Should I Buy a Real (Full Grain) Leather Wallet?

1/16/2019

When buying a wallet, everyone has their preference. There is the minimalist card holder for the light packer, the popular bifold for the cash carriers, and the infamous trucker (or biker) wallet for the "everything in one" people. The problem these days is that cheap wallets flood the market (like these Walmart ones). Much like fast fashion clothing, most of these wallets fall apart within a manner of months, get thrown away, and end up not decomposing in landfills due to being made from unnatural materials.

Before getting into quality leather goods, I probably went through two to three cheap wallets a year that I got at local department stores. Then the RFID scare started and everyone, including myself, thought their credit cards were endanger of being hacked by the person in line behind them so we bought "safe" wallets to feel better.

I've had every type of wallet made from every type of material! There was the paper wallet, a handful of faux leather bifolds and trifolds, and all the cool gadget wallets... Now, I have my every day carry Big Dude Short Wallet (trucker wallet) made by JC Leatherworks, some cardholders (mostly gifts that I use for business cards, insurance cards etc...), and a passport wallet all made of full grain leather in the United States by real crafters.

Indigo Passport Wallet by Corter Leather

Big Dude Short Wallet & Lanyard by JC Leatherworks

The Entrepreneur Wallet by Kyte Creek Leather Co. (Top)
Rugged Minimalist Wallet by StoneGrain Leather (Middle)
Card Case by Pariah Outfitters (Bottom)

Do most of the above wallets cost more than your standard store wallet? Yes. However, they also last and age beautifully. The Big Dude Short Wallet has been with me everyday for the last six months and there is no loose stitching or any quality concerns, just a nice patina coming along. With some of my old wallets, stitching would start coming apart within a few weeks followed shortly by peeling. Lastly, the death of the wallets would happen due to holes opening up and/or card slots just falling off. For products that are supposed to hold valuables, it probably should be made well!

So if you no longer want to worry about getting a new wallet every couple of months, spend the extra cash to buy a product that is not only well made, but constructed by people who love making them. That extra care that goes into the making of the wallet shows true craftsmanship and will last you a lifetime!

Below are some examples of different types of quality wallets:

Minimalist Wallets

Good for quick trips to the store, a night out, and for people who only want to carry as little as possible. Great for front pockets and some hold a little cash.

Pigeon Tree Crafting Minimalist Wallet

Blackthorn Leather The Gatehouse Wallet

Makr Round Luxe Wallet in Navy

Friday & River Five Pocket Card Holder

Clobber-Calm Meadowlark Card Wallet

I1 Bussetto Business Card Holder in Cherry

*All Photos Above By Retailers, Click On Photo to Go to Their Store

Bifold Wallets

For people who like to have their ID, some credit cards, insurance, and as much cash as possible with them at all times. Can be put in front or back pockets and perfect for formal occasions.

Brooks & Hyde Cognac Tall Bifold

Tanner Goods Bifold in Saddle Tan

Indigo Dip Dyed Natural Vegetable Tanned Leather Bifold

Indigo Dyed Natural Vegetable Tanned Leather Bifold

Wild Frontier Goods Hand dyed Kakishibu Bifold

Sutro Bifold Wallet in Honey

Winter Session Vertical Bifold Wallet in Black Dublin

*All Photos Above By Retailers, Click On Photo to Go to Their Store

Trucker/Biker Wallets

Trucker Wallets are perfect for people who move around a lot and need everything with them. Having a wallet lanyard with these wallets also makes one heck of a fashion statement. Most of these wallets can only fit in back pockets. Probably not the best kind of wallet for formal occasions.