Anyone out there have any experience/ recommendations for a durable, well-built leather wallet? I'm a simple guy-- only need slots for four cards (DL, work ID, ATM, and credit card) and paper bills. My dad had one made in the 60's that lasted him until he died in '09, and he always had a "George Costanza wallet" since I've been alive and aware. I want something that lasts even half that long, with my minimal stuff in it. Any suggestions?
I know you'e looking for a leather wallet but you might consider the T.H.E. wallets from Spec-Ops. I have the J.R. model in black and like it for it's organization features and security. I hate the sound of velcro in a restaurant; the spec-ops wallets have none. Of course leather wallets are velcro-free as well. Just an option to consider , that's all. http://www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear/wallets/t-h-e-wallet-j-r.html
I've had the same wallet for 36 years... leather "trucker's" or biker's wallet. One zippered pocket and three other, separated areas to put cards,cash & condms, I guess...
Bi-fold, tri-fold, Roper/Rodeo type? I have issues with sitting on a wallet so I use the long checkbook length "Roper/Rodeo" style and the best one I have owned has been from Tony Lama boot company. It wasn't dripping with conchos or such, just plain black and sturdy. However, it only lasted me about 5 or 6 years I'd guess before the stitching started to give. I looked for a long time and couldn't find much to suit me, all the newer ones had conchos or cow hair or the bill and card slots were reversed. (creature of habit I suppose) I finally stumbled onto a black leather one at Tractor Supply company that has slots placed appropriately and doesn't have extra crap hanging off of it....except for the John Deere logo. I've had it for about 8 months and can say with confidence: SKIP IT. It's falling apart already and I usually toss it in my tailbag or on the dash of my truck when driving. Local western wear store now carries both Justin and Nocona wallets, will give them a look soon. The Noconas are imported, but I think Justins are U.S. made. You might have a look at a Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc. Usually they have some pretty decent quality stuff if you are looking for bi-fold or tri-fold. Keep us posted if you find anything.
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I had that wallet for a couple years. The people who knew what it was got a kick out of it. Explaining it to people who had never seen the film, well, that was fun. It fell apart, so I went back to the twenty year old chain/biker wallet that I've got, minus the chain. The stitching unravled a bit but I had it redone.
money clip, front pocket, done why sit on a bunch of folded leather? You said yourself you don't need that shit anyway.
A buddy got me the bad mother fucker wallet for Christmas, since my old one was falling to pieces, and I have most of the stitching gone already on the thing I am already shopping for a new wallet, as the BMF is about kaput.
I use a small binder clip for cards, cash is folded, both in a front pocket. I hate sitting on a wallet.
I too, tired of the Chinese leather wallets falling apart. Then I was on a trip and stumbled into a leather shop in Hardy Arkansas. It was on the Main Street through town. I don't know the name of the shop but this thing is getting a little worn after 10 years. I'm going back this summer.
I've been using one of these for a couple years now. Seems pretty durable. Price was right and it does exactly what you (OP) want. http://www.bigskinny.net/mini-skinny.html
My Inlaws gave me a set of Louis Vuitton (men purse, vallet) as a gift for Christmas the year I married their daughter. 21 years later, still have the vallet (never used the man purse). YMMV
I'm a minimalist wallet guy. Same needs as the OP. Years ago, I went with one of these. Well made, seems to last forever, and small. Two thumbs up. WA.
I did the same when I saw my friend with ALS had one. He couldn't easily get to a wallet in his back pocket and it just made sense. Now I carry only the few cards I use frequently and don't have the back pain from sitting on an over stuffed wallet. <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o61NBGvufNc/T0TrZMxDsPI/AAAAAAAADdw/LHUGz9yeW-c/s800/stuffed-costanza-Wallet.png" height="360" width="483" /></a>
Wallet, front pocket, done Never carried a wallet in my back pocket - in fact, I can't remember the last time I carried anything in a back pocket
I've been using a Coach money clip/card holder for a couple years and like the minimalist design. It has two card slots and one internal slot or pouch or whatever you want to call it. Easily carries 4 cards total and a stack of twenties.
Check out "Duluth Trading" fire hose wallets. They have several styles. I've had one for a couple years and it looks like new. As a matter of fact everything that I've bought from them has been above average. http://www.duluthtrading.com/
http://www.all-ett.com/ No connection other than I've had a couple of the leather ones. Excellent product, thin, fits what I need.