Decent wallet that won't fall apart or destroy credit cards?

[DJJ]

Every wallet I've ever had either falls apart itself or holds credit cards in such a way (that "stair step stack") that they're under bending stress when it's closed, and they end up cracking. I don't care for the plastic windows, either, because they fall apart even faster. So, who has a wallet they're happy with? Leather or nylon, doesn't matter. Thanks.

[Brad Johnson]

holds credit cards in such a way (that "stair step stack") that they're under bending stress when it's closed, and they end up cracking.

uhhhh... it's not the wallet. It's what it's smashed up against and how (ahem) "securely" it's held in place by the tension in your pants pocket.

Need to up our jeans one size, do we?

*snicker.. snicker.. chuckle..*

Brad

[Ben]

Well, you have to live with going "tactical", but:

http://www.specopsbrand.com/main.html

The "tactical" advertising almost kept me from getting one, but I have to say, it's my most favoritest wallet ever. It looks big, but because it's wider than normal wallets, it's not as thick. I have no more problems with credit cards bending, or enduring the "George Costanza" lopsided sitting postion.

Oh, the item is "The Wallet" (under organizers). Couldn't make the stupid link go straight to it.

[mtnbkr]

I've had a stingray leather wallet (trifold) for the past 4 years.  It's showing wear in the corners and the color is wearing off, but it's still sound.  I think I paid about $45 at a knife show.  A quick search of the Internet shows prices ranging from $35 to $120.

BTW, I haven't had any problems with it breaking credit cards.

Chris

[Fly320s]

I normally use a cheapy store-brand wallet, such as the Perry Ellis Portfolio I have now.  It's made of New Zealand lambskin, according to the label, and is very soft and comfortable.  Most of my wallets like this will last for four or five years.  I've had this one for about a year and a half, but it still looks new.  I think the key to a long-lasting wallet is to not put it in your hip pocket.  If you wear pants, not jeans, put the wallet in your front pocket, or if you wear a jacket put the wallet there.  Your wallet will last longer and your butt, back, and sciatic nerve will all thank you.

[TarpleyG]

If you can find a Wilson Leather store near you, they have the best wallets IMO for something affordable and long-lasting.  Outside that, I usually just buy something from a department store usually around $20.  If I get more than a year out of it, it has paid for itself.  If you want something that lasts forever and don't mind paying for it, get a Coach or a Dooney & Bourke.

Greg

[mustanger98]

I make my own wallets- I sell them too when I have an order- out of 4-5oz. full grain cowhide. The lining is Morocco-grain cowhide. It's laced together. They tend to last quite well for me, usually outlasting a department store leather wallet by at least 5:1. My prices start at $30 and go up depending on tooling.

[Marnoot]

My biggest issue with wallets is the dye from the leather transferring to the cards in my wallet, making them look filthy. Do all brands do this? Or do I just buy cheap wallets? I can't even remember how much I paid for this one, but it seems all my leather wallets have done this.

[DJJ]

Thanks for the replies so far. That dye bleed happens to me too. If my butt gets wet, I will get a mysterious reddish brown stain on my underwear (no, it's not that - it's off to one side). Actually, this time around, the wallet seems to be holding up quite well; it's the cards that aren't. I would have thought a stiffer wallet would provide more protection for the cards.

BenW, that's the full size THE Wallet, not the junior? Does it fit in a jeans pocket?

[Ben]

BenW, that's the full size THE Wallet, not the junior? Does it fit in a jeans pocket?

Yeah, that's the full size. I was leery of fit myself when I ordered that instead of the junior, but it fits in the pockets of all my jeans (carhartt, cabelas, llbean). The top sticks out about 1/2" - 1" on some of my llbean jeans, but fits all the way in the others.

[Monkeyleg]

I'm not sure if I've ever carried a wallet. Too long ago to remember.

Main reason is that I have a skinny ass, and a wallet looks like some sort of growth that needs surgical attention.

For many, many years I've carried my one or two credit cards, DL, NRA membership card, insurance card and the few other documents I require in the type of clear vinyl holder that comes with checkbooks. It's slim, and fits easily into a vest pocket, sport coat pocket, or suit coat pocket.

Last year I came across a guy in a checkout line who had a nice piece of leather that did all of the above. It was small and slim. It could even fit in a shirt pocket.

If I find a source for that item, and if anyone is interested, just post a reply.

[spinr]

Well, you have to live with going "tactical", but:

http://www.specopsbrand.com/main.html

The "tactical" advertising almost kept me from getting one, but I have to say, it's my most favoritest wallet ever. It looks big, but because it's wider than normal wallets, it's not as thick. I have no more problems with credit cards bending, or enduring the "George Costanza" lopsided sitting postion.

Oh, the item is "The Wallet" (under organizers). Couldn't make the stupid link go straight to it.

I've got one of these too.  Picked it up on a whim at a gunshow a few years ago.  I was also suspicious of how big it appeared at first, but it hasn't been a problem.  It can be a tight in some of my pockets, but for the most part it fits just fine.  I'm really, really happy with my T.H.E. Wallet.

Mine's rather full at the moment, but it doesn't make me sit lopsided.  And it seems to breathe better, or not retain heat/moisture quite like the leather wallets I've used.  Whenever I'd get a case of swampass with a leather wallet, it would seem like the wallet would absorb moisture and make any cash or other paper-based items I was carrying soggy.  I haven't experienced that with my T.H.E.

The "Shark-Bite" closure is pretty neat too.  Though it may not appear so, it actually holds really well; quite secure.  Furthermore, it's very stealthy, unlike other nylon/cloth-based wallets that have a Velcro-type closure and make that horrible "SSsscccrrrssssccchhh" sound.

[Mannlicher]

just put your cards and money in an old sock, and stuff that in your pocket.  Problem solved.

[DJJ]

I'm still using all my old socks.