With a footprint the size of a credit card you cannot get a wallet much smaller than this without getting rid of some of the things you carry.
The Ridge Wallet has a built-in RFID block so that credit and ID cards inside the wallet cannot be read. The wallet comprises two plastic cheeks which house the RFID block, and screwed to the outward-facing sides of those are decorative/protective faceplates. Sandwiched between the face-plates and the plastic cheeks is the strong elasticated band that holds the wallet closed.
There are several different finishes to choose from. As much as I liked the look of the burnt titanium finish, I couldn’t justify the cost, so I bought a wallet with an aluminum finish that closely matches the look of my favorite Zippo lighter.
There are two options available for holding your cash — one uses another elasticated band to hold the cash, and the one I opted for, uses a money clip. I’ve never used a money clip before so it will be interesting to see how I get on with it. Fortunately, If I don’t like the money clip I can buy the band and install it.
Update: after two years’ use I’m sticking with the money clip — it’s working fine for me.
The Ridge Wallet is well made and looks good. It feels heavier than I expected, although checking on the scales I found that it weighs 2.12oz empty, and fully loaded (for me) with eight bills and nine cards: 4.09oz. My everyday carry knife and lighter each weigh more than that. Having some ‘heft’ at least you know you have it in your pocket.
Accessing the cards takes practice, but is quite easy. There are lots of videos on YouTube, showing how to use it. The only downside so far is the cost, which is about right for a fully-fledged leather wallet but seems a little expensive for what you get. However, it works and should last for many years. It looks good too, and I was prepared to pay the price for what might just be the last wallet I buy.
Update: May 2021 October 2023 March 2025
Eight years of constant use, and it’s still as functional as it was on day one. Yes, the surface is marked, but it’s spent eight years rolling around in my pocket with my knife and whatever else, so no surprises there. Would I buy another if I lost this one? Absolutely.
Update: December 2017
Would I buy one again? Yes, it’s working fine for me. Apart from a few minor scratches on the surface — which is only to be expected — it’s just as good as it was on the day I got it.
Update: March 2019
Two years on and the Ridge Wallet is still my everyday wallet. I’ve not had any reason to change it. I’ve not been tempted by other designs, it’s still working fine for me. I keep it in my pocket with my knife, so it’s a bit scuffed up. But I look on that as ‘character’.
I’d still buy another. I see on Amazon there are now a lot of low-cost ($20) knock-offs copies.
The official Ridge Wallet website
Copyright © 2017 Gary Allman, all rights reserved.
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