Open Seas Leather has punched it forward by adding a billfold pocket to the Topsider design. The old Das Offene Meer has provided us with the Open Seas Topsider Billfold, capable of carry in new ways.
(if you want to see all the features and how many cards and cash it can hold, please watch the video)
We’ve reviewed several Open Seas Leather wallets, but when Michael released the bi-fold version of the Topsider, I had to grab one. We have it here now, so let’s get into it.
You can choose a primary and a secondary color along with a thread color. When I ordered this, I chose the natural one along with the black as my secondary color and silver as my thread. It is a Topsider, but it comes with a billfold pocket. And this has been long in coming.
Michael, the owner/operator of Open Seas Leather says you can get up to 25 notes in this new billfold area. I got eight cards and 8 notes in the wallet. The taller notes like the Yen, and the larger Euros do not fit. Pounds start to push the boundary, but they seem to be working. The company still recommends up to 10 cards and up to 25 notes.
This is designed and made in the United States. It’s made from a full grain veg tanned, Italian Butaro leather. The leather comes from the Conceria Walpier Tannery in Italy, and has a wonderful balance between supple and firm, so it’s nice to the touch, but it still is firm enough so the flap doesn’t flop around.
I’ve been waiting for a billfold pocket to show its face in Michael’s designs for a long time. And this is excellent. You don’t sacrifice the minimalist nature of the wallet while still getting a very nice billfold pocket. With the original Topsider, you could have a cash wrap in the interior in addition to the billfold pocket. I still prefer this billfold pocket. And if you’re a big cash guy, absolutely.
It’s a very slim design and the leather will conform to your body very easily. And of course, you’ll see a fantastic patina develop over time. The measurements on this are 3.9 x 3.2 x 0.3”, and it weighs 48 grams.
I’ve come to really appreciate and enjoy Michael’s products with the unique designs and style he has carved out for himself in the leather maker world. I think all of those who’ve seen his products really understand how fantastic they are. And it is always, you can tell what is an Open Seas design. But he creates devoted customers and really fantastic products in everything that he puts his time and effort into. And once you purchase one of his products, you’ll be back.
Now onto the final score. For quality, a 2. Normally I would have given this a 5, high quality in all respects, but the QA and the build quality on this particular wallet was missing. Price, a 3. Features, a 4. Usability, a 4, and perception, a 4. That gives a final score of 3.2 out of 50.
The Topsider Bifold comes in a variety of Italian Buttero veg tan leathers. When choosing your color combo, please note that the first color mentioned is the outside while the second color mentioned is the inside of the wallet.
