How can a simple bifold wallet with two card slots and a money clip be so intriguing? If you look closely at the Farrah Design The Wallet, you’ll see so much more.
(if you want to see all the features and how many cards and cash it can hold, please watch the video)
Today’s review is on the Farrah Designs, The Wallet. This was the first item that Farrah Design created that really started their company in 2005. It comes packaged in a simple string and button closure envelope. A card insert is included that gives some contact information. It comes in a chestnut color. Tom Farrah is the designer, owner, creator, marketer and salesman. He does it all. The wallet feels and smells really good. It is a simple, yet an elegant design. The Mitchell Leather MCW wallet is at the same level as the Farrah as both have a unique money clip portion.
There are no features on the exterior of the wallet other than a nice stamp of the name “Farrah” on one side, as well as a letter “F” on the exterior denoting the maker. There is a card slot on both the right and left hand side of the interior. There is a stainless steel money clip in the middle which is very solid and integral to the wallet itself.
The stitching on this particular wallet is quite unique, as it is done by a machine, but also by hand. There is a flywheel on the side of the machine, which is turned by hand. The wallet has a deep channel where the stitching goes. This is done on purpose and might not seem terribly unique, but it ends up providing greater durability because the thread is essentially counter sunk into the leather which prevents aggressive wear than if it was above the leather. It is very durable, but not as durable as a hand saddle stitch. To see how the machine stitching is done, please watch the review video.
I was able to put four cards and five slips of cash inside. I think two cards is a good minimum, yet four is fine. The company recommends up to eight cards, plus cash. The wallet comes in two different sizing options based on the type of currency you use. One is for US and Australia currency and the other is for the British Pound and Euro. Due to the thicker exterior layer, it can really handle the cards well, and will become easier over time and usage.
The wallet is designed and manufactured by hand in Australia. The exterior is made from a full grain veg tanned cowhide. The interior is made from a full grain veg tanned kangaroo leather. Kangaroo leather is amazing for its durability, low weight and thin cuts. It is considered to be one of the strongest leather for its weight in the world. The hand stitched version of this wallet comes with a waxed, Irish linen thread.
With the exterior leather being quite thick and the interior being the thinner kangaroo leather, the stretching will happen on the interior and thus won’t start to protrude on the exterior appearance of the wallet, which means over time, it will develop a wonderful patina, but there won’t be a lot of distortion in this wallet. Great thought went into this design. The money clip is woven into the leather, not sewn. After the clip is woven into the leather, the wallet is soaked in water so it will shrink, thus the money clip is able to stay in place without any mechanical fasteners. While a bit rigid, due to the thick piece of exterior leather, it feels great and will sit good in your pocket. It is suitable for both a front and back pocket.
The wallet measures 3 x 4.4 x .2”, and weighs 45 grams.
The owner, Tom Farrah, ensures these minimalist and elegant designs are done with the best equipment and material. All his products have been designed and made with the same attention to detail, quality materials and his love of classic utilitarian style. He also makes other wonderful products like weekender bags, duffels and a unique no-rivet belt.
For the final score: quality is a 5, price a 3, features a 3, usability a 4 and perception a 4. That gives us a final score, 4 out of 5.
Combining full grain veg tanned cowhide and kangaroo leather with a unique money clip, this wallet exudes minimalist with an elegant style.
