The Wallet Thread

[nightawl]

ya i know the reputation of their worksmanship. just wasn't prepared that it would cost $700+.

i'm a noob in leather goods so i'm not sure if the materials used (Waprolux calf leather??Chèvre leather??) for that particular wallet design is worth the price.

hope to hear opinions on this.

The leather used is at the high end of leather. They are both extremely durable - scratch proof, water proof, and textured (some might like it, some might not). However, the leather cost itself isn't that much - my estimate would be around $40 in raw materials.

As to whether it is worth the $700, that's a question that only you can answer on how much you are willing to pay for a handmade wallet, and also whether there are other makers out there that provide better value for money. However, if it is this specific design that you want, it would make most sense to just approach the original maker, since it isn't a very generic design. Chestermox would have the dimensions for this and can make it exactly the same - approaching another crafter requesting for a copy of this might not yield the same result, and also not very nice for both Chestermox and the other crafter.

Personally, I think $700 is quite a bit for something like this, even with Chestermox's workmanship. For that price, you might be able to get wallets made with even more expensive leather (for example, crocodile or shell cordovan) although they have different look/feel/property so it isn't really an apples to apples comparison.

 

[villan]

The leather used is at the high end of leather. They are both extremely durable - scratch proof, water proof, and textured (some might like it, some might not). However, the leather cost itself isn't that much - my estimate would be around $40 in raw materials.

As to whether it is worth the $700, that's a question that only you can answer on how much you are willing to pay for a handmade wallet, and also whether there are other makers out there that provide better value for money. However, if it is this specific design that you want, it would make most sense to just approach the original maker, since it isn't a very generic design. Chestermox would have the dimensions for this and can make it exactly the same - approaching another crafter requesting for a copy of this might not yield the same result, and also not very nice for both Chestermox and the other crafter.

Personally, I think $700 is quite a bit for something like this, even with Chestermox's workmanship. For that price, you might be able to get wallets made with even more expensive leather (for example, crocodile or shell cordovan) although they have different look/feel/property so it isn't really an apples to apples comparison.

what are the top leather for wallets?

 

[nightawl]

what are the top leather for wallets?

Really depends on your personal preference, but the source of the leather (which animal it is from) is generally less important than how the leather is tanned and the quality of the hide to begin with, if we want to talk about the overall quality of the leather. But roughly, here are the various categories of leather:

1. If you like something that patinas (changes over time based on how you use it), a lighter shade of shell cordovan might be suitable. Shell cordovan is very durable and can stand up to years of abuse, but it isn't the type of leather that looks exactly the same today and 1 year from today.

2. If you want something that doesn't really change over time and looks the same even with use, chevre/Epsom/Waprolux are all good choices for this. These leather all have a grained pattern that helps to mask the scratches or marks that might form on leather, thus making the leather look as good as it does on the first day. Of course, given sufficient wear it will still wear down over time.

3. If you want something different, exotics are the way to go. Exotics being crocodile, alligator, python, lizards and ostrich - these are the more popular exotic skins out there. These are wayyy more expensive, especially if you are looking for top grade stuff, but they will definitely make your wallet stand out. Generally, these leather do not change much over time as well. I haven't had enough experience with them to tell how their durability is like though.

 

[villan]

Really depends on your personal preference, but the source of the leather (which animal it is from) is generally less important than how the leather is tanned and the quality of the hide to begin with, if we want to talk about the overall quality of the leather. But roughly, here are the various categories of leather:

1. If you like something that patinas (changes over time based on how you use it), a lighter shade of shell cordovan might be suitable. Shell cordovan is very durable and can stand up to years of abuse, but it isn't the type of leather that looks exactly the same today and 1 year from today.

2. If you want something that doesn't really change over time and looks the same even with use, chevre/Epsom/Waprolux are all good choices for this. These leather all have a grained pattern that helps to mask the scratches or marks that might form on leather, thus making the leather look as good as it does on the first day. Of course, given sufficient wear it will still wear down over time.

3. If you want something different, exotics are the way to go. Exotics being crocodile, alligator, python, lizards and ostrich - these are the more popular exotic skins out there. These are wayyy more expensive, especially if you are looking for top grade stuff, but they will definitely make your wallet stand out. Generally, these leather do not change much over time as well. I haven't had enough experience with them to tell how their durability is like though.

thanks. exotics sounds interesting. What do you think of the below?
any other sellers with good quality exotics wallet?

https://www.chestermox.com/wallets/480-genuine-american-alligator-bifold-wallet.html

 

[donger123]

Thinking of getting a BV bracelet and intrecciato wallet both in espresso. Bracelet I am definitely getting but as for the wallet I'm worried about the durability.

I am usually quite rough with my wallets and leave it in my back pocket all the time. Any owners can share some pics or comment on its quality?

 

[Henabi]

Rough with wallets? A big no no with BV...
Go with LV

Sent from Henabi-ed Virus using GAGT

 

[donger123]

Rough with wallets? A big no no with BV...
Go with LV

Sent from Henabi-ed Virus using GAGT

Are you still using the espresso BV wallet? I saw your post from a while ago and was wondering how it looked now haha.

Would it be ok for me to put the wallet in my front pocket? My current Burberry wallet is quite worn out so I just put it in my back pocket and sit on it but wouldnt do it for a new wallet

 

[nightawl]

I recently ventured into the world of exotic skins, specifically crocodile, and wanted to share two wallets that I recently made.

The first is a more modern design, a trifold that is meant to have a small and slim form factor. This was made from dark brown Siamensis crocodile, and lined with caramel Alran Chevre. The quality of the croc and the colour is just incredible, with a subtle glossy sheen on each scale that just mesmerizes when you move the wallet around.

The second wallet is a classic bifold with an additional note divider. The exterior is made from Himalayan colour, Niloticus crocodile. The interior is made with orange and maroon/red Alran Chevre, fully lined including on the card slots. Himalayan is an interesting white croc with darker, black edges and it was made popular by Hermes, with their Himalayan Birkin.

I will be bringing in more colours of crocodile and definitely looking forward to making more wallets from this special leather. Thanks for looking and let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy the long weekend

 

[Kusanagi]

after de-comming my trusty lv epi billfold, wanted to get something even more minimalist

thom browne didnt disappoint with their money clip

 

[Acetone]

Very nice, especially the brown one... not sure about the white one though... it’s just is a tad flamboyant.

I recently ventured into the world of exotic skins, specifically crocodile, and wanted to share two wallets that I recently made.

The first is a more modern design, a trifold that is meant to have a small and slim form factor. This was made from dark brown Siamensis crocodile, and lined with caramel Alran Chevre. The quality of the croc and the colour is just incredible, with a subtle glossy sheen on each scale that just mesmerizes when you move the wallet around.

The second wallet is a classic bifold with an additional note divider. The exterior is made from Himalayan colour, Niloticus crocodile. The interior is made with orange and maroon/red Alran Chevre, fully lined including on the card slots. Himalayan is an interesting white croc with darker, black edges and it was made popular by Hermes, with their Himalayan Birkin.

I will be bringing in more colours of crocodile and definitely looking forward to making more wallets from this special leather. Thanks for looking and let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy the long weekend

 

[nightawl]

Very nice, especially the brown one... not sure about the white one though... it’s just is a tad flamboyant.

Yup the Himalayan is definitely not for everyone. Brown is a much more classic colour and this brown croc is really quite the stunner IMO

 

[Beta_Tester]

The Himalayan Croc is mine. It looks really good in real life. People been askin me about it.

 

[Jasmine11]

The Himalayan Croc is mine. It looks really good in real life. People been askin me about it.

How much did you get it? and where?

 

[neojw2002]

Buy cheap and trendy wallet at Zalora . Promo code : ZBAPQDN5 15% off the order

 

[nightawl]

How much did you get it? and where?

He got it from me!

 

[jylzevol]

Am a 19 year old guy, looking to buy my first luxury wallet. I was thinking of either LV, Givenchy, Gucci, Bottega. I prefer bi fold wallets. Any suggestions and why? TIA

 

[Beta_Tester]

He got it from me!

Yeah from him. Haha

 

[jimbb80]

Hi all,

I have a Hugo Boss wallet that I like but their is some strange rubber coating all along the sides seams that is falling apart.

I took the wallet to the store and they replaced it twice already and admitted many clients are doing the same. The sides are constructed poorly but I still like the wallet because of the leather and its small size.

Does anyone know if it can be replaced?

Photo below -

Thanks

 

[nightawl]

Hi all,

I have a Hugo Boss wallet that I like but their is some strange rubber coating all along the sides seams that is falling apart.

I took the wallet to the store and they replaced it twice already and admitted many clients are doing the same. The sides are constructed poorly but I still like the wallet because of the leather and its small size.

Does anyone know if it can be replaced?

Photo below -

Thanks

Not sure what you mean by replaced. It's not possible to replace just the edge of the leather, if that's what you mean. As to whether you can repair the edge, well it will probably never look as good as it was on the day that you bought it.

That's the common problem with branded wallets. The material and construction used isn't the best - you pay for the branding and marketing.

 

[jimbb80]

yes agreed. was hoping that a coating could simply be glued along the edges.