest quality, all backed by a promise that guarantees you won’t regret your choice.

December 3, 2014December 19, 2017

Waskerd Small Tote Bag Review – $195

Tote bags are like the SUVs of the leather bag world. You can haul just about anything imaginable in a tote – and they’re made in every conceivable size, color, and style.

About Waskerd

If you use the Search feature for Waskerd here on the BestLeather website, you’ll discover that we’ve reviewed quite a few different pieces for Derek Shaw, owner of Waskerd.

This is the second piece from Waskerd that I have received and, just like the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet, the Small Tote Bag is an excellent example of high quality leather craftsmanship.

Construction

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is made from the same material as Derek’s other products – full grain leather. It’s hand cut and 100% hand-stitched using a durable, heavy gauge, polyester thread. The stitching is perfect (no surprise there) and is reinforced at stress points. The handles are split shank and attached to the bag with stitching and rivets. The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is available in three different leather colors too.

Function

At 9″ tall x 8″ wide x 4.5″ deep, it’s a petite little bugger. It sat on the corner of my desk for some time while I tried to figure out how to best utilize it. And then, it happened. My wife took it and said, “I have the perfect job for this tote and I’m looking forward to using it.”

As a registered nurse who works in home health, my wife spends a lot of time in her car traveling to various patient’s homes all over Kootenai County. And, she has to carry a lot of things with her. One of her frustrations is having a place to keep her own every day carry items handy and easily accessible. A purse isn’t always a good option. So, now she has the Waskerd Small Tote Bag in her vehicle and keeps her wallet, phone, a few snacks, pens, and a few various items in it. And, she’s very pleased. She can quickly grab what she needs, when she needs it. And, when she’s ready to take off again, everything goes back into the tote.

One of the things she most appreciates about it is its stable design. It stays put and stands securely whether she places it on the floor or on the passenger seat. For her, it’s just the right size and serves a specific purpose perfectly. And, I suspect this is exactly why it was designed the way it is and at the size it is.

The only drawback she’s noted is that the handles are a bit too short. She’d like for the tote to have longer handles so that it would easily slip over her hand and wrists in order to carry it, at times, on her arm instead of only having to grip the handles.

Aesthetic

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag looks great. As mentioned earlier, it’s expertly made. The stitching is impeccable. And, with all Waskerd products, it features the signature stitched logo on the front bottom right corner in white thread to match the thread around the trim of the tote. The handles have a matching black thread and if you look closely, each end of the strap is anchored to the bag and stitched with the same Waskerd logo pattern.

It’s a simple model of a classic tote and sports one, single pocket. On the Waskerd site, it’s described as being perfect for commuters. I think it would also be an awesome lunch bag for anyone who enjoys packing their own lunch. And, you’d never have to worry about lunch sacks for the rest of your working career.

Conclusion

The Waskerd Small Tote Bag is an ingenious leather bag and definitely serves a niche purpose. Some may think that the $195 price tag is a bit much – considering you can find full size tote bags at the same price. But, it’s purpose built, expertly crafted, features incredible high quality components, made in the USA, and will last your entire life. When you take all of those things into consideration, the Waskerd Small Tote Bag qualifies as a BestLeather Buy It For Life piece.

October 30, 2014December 19, 2017

Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet – $75

The Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet arrived at my doorstep about mid-September. After opening up the attractive packaging and inspecting this fine looking, well-put-together wallet, it was quickly “claimed” by my oldest son. It’s a tough crowd here in my house when it comes to leather products. My crew sees a lot of leather come through and when they jump on something, it means it’s a good piece.

About Waskerd

We’re not strangers to Derek Shaw and his Waskerd Leather creations. BestLeather has reviewed a couple of his wallets in the past: the Pinnell Money Clip Wallet and the Slim Strayer Wallet. Recently Derek relocated to Norfolk, VA from Philadelphia, PA and has continued his business there.

Construction

As with Waskerd’s other wallets, the Madison is made from thick, full grain leather. And, it sports the heavy gauge, waxed polyester thread that has become a hallmark of Derek’s designs. The stitching is all done by hand and is impeccable. At common stress points, the stitching is reinforced. Derek also offers your choice of seven thread colors on all of his wallets. On this particular wallet, we chose black, which I think creates a clean, classy look for the wallet.

Function

Prior to my son snatching this piece from me, I was able to load the wallet up to test its capacity. With two pockets on the inside and one external pocket, it can carry all of your wallet essentials with ease. I was able to easily keep two cards in the outside pocket (my license and debit card) and 3 cards in each of the internal pockets. If I had the luxury of having cash on hand, I would have easily been able to accommodate several bills as well.

True to its name, this wallet offers a very slim profile. My son often carries this wallet in his front pocket as well as letting it reside comfortably in a rear pocket on occasion.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been a fan of a wallet sitting on a countertop that looks all swelled up and overstuffed. The natural tendency of the Madison wallet’s design keeps it closed and maintains a natural profile – even when you have it at maximum capacity.

Aesthetic

When you feast your eyes upon this slim little wallet, it becomes immediately apparent that it has been crafted with passion. It’s expertly cut, trimmed and sewn. Attention to detail is a priority and it is apparent from every angle when viewing this wallet.

When you pick it up, the feel and texture of the full grain leather adds tactile confirmation of Waskerd’s dedication to quality.

This little wallet catches people’s eyes too. My son has received multiple comments on the look and design of the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet. When cashiers or wait staff notice a wallet (they see dozens upon dozens of them everyday) and they comment on it – that speaks volumes about it.

Waskerd’s stitched logo is also nice, eye-catching component that gets commented upon frequently. The stitched logo is a nice touch and is certainly a unique hallmark for the brand.

Conclusion

The Waskerd Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a wallet that can be carried in casual or semi-formal situations where you want the option of carrying it in a front or rear pocket. It’s solidly crafted, by hand, using top quality materials, and will endure for decades while maintaining a great look and feel. At $75, it’s a great purchase. Along with the Madison 3-Pocket Slim Wallet, Derek also has several other wallet designs. Be sure to check them all out on the Waskerd website.

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.