wallets Archives - Everyday Carry https://everydaycarry.com/tag/wallets/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:23:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 https://ridge-edc-s3-new.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/17120227/android-chrome-192x192-1-80x80.png wallets Archives - Everyday Carry https://everydaycarry.com/tag/wallets/ 32 32 Ridge Lite https://everydaycarry.com/news/ridge-lite/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:59:52 +0000 https://everydaycarry.com/?p=47023 Disclaimer: Ridge is the parent company of EverydayCarry.com. After a decade of trailblazing the modern minimalist wallet, Ridge…

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Disclaimer: Ridge is the parent company of EverydayCarry.com.

After a decade of trailblazing the modern minimalist wallet, Ridge have released a fresh new wallet silhouette, the Ridge Lite. It takes their patented plate-and-elastic design and cuts it almost exactly in half, giving you the most robust 1.77″ x 2.13″ card-holding square you can carry, so you can finally put away those rubber bands and binder clips you’ve been using all this time. The smaller size reduces the capacity of the original Ridge wallet’s 1-12 cards to a maximum of 8 as well as the ability to block out RFID, but the smaller size comes with a few practical benefits, including a feather-light 1-1.1 oz weight, a quicker way to fan out and access your cards, and being the absolute perfect size for the separate AirTag for Ridge Lite accessory to help keep track of it.

If you’ve been spoiled for choice for Ridge wallet designs and colors, the Lite comes strong out the gate with six colorways, including favorites like Gunmetal, Royal Black, Matte Olive, Basecamp Orange, and Lavender, each made from 6061 aluminum and all available at $65 (lower than even the most discounted original Ridge wallet), as well as a premium Carbon Fiber 3k option at $85. All six options also come with a Daily Driver Kit option which pairs the Ridge Lite with its matching Ridge KeyCase.

Like all Ridge products, the Ridge Lite also comes with a lifetime guarantee along with a 99-day risk-free trial to see if it’s the right wallet for you. And if you’re in the market to check it out, each purchase of a Ridge Lite gives you additional entries into the massive Ridge Sweepstakes happening right now. As an added bonus, EverydayCarry.com readers can use code EDC10 on checkout for an additional 10% off on your Ridge Lite order from Ridge.com.

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Best Money Clip Wallet: Top 8 Picks for 2024’s Must-Have Accessory https://everydaycarry.com/best-money-clip-wallet/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 23:17:39 +0000 https://everydaycarry.com/?p=46253 A good wallet is an essential part of everyday carry. Not only does it provide a secure way…

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A good wallet is an essential part of everyday carry. Not only does it provide a secure way to carry your cards and bills, it can also be the difference between effortless access to your essentials and fumbling around your wallet for what you need throughout the day. While traditional bifold wallets have served their purpose, and still do, the need for more practical everyday carry solutions has given rise to money clip wallets—a simpler, modern-day rendition of the traditional wallet that combines the classic functionality of traditional wallets with modern, minimalist elegance, offering the best of both worlds while ditching the “unnecessary” bulk associated with the traditional wallets. A well-designed money clip wallet provides a more comfortable and pocket-friendly way to carry your essentials with just a simple clip to hold cash and ample space for cards, keeping your essentials organized and easily accessible. In this guide, we’ll explore our top 8 picks for the best money clip wallets for 2024, covering an array of options that fit different styles and preferences to help you find the perfect fit for you.

Best money clip wallet – 2024 edition

The Best Overall Money Clip Wallet 🏆: Ridge Wallet [Buy]
The Best Money Clip Wallet on a Budget: Big Skinny Magnetic Slim Wallet [Buy]
The Most Premium Money Clip Wallet: The James Brand Martindale [Buy]
The Most Versatile Money Clip Wallet: Distil Union ModWallet Kit [Buy]
The Best Money Clip Wallet for EDC: Gerber GDC [Buy]

The Best Overall Money Clip Wallet🏆The Best Money Clip Wallet on a BudgetThe Most Premium Money Clip WalletThe Most Versatile Money Clip WalletThe Best Money Clip Wallet for EDC
Ridge WalletBig Skinny Magnetic Slim WalletThe James Brand MartindaleDistil Union ModWallet KitGerber GDC
CHECK PRICECHECK PRICECHECK PRICECHECK PRICECHECK PRICE
ProsProsProsProsPros
• Holds and RFID protects 1-12 cards
• Tons of material and design options
• Money clip, cash strap, and AirTag attachment options
• Lifetime warranty
• Strong magnetic clip can hold up to 20 notes
• Nylon construction offers an extremely slim profile
• Machine washable
 
• Dead-simple design
• Sleek pure titanium construction
• Lightweight and low-profile
• Minimal but modular system
• Can be as minimal or maximal as needed
• Keys can be part of the system
• Handy and discreet knife built in
• G-10 front plate for grip
• Hi-vis anodized aluminum accents
ConsConsConsConsCons
• No space for coins or spare keys without a separate Coin Tray• Might be a bit difficult to remove cards
• Nylon may wear and fray over time
• Expensive
• Absolutely no other frills, for better or worse
• Non-zero chance of the system coming apart in your pocket or while in use• Hard to take the knife traveling with you (fortunately it’s removable)
• A bit heavy
Bottom LineBottom LineBottom LineBottom LineBottom Line
One of the best-known and most loved minimalist wallets on the market.This wallet is designed for minimalists and it’s a must-have if you’re looking for an affordable minimalist wallet.With its blend of style, durability, and functionality, the Martindale sets a new standard for what money clip wallets can beIf you’re looking for a wallet you can (re)construct to suit your needs per time, the ModWallet Kit might be the perfect choice for you.The GDC Money Clip is a conversation starter, and if you’re an EDC geek, this is one you’d have fun carrying around.
SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS
DimensionsDimensionsDimensionsDimensionsDimensions
3.39″ x 2.13″ x 0.2″4.13″ x 3″2.1″ x 1.0″ x 0.3″3″ x 5″ x 0.3″3.6″ x 1.6″ x 0.5″
CapacityCapacityCapacityCapacityCapacity
1-12 cards1-12 cards1-2 cards1-14 cards1-5 cards
MaterialsMaterialsMaterialsMaterialsMaterials
Multiple‎NylonTitaniumFull-grain leatherTitanium-coated steel, G-10, aluminum

The Best Overall Money Clip Wallet: Ridge Wallet

For over ten years, the Ridge brand has consistently delivered on its promise of redefining how we EDC, and their flagship product—the Ridge Wallet, one of the best-known and most loved minimalist wallets on the market—even better a decade after, stands as a representation of their commitment to innovative design and quality craftsmanship. 

The Ridge Wallet embodies the essence of minimalism, sporting two tough-as-nails RFID-blocking metal plates—the size of a standard credit/debit card, an elastic band that holds the plates together, and a clip for cash—no fuss or frills. Its slim profile and sleek silhouette ensure a minimal footprint, allowing you to easily carry it as a front pocket wallet without any discomfort. It also sports a modular design that allows for easy customization with interchangeable faceplates, elastic bands, money clips, or cash straps. It might take some getting used to if you’re just transitioning from the bifold wallets, but it’s pretty straightforward to use.

The standout feature of this metal wallet is the RFID-blocking technology that provides an added layer of security against electronic theft, keeping sensitive information safe. It is also available in a number of finishes, including aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, leather, and more (covered in our ridge wallet review), with a collection of matching EDC essentials if you’re looking to synchronize your loadout or match a particular theme, which, I must say, is quite impressive. 

The Ridge Wallet is a great wallet for minimalists and EDCers, and as Colin Munch of honestbrandreviews said, the Ridge Wallet is the best possible option if you want a sleek, solid, functional wallet that holds only exactly what you need day-to-day.

The Best Money Clip Wallet on a Budget: Big Skinny Magnetic Slim Wallet

The Big Skinny brand produces some of the best slim wallets for men and women across the globe and their Magnetic Slim Wallet is one of the best money clip wallets available on a budget. This sleek wallet boasts a design that cleverly combines simplicity with innovation. It is built from a lightweight, water-resistant nylon microfiber material that’s not only durable but also incredibly thin and light—about 5–7 times thinner than leather, providing a surprisingly durable, lighter, and easy-to-carry option. 

Despite its slim profile, this wallet offers ample space for all your essential cards, with three extra-wide card pockets and an ID pocket capable of accommodating up to 12 cards altogether. Its pockets are lined with a rubbery coating, providing a secure grip that prevents the cards from slipping out, and its magnetic money clip securely holds up to 20 banknotes. This wallet is designed for minimalists and it’s a must-have if you’re looking for an affordable minimalist wallet.

The Most Premium Money Clip Wallet: The James Brand Martindale

The Martindale, TJB’s inaugural money clip, is an absolute masterpiece, with a minimalist outlook that belies its incredible design and functionality. Like most of TJB’s products, the Martindale is a modern and minimalist take on the classic gentleman’s wallet, with a streamlined profile and a simple yet practical aesthetic. 

Built from a single 6AL-4V Titanium billet, this money clip isn’t just stylish, it’s also incredibly durable, able to withstand the rigors of everyday use. It also offers hassle-free maintenance since it has no moving parts and doesn’t need to be taken apart to be cleaned. 

With its blend of style, durability, and functionality, the Martindale sets a new standard for what money clip wallets can be, and as Gearmoose said in their full review, money clips don’t get any more minimal than the Martindale from The James Brand.

The Most Versatile Money Clip Wallet: Distil Union ModWallet Kit

If you prefer leather wallets to metal wallets, you might want to check out the highly versatile Distil Union ModWallet Kit. This wallet combines premium materials with thoughtful design to offer a truly unique everyday carry experience.

At first glance, the ModWallet Kit looks like the traditional bifold wallet, sporting brown/black leather covers built from eco-certified full-grain leather which exudes a sense of timeless elegance. However, unlike traditional wallets, the ModWallet Kit is made up of modules held together by neodymium magnets which keep the wallet’s content securely in place. This innovative design allows for easy organization and (re)construction, allowing users to add, remove, or rearrange modules on a whim to suit their different needs. 

The ModWallet Kit features different functional modules, including a ModWallet cover with two MagLock with pull-tab card access and two interior quick-access card slots able to hold up to 14 cards, a MagLock MoneyClip laser-cut from a single piece of stainless steel that self-adjusts to secure up to 30 or more bills, and a KeyMod Stick that allows you to keep a key or AirTag in your ModWallet. The ModWallet is also part of the Ferris System/ModStation—a magnetic strip that can be hung on your wall to keep all your essentials in one place. 

The Distil Union ModWallet Kit is hands-down the most versatile money clip wallet and if you’re looking for a wallet you can (re)construct to suit your needs per time, the ModWallet Kit might be the perfect choice for you.

The Best Money Clip Wallet for EDC: Gerber GDC

As a big fan of minimalist multi-tool solutions, the Gerber GDC pocket knife money clip is one of my favorite EDC wallets, bringing an extra dash of functionality to an everyday essential. 

This wallet sports a titanium-coated steel body with a G-10 front plate and anodized aluminum accents and can hold up to five (5) cards along with cash, but its functionality doesn’t stop there. 

The Gerber GDC also has a fixed-blade knife cleverly built into the design. This knife has a 1.75″ blade coated in titanium ensuring a sharpness and durability that rivals most traditional pocket knives. The handle is made of fiberglass and it sports a finger hole and serrated thumb rest that provides maximal grip and ease of use, making it ideal for both everyday tasks and emergencies. This ingenious design makes the Gerber GDC a hybrid-type carry solution, perfect for seamlessly integrating a pocket knife into your everyday carry setup without having to carry an extra knife. Jonathan Millstein said in his review that the GDC Money Clip is a conversation starter, and if you’re an EDC geek, this is one you’d have fun carrying around.

Our Other Recommendations

Dango MC02 Titanium Money Clip: Dango’s MC02 Titanium Money Clip redefines the conventional perception of money clips with its sleek, modern design and multi-tool integration. Unlike most traditional bill-holders, the MC02 presents itself as a sophisticated and utilitarian EDC accessory that transcends the primary function of holding cards or bills.  

Leo Davie said the MC02 is a no-nonsense offering from DANGO made with impeccable precision and innovation, and I agree. Like most of Dango’s products, the MC02 boasts a tactically-inspired design, with a body machined from aerospace-grade CNC 6061 aluminum, complemented by a stonewashed titanium clip. It also boasts a clever multi-tool integration that blends seamlessly with its design. A usable, flat carbon-reinforced stainless steel chisel/pry bar sits at the end of the body, and on the money clip, there’s a cleverly integrated bottle opener and lanyard hole that just fit in the design like they should be there. The MC02 also comes with a leather sheath that works as an aesthetic fit and acts as a protective covering to keep your cards from rubbing against the bottom metal. This wallet can hold up to 40 bills, up to 10 cards, or any combination of both, and is a great choice if you’re looking for a small and handy multi-functional money clip.

Superior Titanium mini-VIPER: The Superior Titanium mini-VIPER also sports a compact, minimalist design and impressive functionality. This money clip is made from high-quality titanium, and unlike larger money clips, the mini-VIPER offers a minimalist approach without sacrificing utility. Despite its size, this money clip can hold up to 30 folded bills or four (4) cards + 15 bills. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of conventional money clip wallets, the thoughtful details in the construction of the VIPER like the smooth finish and discreet branding enhance its usability and style. The mini-VIPER offers a practical yet stylish solution for carrying cash and cards and if you’re looking for a front pocket wallet that’ll be completely out of your way, it is worth checking out.

TUMI Delta Money Clip Card Case: If you’re transitioning from the traditional leather bifold wallets and aren’t quite ready to move on to the all-metal money clips, the TUMI Delta Money Clip Card Case offers the perfect compromise. Made from premium, soft, full-grain Nappa leather, with a ballistic nylon spine, this wallet offers the familiar feel of a traditional leather wallet in a compact, pocket-friendly money clip design. It has a bill section, two easy-access front card pockets with Tumi ID lock protective lining to prevent electronic theft, and a leather-covered metal clip to hold your cash.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Money Clip Wallet

Several factors come into play when selecting a money clip wallet, including the materials, size, design, and more, which determine the overall functionality and usability of the wallet. Below, we’ll cover these factors and advise on how to factor them into your decision-making process, so that you can find the best money clip wallet for you.

Materials and Durability

Materials and durability are pivotal considerations when selecting a money clip wallet, as they determine the durability and overall functionality of the wallet. Given the daily use of wallets, it’s important to opt for high-quality materials, such as titanium, aluminum, or genuine full-grain leather, that ensure your wallet can withstand the rigors of daily use and still function at its best, without succumbing to damage or deterioration. A sturdy construction enhances comfort and ease of use, making your daily interactions with the wallet hassle-free. It also safeguards the structural integrity of your wallet, ensuring that it holds up well, and protects its contents. 

Investing in a high-quality wallet proves to be cost-effective in the long run. While it may come at a higher initial cost, it removes the need for frequent replacements, saving you money over time. So, when choosing a wallet, consider the kind of materials it’s made from and the quality of its construction to ensure you’re getting good value for your money.

Size and Capacity

Money clip wallets come in varying sizes and capacities and when selecting one, it’s crucial to factor in these, to ensure your wallet of choice meets your specific needs and preferences. Assess the size of your cards, and how many cards and bills you typically carry, and select one that fits your cards and can hold them securely. Doing this ensures your essentials remain organized and easily accessible.

Style and Design

Considering style and design when choosing a money clip wallet is important for both functional and aesthetic reasons. While the primary purpose of the wallet is to hold your cards and cash, its design and style play a significant role in reflecting your taste and style. 

For the design, consider something that suits your specific needs and lifestyle. For instance, if you carry a lot of cards, choose one with ample space to hold all your cards and cash. The style, on the other hand, encompasses elements like the finish, color, texture, embellishments, branding, etc. Ensure you pick a wallet that suits your tastes—whether you prefer classic, minimalist designs or something bold and eye-catching, so you don’t end up with a wallet you’d rather not carry.

You should also consider factors like the placement of the money clip, and the overall size, shape, and finish of the wallet to ensure that it suits your specific needs and style. 

Additional Features

Additional features are important in the selection process of a money clip wallet as they contribute to its functionality and convenience, providing you with added utility beyond just holding cash and cards. Features like RFID-blocking technology help to protect your cards from unauthorized scanning and identity theft, adding an extra layer of security to your sensitive personal information and financial assets. Other features may include organizational features like multiple card slots, and integrated multi-tools like bottle openers, pens, etc., ensuring that your wallet not only meets its primary functional requirements but also provides added value and utility.

However, consider how these added features complement the overall design and aesthetics of the wallet. While functionality is paramount, it’s also essential that the features seamlessly integrate into the wallet’s design to ensure you get a wallet that is practical, functionally cohesive, and visually appealing.

Price

Price is undeniably one of the most important factors when it comes to selecting a money clip wallet. While higher-priced wallets often boast better quality, craftsmanship, and functionality, that may not always be the case. The price of the wallet should be weighed alongside factors like material quality, functionality, durability, your personal preference, and budget. You can also compare prices among related items. By comparing prices, you can gauge whether the price of a wallet aligns with its quality.

You should also draw up a budget. Budgeting ensures you’re not overspending and allows you to make a conscious evaluation of the item you want to purchase to ensure you get the most out of your money. It also allows you to find the right balance between cost and quality and narrows your options, allowing you to find the best wallet that fits your budget.

Best Money Clip Wallet FAQs

Are money clip wallets worth it?

Money clip wallets are definitely worth it if you prefer a minimalist approach to carrying your cards and cash. They offer practicality and convenience, eliminating the bulk associated with traditional wallets. However, their worth ultimately depends on your personal preference, style, and lifestyle needs.

How much money should be in a money clip?

The amount of money you carry in a money clip depends on your personal preferences and daily needs. It’s advisable to carry an amount that you’re comfortable with and that meets your immediate spending needs to minimize the risk of theft.

Does anyone still use money clips?

Money clips are still a popular choice for many people, especially those who appreciate their simplicity and practicality. They provide a compact and convenient way to carry cash and cards, streamline your everyday carry, and offer a stylish alternative to the traditional bifold wallets.

Where should I keep my money clip?

It is recommended that you carry your money clip in a secure and easily accessible location, like your front pocket or a dedicated pocket in your bag. Avoid placing your money clip wallet in areas like your back pockets or external velcro attachments where they can be stolen.

How We Picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

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Unbiased Trayvax Wallet Review: Is It Really Worth Your Money? https://everydaycarry.com/unbiased-trayvax-wallet-review-is-it-really-worth-your-money/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 22:00:00 +0000 https://everydaycarry.com/?p=46259 Even as we move towards a completely cashless society, a good wallet is still one of the most…

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Even as we move towards a completely cashless society, a good wallet is still one of the most essential items to have with us every day. Besides carrying cash, you can use wallets to hold cards, keys, a pen, and, as we’ll see in a bit, even a pocket notebook. One of the leading contenders in the minimalist wallet market is Trayvax, offering products that blend style and practicality. Their sleek designs and robust characteristics have caught the attention of those looking to declutter their pockets without compromising on quality. 

In this article, we’ll delve into some of Trayvax’s top wallet offerings and take a look at the company’s background and philosophy to understand the ethos driving their designs, the aesthetics and the build quality that set these wallets apart, their durability and craftsmanship to see if they truly stand the test of time, and how well these wallets meet the needs of the modern consumer. We’ll also give you some of our favorites from the collection, the pros and cons of each, and some customer testimonials to help you decide if Trayvax wallets genuinely deserve a spot in your pocket

Trayvax Contour Minimalist Wallet Tactical Armor Steel Front Pocket RFID

We’re starting the list off with one of our favorites – the Trayvax Contour. It boasts a timeless, slim profile for comfortable front-pocket carry and is crafted with precision-machined stainless steel, PVD coating, and hand-stitched top-grain leather, making it as durable as it is stylish. Its oil-tanned leather matures over time, leaving a nice patina reflecting your personal story.

Trayvax Summit Notebook Bundle

The Trayvax Summit Notebook Bundle is worth a look if you love daily organization and note-taking. Paired with the Summit wallet made from durable leather, the bundle includes a weather-resistant notebook and a Fisher Space Pen for easy note-taking. They all seamlessly integrate with one another, enhancing functionality and convenience.

Trayvax Element Wallet

For those who still love the look of traditional leather wallets, the Trayvax Element redefines the classic leather wallet with a stainless-steel frame, MIL-SPEC paracord, and oil-tanned leather. It’s a compact wallet that doesn’t skimp on features, offering a bottle opener, money clip, RFID protection, and more. Designed to fit 3-10 cards and 1-5 bills, it’s ideal for both outdoor adventures and the everyday grind.

Trayvax Original 2.0 Slim Metal Wallet

Looking for something more rugged? The Trayvax Original 2.0 is a multi-functional wallet designed to endure extreme conditions, constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and a MIL-SPEC paracord. Capable of holding up to 15 cards and 20 bills, the Trayvax Original 2.0 also includes RFID protection, a pry bar, a bottle opener, and a money clip. This front-pocket wallet comes with an incredible 65-year warranty, designed to be with you for all of life’s adventures.

Trayvax Ascent Wallet

If you want to keep things slim and straightforward, the Trayvax Ascent might be what you’re looking for. It’s a minimalist wallet built for longevity, featuring a notched stainless steel plate and hand-stitched oil-tanned leather that patinas over time. It holds 4 to 7 cards and five bills, which you can easily access via a convenient pull tab.

Trayvax Venture Billfold

The classic billfold isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and the Trayvax Venture wallet proves it. Merging durability with design, it features a precision-machined aluminum frame and a single leather panel for a slim profile. Its magnetic closure offers quick access and secure storage for cards and cash. Crafted with premium materials like Horween leather and neodymium magnets, the Venture is built for years of use, ensuring the safety of most magnetic cards.

Company Background and Philosophy

Trayvax is a company that emphasizes its commitment to durability and minimalism in the everyday carry industry. Founded in 2013 by Mark King, Trayvax began as a small operation with a big vision. King’s background as a machinist and inventor and his entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for a company that would soon become synonymous with quality and resilience.

Trayvax’s mission is deeply rooted in the philosophy of creating products built to last and handed down to future generations. They focus on producing wallets, bags, belts, and other everyday carry items that embody the essence of functional minimalism.

Their design approach is centered around using high-quality materials and craftsmanship that ensure longevity. But besides producing practical products, Trayvax’s offerings are also environmentally conscious, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By sourcing materials from U.S. suppliers and keeping production local, they minimize their carbon footprint and support local economies.

Trayvax’s commitment to the environment extends beyond its production methods. It aims to create heirloom-quality items that can be passed down through generations, bolstered by its 65-year Heirloom warranty, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus lessening the impact on landfills. 

Design and Materials

Trayvax’s design philosophy will appeal to those who appreciate a wallet that looks more like a precision tool than a traditional wallet. Many Trayvax wallets are characterized by a utilitarian design, featuring grooves, edges, holes, and curves that are visually striking and serve a purpose.

Long-lasting durability and high-quality craftsmanship are high on Trayvax’s priority list, and the materials used in Trayvax wallets reflect that. Trayvax commonly uses stainless steel and anodized aircraft-grade aluminum because of their strength and lightweight properties, which provide a sturdy frame for their wallets. Some models even incorporate high-pressure fiberglass laminate for added resilience. Top-grain oil-tanned leather wraps the metal frames in a classic elegance while allowing for a patina that adds character over time.

Trayvax also offers wallets that target specific user needs and preferences, each with unique features and design elements. For instance, the Original 2.0 Wallet is known for its easy card navigation and expansion capabilities, while the Element Wallet boasts a sleek design with security features and a sturdy build quality suitable for minimalist travelers. The Ascent Wallet drapes the metal wallet format in premium leather, offering a more refined look.

You might think that since Trayvax wallets rely heavily on metal frames, that color option would be limited. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. Trayvax wallets range from classic blacks and greys to vibrant blues and greens, with some models offering the choice of different leather hues for personalization. This variety ensures that there’s a Trayvax wallet to suit different tastes and preferences, all while maintaining the brand’s signature minimalist and durable ethos.

Durability and Craftsmanship

Since a wallet is an everyday carry item that endures constant use and handling, durability is a cornerstone of its design. A durable wallet not only stands up to the rigors of daily life but also provides a sense of reliability and security for your valuables. The importance of durability in wallets is reflected in their ability to withstand wear and tear, resist environmental factors like moisture and heat, and maintain their structural integrity over time.

Trayvax wallets are engineered with longevity in mind. They incorporate corrosion-resistant metals such as stainless steel and aircraft-grade aluminum, which offer robustness without adding significant weight. The wallets also feature reinforced stitching on leather components, ensuring they hold together even under stress.

Their 65-year Heirloom Warranty further exemplifies the company’s commitment to quality. This warranty underscores Trayvax’s confidence in its products, covering any defects in materials and workmanship under normal usage conditions. It’s a testament to their belief in their wallets’ durability and dedication to customer satisfaction. The warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, or the natural breakdown of materials over time, but it does ensure that if any issues arise due to craftsmanship, Trayvax stands ready to address them. This warranty policy reflects their commitment to quality and encourages consumers to view Trayvax products as long-term investments.

Functionality and Capacity

Trayvax wallets are designed with various features to cater to the needs of the modern minimalist. They typically include card slots allowing easy navigation and access to your cards, cash clips that securely hold your bills, and attachment points for keys or lanyards, adding to their versatility.

One of the standout features of Trayvax wallets is their RFID-blocking capabilities. While RFID technology is convenient and used for contactless payments, it poses a security risk, as it can be vulnerable to skimming attacks where unauthorized individuals can steal card information using RFID scanners. Trayvax wallets use materials like aluminum that block these radio waves, thus protecting your sensitive information from potential theft.

Trayvax wallets are designed to be compact yet capable, with various capacities for cash and cards available depending on the model. For example, the Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet can hold up to 15 cards and five bills, while the Trayvax Element Wallet can accommodate 3-10 cards and 1-5 bills. This is quite impressive compared to other minimalist wallets on the market, which often have a more limited capacity. The Trayvax Ascent Wallet, for instance, holds 4-7 cards and up to 5 bills, which is less than the Original 2.0 but still sufficient for those who would rather carry fewer items.

Ease of Use and Comfort

Trayvax wallets are engineered for ease of use, with designs that allow quick and simple navigation through cards. The Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet features an easy-access ID window and a design that facilitates smooth card selection. In terms of comfort, Trayvax wallets are generally compact and easy to pocket. The Trayvax Ascent Wallet, for example, has jagged yet easy-to-hold edges and a reasonably compact form. You might find, however, that the sharp edges of certain models, like the Trayvax Element Wallet, can sometimes lead to discomfort. One more thing to note is that while metal components contribute to the wallet’s durability, they can make it feel heavy or uncomfortable when sitting in a back pocket. We recommend carrying these wallets in the front pocket to avoid discomfort. Overall, Trayvax wallets balance functionality and design, but it’s essential to consider these aspects based on personal carrying habits and preferences.

Price and Value Functionality and Capacity

Trayvax offers a range of wallets with varying prices depending on the model and materials used. The Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet is currently priced at $46.88 on Amazon (as of this writing), fluctuating between $54.99 to $42.13 over the last six months. These prices are still quite reasonable considering its durable construction and RFID-blocking capabilities. On the higher end, the Trayvax Contour Wallet can range from $136.43 to $189.99, reflecting its premium materials, such as CNC-machined titanium and an adjustable sliding clasp design.

Trayvax wallets are competitively priced compared to other minimalist wallets in the market. For example, the Ridge Wallet, one of the most popular minimalist wallets in the market, is priced at around $95 for standard models and $150 for more premium variations, similar to the higher-end models of Trayvax wallets. 

As far as value for money goes, Trayvax wallets offer a lot for the asking price. They’re made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, and the company’s 65-year Heirloom Warranty speaks volumes about its confidence in its products’ durability and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Overall, Trayvax wallets are appreciated for their quality and functionality, with most users finding them a worthwhile investment. Pack Hacker gives the Trayvax Original 2.0 an overall score of 8.5/10, citing its ease of use and easy card navigation. However, the money clip may not be the most friendly for cash-heavy users. Novel Carry’s review of the Trayvax Contour Wallet has high praise for its construction and materials, though handling cash can be cumbersome at first. In their review, Walletopia seemed to like the Trayvax Contour, giving it 5 out of 5 for quality of materials and build, 4 out of 5 for usability, and 4 out of 5 for features.

Pros and Cons Summary

Like any wallet, Trayvax’s offerings have pros and cons. Let’s examine each one to help you determine whether there are any dealbreakers.

Pros:

Durability: Its robust materials and construction ensure durability and longevity.
Design: The wallets’ unique designs and aesthetics don’t just look great, but they often serve highly usable functions as well. They’re also lightweight and compact.
Ease of Use: Navigating through cards and cash is made easy thanks to special features like easy access windows and pull tabs.
RFID Blocking: Their RFID-blocking features provide a sense of security against unwanted card access.
Warranty: The company’s 65-Year Heirloom Warranty is a testament to their confidence in their product’s longevity.

Cons:

Comfort: They’re not always comfortable because of their sharp edges and rigid structure. 
Cash Clip Design: If you carry a lot of cash with you, the cash clip design isn’t the best for carrying a lot of bills.
Adjustability: Not all wallets are as flexible in adjusting size, which can be a drawback for users who prefer a more customizable wallet.

FAQs

Where are Trayvax wallets made?

Trayvax wallets are made in the USA. The company emphasizes domestic production, sourcing components from U.S. suppliers and crafting their wallets in-house to support local economies and ensure high-quality craftsmanship. This commitment to American manufacturing is part of Trayvax’s mission to create durable, minimalist wallets and contribute positively to the community and environment.

How long does it take to get a Trayvax wallet?

The delivery time for a Trayvax wallet can vary based on the specific model you order and your location. Generally, if you order through platforms like Amazon, you might see fast delivery options, sometimes as quickly as within a few days. For example, certain Trayvax wallet models listed on Amazon offer delivery times ranging from the next day to a few days after placing the order. It’s always best to check the estimated delivery time at checkout for the most accurate information. If you’re ordering directly from Trayvax’s website or another retailer, the shipping times may differ, so reviewing their shipping policies or contacting them directly for specifics is recommended.

Who is the owner of Trayvax?

Mark King owns Trayvax Enterprises and is also the company’s founder. He is also the founder of Kimbo Campers and Hannah Manufacturing. His personal mission statement is “to create American jobs and leave behind a company that lasts 100 years”. 

Is Trayvax an RFID-Blocking Wallet?

Yes, Trayvax wallets are designed with RFID-blocking capabilities. This feature is a security measure against potential identity theft and financial fraud. The materials used in constructing the wallets, such as metal, help block the radio waves that could otherwise be used to access your card information without your knowledge. 

Conclusion

Trayvax wallets are celebrated for their durability and minimalist design, appealing to those who prefer a rugged, functional aesthetic over traditional wallets. There’s something for everyone as well, depending on how slim you want your wallet to be or how much cash and cards you’re planning to hold. They’re priced reasonably, given their build quality and features, making them a solid choice for anyone looking for a wallet that balances functionality with a unique, durable design. If you value a wallet that can withstand the rigors of daily use and appreciate a wallet with a design that stands out, a Trayvax wallet could be a worthy addition to your essentials.

The post Unbiased Trayvax Wallet Review: Is It Really Worth Your Money? appeared first on Everyday Carry.

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An Attractive Upgrade: Ridge’s New MagSafe Collection https://everydaycarry.com/news/news-ridge-magsafe-collection/ Sat, 27 Apr 2024 19:08:27 +0000 https://everydaycarry.com/?p=45685 Two items you never leave home without—your phone and your wallet—come together (literally) with Ridge’s new MagSafe collection.…

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Two items you never leave home without—your phone and your wallet—come together (literally) with Ridge’s new MagSafe collection. As an evolution of Ridge’s award-winning series of minimalist wallets, the new Ridge MagSafe wallets are designed to attach to the back of any MagSafe-equipped iPhone (iPhone 13 and up) or any MagSafe-compatible case, enhancing the convenience and security of your everyday carry.

Ridge MagSafe Wallet

The Ridge Wallet, a constant pick as one of our top minimalist wallets year after year, hardly needs an introduction. Featuring sturdy outer plates bound together with durable elastic bands, it can hold up to 12 cards in a sleek and compact package. Its construction also protects against RFID wireless theft by blocking card radio signals, keeping your valuable personal data safe and secure.

Adding the MagSafe Wallet to the Ridge family is the next step in continuing the company’s philosophy of making your everyday essentials reach their fullest potential of form and function. Available in Carbon Fiber 3k, as well as Matte Olive, Gunmetal, and Alpine Navy made from 6061 T6 aerospace-grade aluminum, the Ridge MagSafe Wallet uses high-strength neodymium magnets and a black polycarbonate magnet housing to ensure a strong attachment to any iPhone or case with MagSafe built in. The included Strengthening Tray made from durable stainless steel reinforces the hold even further for an even more robust connection, thanks to its use of high-quality 3M 3001se double-sided tape. The Strengthening Tray also allows you to attach the Ridge MagSafe Wallet to phones, cases, or any other devices that don’t have MagSafe built-in, so all of you with Android phones or older iPhone models don’t have to feel left out.

Combining the Ridge MagSafe Wallet and your mobile phone into a consolidated package has several benefits. The most obvious one is that you won’t need two separate pockets to store your phone and your wallet, which saves space in your pants or pack for another item you might want to bring with you. MagSafe technology also makes it convenient and easy to pop the wallet off when accessing your cards throughout the day. You could also attach the Ridge MagSafe Wallet to any metallic surface by your door, like a shelf, desk, or even your fridge, making it easy to grab as you head out.

Those who already have a Ridge Wallet can add MagSafe capabilities to their wallet with the Ridge MagSafe Standalone Plates. By swapping the outer plates of your current wallet, you’ll instantly upgrade it to work with any MagSafe-compatible device or case. The MagSafe Plates also come with a Strengthening Tray, five additional screws, and the necessary T5 Torx driver to install them, so you can swap plates out with ease to match your theme for the day.

Ridge iPhone 15 Cases

A collection of MagSafe-compatible cases further strengthens Ridge’s MagSafe lineup for the iPhone 15, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max. The new phone cases are available in leather or Kevlar, both of which are perfect companions for the Ridge MagSafe Wallet.

The Ridge Leather iPhone 15 Case is crafted from oil-waxed full-grain leather, which is soft, durable, and comfortable to hold. Available in either Midnight Black or Tobacco Brown, this high-quality leather ages gracefully as it develops a unique patina over time, giving your phone an aesthetic unique to your experiences. Its soft microfiber lining protects your phone from drops and impacts, while premium aluminum physical buttons provide precise and responsive feedback with every press. Strong neodymium magnets securely connect the case to your phone while remaining fully MagSafe-compatible. Qi wireless charging is also supported, allowing you to charge your phone wirelessly without removing the case.

For those looking for added protection for their phone, the Ridge Kevlar iPhone 15 Case is made from premium aramid fibers, making it durable, lightweight, and resistant to scratches, heat, and corrosion. Its composite unibody design, consisting of a shock-absorbing TPU inner lining and an enclosed Kevlar plate, gives it excellent impact-resisting capabilities that exceed military drop standards. The case’s camera shroud protects the camera lenses from dust and scratches, while a full-frame 1mm lip saves your screen from cracks and scratches from abrasive surfaces. Like the Ridge Leather iPhone 15 Case, the Ridge Kevlar iPhone 15 Case is fully MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatible.

The Ridge MagSafe Collection is available now with the following prices:

Ridge MagSafe WalletPrice
Matte Olive$125
Gunmetal$125
Alpine Navy$125
Carbon Fiber 3k$175
Ridge MagSafe Standalone PlatesPrice
Gunmetal$55
Carbon Fiber 3k$75
Ridge iPhone 15 CasePrice
Midnight Black Leather$45
Tobacco Brown Leather$45
Kevlar$75

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The 17 Best Card Holder Wallets in 2024 https://everydaycarry.com/best-card-holder-wallets/ Sat, 18 Feb 2023 18:15:00 +0000 https://everydaycarry.com/?p=33006 When’s the last time you paid for something with cash? With the rise of online shopping and more…

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When’s the last time you paid for something with cash? With the rise of online shopping and more stores accepting cards and electronic payments, chances are you don’t need to carry much cash with you wherever you go. That’s good news if you’re looking to slim down your everyday carry, too.

Modern minimalist credit card holder wallets are the perfect upgrade to bulky, outdated billfold wallets designed for carrying loose bills and cash. By switching to a card holder wallet, you’ll have access to your most important bank cards, transit pass, ID, business cards, and some emergency cash in a minimalist package without all the bulk of a regular wallet.

In this guide, we’ll show you our top picks for great credit card holders and minimalist wallets to complete your everyday carry. Whether you’re looking for a futuristic metal EDC wallet, a super slim card sleeve, modern takes on the familiar bifold design, or RFID protection for your front pocket, you’re sure to find a card holder in this list that fits the bill.

What’s the best card holder wallet?

The Best Overall Card Holder Wallet 🏆: The Ridge Wallet [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Card Holder Wallet on a Budget: Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Card Holder Wallet for Cash: Distil Union Wally [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Tactical Card Holder Wallet: Dango T01 Tactical EDC Wallet [Buy] / [Full Review]
The Best Leather Card Holder Wallet: Filson Bridle Leather Card Case [Buy]

The Best Overall Card Holder Wallet 🏆The Best Card Holder Wallet on a BudgetThe Best Card Holder Wallet for CashThe Best Tactical Card Holder Wallet:The Best Leather Card Holder Wallet
The Ridge WalletMagpul DAKA Everyday WalletDistil Union WallyDango T01 Tactical EDC WalletFilson Bridle Leather Card Case
CHECK PRICECHECK PRICECHECK PRICECHECK PRICECHECK PRICE
SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS
DimensionsDimensionsDimensionsDimensionsDimensions
3.4″ x 2.1″ x 0.23″4.2″ x 2.84″3” x 4.4” x 0.31”2.625″ x 4.375″3.875″ x 3″
CapacityCapacityCapacityCapacityCapacity
12 cards plus cash3-7 cards14 cards and 30 or more billsUp to 12 cards3 cards
Key FeaturesKey FeaturesKey FeaturesKey FeaturesKey Features
Cash strap or money clipLightweight and tough polymer constructionSignature pull tabIncludes MT02 multi-toolOne-piece construction

The Best Overall Card Holder Wallet: The Ridge Wallet

If what you’re after is a durable wallet that will last then look no further than the Ridge Wallet. This ultra-thin aluminum minimalist wallet measures a mere 6mm thick and lets you carry up to 12 of your most used cards. Your choice of a built-in cash strap or money clip means that you’ll always have a few bills on hand for your favorite cash-only lunch spot. Not to mention RFID-blocking construction will keep your information safe from anyone who might be up to no good. Choose from a variety of finishes to match your particular style without sacrificing functionality.

The Best Card Holder Wallet on a Budget: Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet

Magpul has serious expertise in crafting quality polymer goods. They put that knowledge to work when assembling their DAKA line of minimal EDC wallets. The DAKA Everyday Folding Card Holder offers more capacity when you need room for emergency cash. Its slim design also features a transparent protective window on one side that’s perfect for an ID or access card. Its extremely durable welded construction is also chemical resistant, making it a great alternative to leather or canvas.

The Best Card Holder Wallet on a Budget: Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet

Magpul has serious expertise in crafting quality polymer goods. They put that knowledge to work when assembling their DAKA line of minimal EDC wallets. The DAKA Everyday Folding Card Holder offers more capacity when you need room for emergency cash. Its slim design also features a transparent protective window on one side that’s perfect for an ID or access card. Its extremely durable welded construction is also chemical resistant, making it a great alternative to leather or canvas.

The Best Tactical Card Holder Wallet: Dango T01 Tactical EDC Wallet

Not all things are as they appear at first glance. Take the Dango T01 Tactical Wallet for example. What looks to be a simple cardholder wallet at first is actually a well-made multitool that just happens to also moonlight as a wallet. The frame is entirely CNC-machined aluminum cleverly designed to perform up to 14 functions. Not only can it hold 12 of your most-used cards but it also has a built-in serrated blade, nail pryer, and phone stand to name a few. For a Made in the USA wallet that’s tough as nails (and can help you pry some too) make sure to keep the Dango 01 Tactical EDC Wallet on your radar.

The Best Leather Card Holder Wallet: Filson Bridle Leather Card Case

If you’re after a compact, perfect for front-pocket carry then the Bridle Leather Card Case by Filson should be on your shortlist. This leather wallet has three slots for just the essentials, so if you’re looking to replace your bulky bifold with something a little sleeker this is for you. It is handcrafted from vegetable-tanned leather right here in the USA and the seams are sewn using durable nylon that shouldn’t fray at the first sign of struggle.

Trayvax Element Wallet

A well-built leather wallet can last decades, and the Trayvax Element Wallet is without a doubt well built. It has tanned leather wrapped around a sturdy stainless steel frame blending the best of wallets from the past and the future into one package. It even has a MIL-SPEC paracord binding and RFID protection for good measure. An integrated money clip keeps a few folded bills securely stashed while the main section easily holds up to ten cards. A convenient cutout in the leather makes finding the card you need at the moment effortless and a built-in bottle opener means you won’t be caught off-guard at the next get-together.

Trayvax Contour Wallet

Not all card-holder wallets need to look like a single folded piece of leather. Case in point: the Trayvax Contour Wallet. This ultra-thin wallet has a leather lining cleverly attached to a CNC-machined metal frame with a built-in bottle opener. It can hold up to 13 cards and ten folded bills and has a sliding clasp that allows for easy adjustment. So whether you’re carrying at capacity or are looking to slim down, it’ll be comfortable to handle either way. The Contour doesn’t just look good either, it also has a durable PVD coating and RFID-blocking built-in for added protection. If the wallet somehow gets damaged, Trayvax has you covered with its unique 65-year heirloom warranty.

GOVO Badge Holder

Designed and engineered in the USA, the GOVO Badge Holder is used by military and law enforcement worldwide. This badge holder features a 2mm transparent polycarbonate window that lets you display your ID card or badge. And since it has enough space for up to four of your cards, it can function as a card holder wallet as well. Its spring-loaded system secures cards even if the wallet isn’t fully loaded. An optional metal clip doubles as a steel connector for lanyards to let you use it as an ID by hanging it from your pocket or belt.

Aer Card Holder Wallet

The Aer Card Holder offers a simple yet effective format for carrying your essentials. Three quick-access card slots on the outside keep your most used cards at the ready. The zippered RFID-safe pocket offers more secure storage with its microfiber interior lining. Aer doesn’t skimp on materials either. This card holder boasts ultra-durable CORDURA ballistic nylon as its main fabric. It’s finished with water-resistant YKK zippers and a tough Hypalon label.

Dango D01 Dapper EDC Wallet

If you want a USA-made wallet that’s less tactical and more TSA-approved, look no further than the Dango D01 Dapper EDC Wallet. It’s a fully structured card holder with an ultra-slim, durable design. Dango combined their usual premium leather lining with RFID-blocking aluminum resulting in a secure wallet with a comfortable feel. The aluminum chassis offers additional functionality to your carry, like a built-in bottle opener, phone stand, and more. A textured elastic band secures folded cash and other essentials to the exterior.

Pioneer Ion Cardholder

Outdoorsmen and adventure-seekers will especially appreciate the high-performance materials and technical construction of this sleek minimalist wallet. Its bifold cardholder design holds up to 6 cards plus some folded bills for emergencies. Available in your choice of 10XD, an ultra-strong material made with ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene, or 3-ply nylon, the Ion is water-repellant, dirt-resistant, lightweight, yet impressively long-lasting.

Hayvenhurst Pop Up Wallet

Have your card essentials instantly on hand at the push of a button with Hayvenhurst’s Pop Up card holder. This ultra-slim, minimalist option holds up to 4-5 cards while boasting RFID-blocking protection. It also blends some of the finest materials you can carry with its aluminum construction and carbon fiber pattern. If you still need to carry cash, you can use its multi-purpose strap for folded bills, notes, and other items without bulking up its slim design. And any time you need your cards, one push of its signature pop-up system fans them out, ready for use at a moment’s notice.

AKEENi XSTO Wallet

If you have a keen eye for quality then the AKEENi XSTO Wallet hasn’t skipped your notice. It’s one of the more unique options on this list with a clever design that makes sifting through your cards to find the right one quick and painless. It comes in a few different configurations that let you hold up to ten cards along with some cash and business cards. The XSTO wallet is machined from a single piece of aluminum so you know it can handle your daily wear and tear, plus they offer detailed personalization options so you can really make it yours.

Open Sea Leather Hot Rack Card Holder Wallet

If you enjoy the classic heritage style of stitched and folded full-grain leather wallets but you don’t want to carry around a bulky traditional bifold, check out the Hot Rack by Open Sea Leather. It’s a minimalist front-pocket card holder wallet that’s crafted using a single piece of full-grain leather with two pockets on the front and back and a cash strap for carrying folded cash bills. There’s a wide range of colors available for both the leather and the stitching, giving you plenty of personalization options for an already stylish design.

Secrid Cardprotector Wallet

The award-winning Secrid Cardprotector might be for you if you have an eye for design. It fits 6 cards yet only weighs 50 grams, making it feel like it disappears in your pocket. The card holder has a spring-loaded lever on the bottom that fans out your cards for easy pickings. When you’re done, push them back inside the RFID-blocking aluminum chassis and the cards stay hidden from view. As the core of their system, Secrid’s Cardprotector is their most minimal wallet. If you do need to carry cash, you can add on an optional cash strap.

Bellroy Flip Case Card Holder Wallet

The Bellroy Flip Case features an ultra-slim, dual-sided design based on a polymer hardshell case. The Flip Case holds up to 8 standard-sized payment and ID cards. Two cards fit into a quick-access section behind a magnetic flap. The main compartment’s RFID-blocking technology helps keep the rest of the cards safe from skimmers and fraudsters. It’s equipped with magnetic trapdoor openings that prevent your cards from coming out of the wallet until you need them to. Lastly, premium eco-certified leather rounds out the exterior.

Flowfold Founder Card Wallet

The Founder is Flowfold’s newest ultra-slim EDC card holder, featuring a horizontal design and a clear ID pocket. It’s made in the USA out of recycled sailcloth technical fabric that’s both extremely durable and lightweight. It weighs in at only 0.7 oz when empty. There’s a main center cash pocket for folded bills and four card slots that are excellent for carrying just the essentials.

Card Holder Wallets FAQs

Why is a card holder better than a wallet?

A card holder is better than a regular wallet because it takes up less space in your pocket. With more stores accepting cards and electronic payments via smartphones, you probably don’t need a regular wallet to carry cash and coins. A card holder helps you carry just the essentials and eliminates bulk from your pocket.

How do I choose a card holder wallet?

Choose a card holder that’s easy to use and has enough room to carry your essential cards. Make sure the card holder is also built with quality materials that are durable enough to carry every day. Also, consider the aesthetics of the card holder and how it matches your personal style.

What are some of the benefits of a card holder wallet?

A card holder keeps your cards organized, protected, and easy to access. Card holder wallets usually weigh less and take up less space compared to a regular wallet. A slim wallet that fits in your front pocket can help you avoid the pain of sitting on your wallet in your back pocket.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

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Ridge Wallet Review https://everydaycarry.com/ridge-wallet-review/ Wed, 02 Mar 2022 19:30:00 +0000 https://everydaycarry.com/ridge-wallet-review/ The Ridge Wallet began its life as a Kickstarter dream, offering a minimalist aluminum wallet with quality craftsmanship…

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The Ridge Wallet began its life as a Kickstarter dream, offering a minimalist aluminum wallet with quality craftsmanship and a unique design that breaks away from the run-of-the-mill, cut-and-sewn leather and fabric back pocket bifold wallets we’ve come to tolerate.

Those traditional wallets you can pick up at any department store usually don’t align with many core EDC principles: they often don’t last very long, are needlessly bulky, and are missing modern features and technology. The Ridge Wallet breaks from that with a lifetime warranty and new wallet materials like forged carbon and aluminum to hold your debit cards, credit cards, and business cards in one slim, sandwiched space.

And with online shopping via smartphones verging on replacing our EDC wallets with digital ones, it makes sense now more than ever to slim down to a minimalist wallet like the Ridge Wallet. It’s a distillation of minimalism and durability in wallet form, with a simple yet effective combination of premium materials and hardware designed to convert your bulky leather wallet into a streamlined carry solution.

But because of its strikingly different design, it begs the question—is it a good wallet for your EDC? Find out in this hands-on review of the Ridge Wallet.

Quick disclaimer: Ridge sent me a few sample wallets for editorial consideration for review, free of charge. They’ve also sponsored Everyday Carry in the past, and as of 2022, have since acquired the Everyday Carry organization. With that said, this does not affect my honest opinion presented in this review.

Who is Ridge?

Ridge makes one of the best wallets in the business, having started originally with the Ridge Wallet on Kickstarter. The slim wallet design has only become more popular with the community as the days pass. In many ways, picking up a Ridge Wallet can be a gateway into the larger world of EDC. That’s because the unique design which sandwiches credit cards between metal is so far away from the traditional wallet that it forces people to rethink how they EDC in the first place. That unique design also means that it blocks RFID (radio-frequency identification) signals from the debit cards and ID cards we all carry daily.

Materials and Design

Material Options

Card slots, billfold sections, ID windows—forget all that. The Ridge Wallet strips things down to a minimalist plate-and-band design. Two rigid plates bound together by elastic webbing sandwich your cards into a neat, uniform deck. The plates that make up the chassis are sized and shaped to the same length and width of a standard credit card, down to the same curved corner radius, such that there’s no excess material hanging over the cards. It’s a perfect fit all around. You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the style of plate used in your own Ridge Wallet, including:

  • Anodized aluminum: The standard lightweight metal option
  • Titanium: A premium material that offers more durability than standard aluminum without adding too much weight
  • Burnt titanium: An even more upscale treatment of the Ridge Wallet featuring a design created by using an open flame to add a unique burnt design to the wallet
  • Carbon fiber: Carbon fibers are bonded together to form a unique pattern that adds a touch of class while keeping things light in weight
  • Forged Carbon: The Forged Carbon has a unique look that is less uniform than the standard carbon fiber faceplate, making each one a work of art in and of itself.
  • Gold: When you absolutely, positively, need one of the most unique slim wallets on the market
  • Damascus: This treatment features an etched design that’s reminiscent of the ancient Damascus steels that featured on swords and knives
  • Gunmetal: The blued look of this steel option gives it a unique character, and it accessorizes well with some knives and other everyday carry essentials.

Modular Design

Another benefit of the Ridge’s design is its modularity: by unscrewing the seven fasteners on either side with the screwdriver included in the box, you can swap out faceplates to mix and match colors, replace elastic straps that may have overstretched, install a money clip, a cash strap, or even both.

This design results in a thin and streamlined profile at the expense of robust internal organization for your cards. You only get one central compartment for all your cards, right between the plates. Your cards sit snugly in place thanks to the tension applied by the replaceable elastic strap on three sides of the wallet, with one side open to load and retrieve cards. The materials offer RFID-blocking in this central compartment to protect you from skimmers. If you need to tap your RFID-enabled cards, it’s best to carry them outside of the wallet using the optional money clip or cash strap.

The last significant feature in the Ridge’s design is a dedicated thumb slot at the bottom corner. You use it to push cards out of the central cavity for quick and easy access. The slot itself is shaped and sized just right. Not only is it comfortable to push your thumb through, but it’s also sized big enough to easily locate by feel yet small enough to guide the tip of your thumb through when pushing the cards. This all comes together for a smooth, consistent action every time (once you’ve broken in the webbing).

Using the Wallet

Durability

The Ridge Wallet’s metal design is very durable and will last a long time while providing useful functionality. The elastic band is also designed to be replaceable if you wear it out after years of use. And Ridge backs up all of their products with a lifetime warranty so you can be sure you’ll be covered should anything go wrong with the craftsmanship of the wallet itself.

Usability

Operation is simple but not without its quirks. Loading it up is as easy as prying the two plates open to overcome the tension in the band (which breaks in to be a bit easier over time while still providing enough tension to keep your wallet closed and cards secured), then slotting in your stack of cards. To retrieve a card, you can push out the entire stack from the central cavity with your thumb, thanks to a dedicated thumb slot that exposes one corner of the deck.

There is some learning curve to this: as you push out the deck of cards, the corner of your cards needs to overcome any tension in the band as it passes through it. If you push too much and overshoot, there’s a chance the opposite corner of the deck can be pushed out as well. Combined with the tension of the plates and band squeezing your cards together, your entire deck of cards can shoot out. At best, it’s an inconvenience, and you have to open the wallet somehow and wrestle with its tension again, all while holding your cards to get them back in. Worst case scenario, your cards end up shooting to the ground while you’re in a rush to pay or swipe through a turnstile to catch your train.

With enough usage over time, as you get accustomed to the motion and as the elastic strap breaks in to just the right tension, this isn’t much of an issue. Once you get it down, though, picking the card you need is a simple affair. You can fan out the cards a bit to identify which card is what by looking at the top corner, then pinch and pull out the card you need. 

There is another quirk I should mention when putting a card away. If you have cards with raised lettering (as opposed to completely flat cards like a gift card or some metal credit cards), they can potentially “block” the card you’re putting away. Because the plates tend to completely flatten the deck, there’s very little room for your card to slide over the raised lettering inside. 

To overcome this, just insert your card and apply some downward pressure so it slides in at an angle, then it’ll clear raised lettering. It’s probably best practice to do this every time, since you don’t have a good way of knowing if you’re about to slide a card on top of a card with raised lettering.

How Many Cards Does the Ridge Wallet Hold?

The Ridge Wallet is designed to hold 1-12 cards. While you technically can carry 12 cards, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. If you’re coming from a larger bifold, you might already be used to carrying that many cards. But when slimming down to a minimalist option such as the Ridge, be prepared to face a learning curve and potentially make some compromises.

In order to achieve such a small footprint, the Ridge Wallet foregoes any type of internal organization or separation of your cards. As a result, it makes navigating and picking the right card you need out of a stack of 12 cards a bit more difficult compared to knowing which dedicated pocket or slots it’s in like you would on a traditional wallet.

On the flip side, having too few cards, such as in the 1-4 card range, might mean you won’t get the most value out of this minimalist wallet. At that point, even with how slim the Ridge Wallet is, it will still add thickness and may be even more wallet than you need. The Ridge Wallet can feel like it’s adding more bulk than it’s removing when you carry so few cards, but it ultimately still results in a very slim carry, even with a smaller deck.

The sweet spot in terms of achieving a slim profile while still being fairly convenient and intuitive to use would be around 5-8 cards, in my experience. Any fewer and you may be better off with a money clip or card holder, and any more cards will have you fumbling through a stacked deck, wishing you had some way to organize it all.

Carry Experience

An important but often overlooked consideration to make when picking an EDC wallet is its feel: how it feels in your hand when you use it, and how it feels in the pocket during carry. The Ridge Wallet is a hard, rigid object, which comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Compared to a soft leather wallet, the Ridge inspires confidence—it feels bombproof. It’s surprisingly comfortable in hand too, thanks to its smooth matte finish and chamfered edges. Nothing on the Ridge feels aggressive or painfully sharp despite its hard lines and right angles.

The Ridge certainly takes up less overall space in the pocket than most wallets, but it can feel “dense.” The flat rectangular shape makes inserting and retrieving it from your pocket easy and consistent, with nothing to snag or catch on.

To achieve such a small footprint, the Ridge Wallet foregoes any type of internal organization or separation of your cards. As a result, it makes navigating and picking the right card you need out of a stack of 12 cards a bit more difficult than knowing which dedicated pocket or slots it’s in like you would on a traditional wallet.

Also, the rigidity of the Ridge Wallet still might feel uncomfortable for some who prefer a softer, more organic feel to their wallet. The Ridge won’t ever conform to your hand or thigh like a broken-in leather wallet. If you mainly want a comfortable wallet to sit on, the Ridge Wallet is not it. With that said, I don’t recommend sitting on your wallet in the first place (it’s not good for your back, and it’s prone to falling out or getting pickpocketed). The Ridge Wallet is a great way to slim things down enough to comfortably fit in a front pocket.

Pros and Cons

Most of the pros and cons of the Ridge Wallet are two sides of the same coin, with trade-offs here and there. I’m ranking these from an EDC perspective, but it really comes down to your preferences.

ProsCons
✔ Durable❌ No organization for cards
✔Pocket-friendly❌ Slight learning curve
✔RFID-blocking technology❌ Not the most comfortable
✔ Modular and user-serviceable 
✔ Multiple color and material options 

Who Is It For?

The Ridge Wallet is a good wallet for minimalists and EDCers who know how to pare things down to the essentials. It works best with around 5-8 cards: any more can feel unorganized, and fewer might not get the most value out of the wallet’s “slimming” effect. It’s also great if you don’t necessarily make payments with your wallet often and can rely on your phone or smartwatch to do it, but still need to carry some essential cards on your person durably and reliably.

The Ridge Wallet might not be the best pick for maximalists who carry a lot of cards, use their wallet to make payments often, and pay for specific transactions using specific cards. The Ridge’s minimalist design lacks the organization to make it easy to find the right card out of a larger deck, but you may be willing to compromise for how slim it can make your wallet overall.

It’s also a great introduction for people coming from a large, bulky, traditional wallet that’s overstuffed with cards and receipts they don’t use or need but continue to carry just because they have the space. The Ridge can train you to rethink how and why you carry the cards you do and reign things into a more streamlined, essential set of cards. It’s also great for those wanting to switch to a front pocket wallet to break the habit of sitting on their wallet.

Which Wallet You Should Buy

You have a plethora of options when it comes to configuring a Ridge Wallet. First, you have your choice of materials: anodized aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber. Next, you have your choice of money clip, cash strap, both, or none. Because the Ridge is modular, you can always add or remove the clip or strap as your carry needs change.

The best Ridge Wallet for most people is the aluminum version with cash strap. After handling the three different materials and clip/strap configurations, I think the aluminum version offers the best balance of light weight and durability for the price. It also comes in the most colors, making it more likely for you to find one that suits your style. I think more people would benefit from the cash strap, as it’s lower profile which makes slipping the wallet in and out of your pocket easier, especially if you don’t carry much cash. People who carry lots of bills might benefit more from the money clip version because of its sturdy rigidty, but it comes down to your preferences and needs when it comes to carrying cash.

The titanium and carbon fiber options are nice but come with the price tag to match. If you want to splurge and had to choose between the two, I like the carbon fiber variant as it feels impossibly light (1.6 ounces compared to aluminum’s 2 ounces) and comfortable in hand. But I know many EDCers have a soft spot for titanium, and it’s also a nice upgrade. Most people can get by with aluminum and save some cash.

Final Thoughts

It’s no wonder that the Ridge Wallet is as popular as it is among the EDC community. It has a rugged appeal, frees up pocket space, and feels like a real piece of “gear” compared to most traditional wallets. If you’re making the switch to a minimalist wallet from your bulky leather wallet, it’s hard to go wrong with the Ridge Wallet. It struggles with managing a large number of cards since it lacks any organization from dedicated slots or pockets to achieve its minimalist, compact form factor. It also has a distinctly rigid feel when using and carrying the wallet, which may not be for everyone. But those are acceptable and necessary compromises to “redefine” the wallet the way Ridge envisioned.

With prices starting at $85 for the aluminum version of the Ridge, this is not a cheap wallet by any means. However, it’s reflected in the premium materials, RFID-blocking technology, modular design, and lifetime guarantee. For that price, especially when you consider that you can replace the elastic and aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber plates that aren’t going to break any time soon, it’s a worthy investment.

Ridge Wallet FAQ

Does Ridge Wallet really work?

The Ridge Wallet really works. You can carry the cards, ID, and even cash that you need to get through daily life.

Is the Ridge the best minimalist wallet?

We think so. The versatility of the Ridge Wallet is unmatched. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty, making it a buy-it-for-life deal.

How much does the Ridge Wallet cost?

A Ridge Wallet starts at $85 for aluminum and can go up to $250 for special editions and packaged kits.

Are Ridge Wallets worth it?

The Ridge Wallet might seem like a big expense for a newcomer, but if you factor in the price of a heavy traditional wallet made of leather from a quality designer, the cost is comparable. But in the end, you get a unique slim wallet that frees up your back pocket and lets you get a head start on putting together a quality EDC experience for yourself.

Is the Ridge Wallet made of leather?

No, the Ridge Wallet is made from aluminum and other metals and alloys.

How does the Ridge Wallet compare to other wallets?

The Ridge Wallet is priced competitively and offers exceptional durability, modularity, and material choice in addition to a lifetime warranty.

Are there alternatives to the Ridge Wallet?

The Trayvax Contour is more of a cage for a set amount of payment and ID cards, while the Ridge can compress down to just one card if that’s all you need. The metal and leather design make it a bit heavier, but it may appeal to people who still prefer the traditional wallet look that leather provides.

The Dango M1 Maverick is part of a larger system which means it comes with a chassis that is compatible with Dango’s own custom multi-tools. Like the Ridge Wallet, it’s highly configurable, but the multitasking inherent in the design means that you can lose a bit of focus a dedicated wallet like the Ridge Wallet can offer.

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