The Wallet Thread

wiz

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 14, 2000
Messages
2,058
Reaction score
0
Mine is Shell from Ashland. Shell gets scratched fairly easily but the construction is good should be durable

Had never heard of them. Thanks for the recommendation!

I was just checking them out, but each wallet only has 4 pictures at a fair distance.


Wiz- is that wallet from jmicheal leatherworks, or are you only referring to shell cordovan in general being "ok"?

I was under the impression that shell was the best wallet leather you could get, without getting into the exotic hides.
 

nightawl

Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2017
Messages
152
Reaction score
0
@nightawl bro. How durable is the crocs skin? Issit water resistant paint? Any maintenance required?

Generally, croc is quite water resistant and durable. The scales are pretty tough so they don't pick up scratches too easily.

Most croc pieces are dyed and not painted. The water resistance comes from the finishing that is applied to the surface of the leather subsequently.

Maintenance wise, just applying neutral wax or cream just as per leather shoes if you want to maintain the shine/luster. Otherwise, don't really need to do much.
 

nightawl

Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2017
Messages
152
Reaction score
0
Finally after much poisoning from fellow brothers here, I just ordered a wallet, cardholder and key pouch from Nightawl. Hope it will turn out great! 2months is a long wait, it will then be a Christmas present to myself!

Thanks for the support! Ya unfortunately being a hobbyist means that I cannot churn out orders so frequently, and don't want to rush on my orders too.
 

nightawl

Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2017
Messages
152
Reaction score
0
Hi all,

About to make a purchase on a shell cordovan wallet and wanted to get your opinion on the quality and craftsmanship before I seal the deal.

What is the general consensus on jmicheal leatherworks from Ashland, Oregon USA?

Jmleathersmith.com/shop/shell-cordovan-wallet

Appreciate the comments.

Most people spring for the cheaper Ashland wallets, because it's cheaper. But amongst the leatherworker community, Ashland shell cordovan wallets aren't widely regarded as well-made. Sure, the leather is great because they have ties to Horween itself, but the construction leaves much to be desired. Firstly, the stitching is not very aesthetically pleasing (machine stitching can also look very nice if it is calibrated properly - see Niwa Leather as an example). Secondly, the edges are usually not finished properly. They are not sanded flush and not burnished, very raw which causes the leather to wear down slightly more. Lastly, the cutting and assembling isn't precise. Random gaps between different parts, not lining up nicely etc. All in, good from far but far from good.

While these are considered by some to just be cosmetics (the wallet definitely works fine and should last a while), the whole point of getting such an expensive wallet is to ensure you get the best, not just in terms of functionality. Using top grade material with less than ideal craftsmanship is really a pity IMO.
 

Daisfu

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2018
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Most people spring for the cheaper Ashland wallets, because it's cheaper. But amongst the leatherworker community, Ashland shell cordovan wallets aren't widely regarded as well-made. Sure, the leather is great because they have ties to Horween itself, but the construction leaves much to be desired. Firstly, the stitching is not very aesthetically pleasing (machine stitching can also look very nice if it is calibrated properly - see Niwa Leather as an example). Secondly, the edges are usually not finished properly. They are not sanded flush and not burnished, very raw which causes the leather to wear down slightly more. Lastly, the cutting and assembling isn't precise. Random gaps between different parts, not lining up nicely etc. All in, good from far but far from good.

While these are considered by some to just be cosmetics (the wallet definitely works fine and should last a while), the whole point of getting such an expensive wallet is to ensure you get the best, not just in terms of functionality. Using top grade material with less than ideal craftsmanship is really a pity IMO.

Agreed. What convinced me not to buy was that they didn't speak much about the material or the techniques they used.

Instead the companies I was looking at was jmicheal Ashland (confusing I know), district leather, and first settlement leather.

The more you can reveal about your materials, and the commitment you have to the process, the more you stand to gain, no matter the cost.
 

nightawl

Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2017
Messages
152
Reaction score
0
Agreed. What convinced me not to buy was that they didn't speak much about the material or the techniques they used.

Instead the companies I was looking at was jmicheal Ashland (confusing I know), district leather, and first settlement leather.

The more you can reveal about your materials, and the commitment you have to the process, the more you stand to gain, no matter the cost.

First Settlement and District Leather are both pretty solid. J Michael's work looks a bit rudimentary still, not the cleanest. But I do agree price wise it is attractive. I would say quality wise it looks somewhat similar to Ashland's, just a little bit better.
 

spencert

Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2005
Messages
207
Reaction score
7
Had never heard of them. Thanks for the recommendation!

I was just checking them out, but each wallet only has 4 pictures at a fair distance.


Wiz- is that wallet from jmicheal leatherworks, or are you only referring to shell cordovan in general being "ok"?

I was under the impression that shell was the best wallet leather you could get, without getting into the exotic hides.

Chester Mox is definitely a great choice. Probably one of the best, if not the best in America. If you need more pics, can go Bellania's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestermox/

Oh, here is mine that was posted on her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BmgzmZVFefy/?taken-by=chestermox

Shell cordovan is a great choice for a wallet. I would recommend shell on the outside and some other
leather on inside so that it doesn't look so thick. I am loving mine.
 
Last edited:

joelhaw

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2003
Messages
769
Reaction score
9
I am looking at getting a Mont Blanc wallet, anybody has any idea where is the best place in SG or country to get at a good rate? Thanks! :)
 

bbbbbw

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2010
Messages
2,228
Reaction score
340
I am looking at getting a Mont Blanc wallet, anybody has any idea where is the best place in SG or country to get at a good rate? Thanks! :)

Can buy from tangs.
If you tangs member you get discount during your birthday month 20%
 

meganova97

Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2005
Messages
157
Reaction score
0
Night, do you make ladies mid or long wallet too? I would like to do a couple’s wallet using either dark purple exotic croc skin and red interior. Or red exterior purple interior. Not sure if these 2 combination is nice. Pls let me know. Tks.
 

basicbrenda

Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2018
Messages
421
Reaction score
1
service going down at Tangs and they really change into bargain store. Has only one good stand called Marz Tompson- guy there very good..... only one!
 

ChuppaChups

Great Supremacy Member
Joined
May 6, 2015
Messages
61,803
Reaction score
5,803
Wow in love with this piece here..

Got some new colours of croc in recently...Whatsapp if you want to make something out of these. I'm personally a huge fan of the green/black, super clean and unique.

TMrYiy7.jpg


jork0GO.jpg
 

nightawl

Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2017
Messages
152
Reaction score
0
Hi all, wanted to share this wallet made with Epsom leather. Quite a popular leather among the big brands. The texture is more uneven compared to Saffiano, but the temper and feel is very similar to Saffiano. Interior is made using Alran Chevre once again - probably my favourite leather for interiors.

You can also see the debossing in the last picture. Something I offer FOC for all my orders :)

omzCkf0.jpg


xlBN5u1.jpg


BFt8trd.jpg


UjhiojQ.jpg
 

Koma75

Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2012
Messages
147
Reaction score
0
Got an origami leather wallet from Japan. Made from a sheet of leather folded like an origami, held together by a a nut & bolt
KGqOZtDl.jpg

UQiy6SXl.jpg

.
5Tnxi8Al.jpg

2sBGEvql.jpg


lc5bLHBl.jpg



Sent from Samsung SM-N960F using GAGT
 
Last edited:
Important Forum Advisory Note
This forum is moderated by volunteer moderators who will react only to members' feedback on posts. Moderators are not employees or representatives of HWZ Forums. Forum members and moderators are responsible for their own posts. Please refer to our Community Guidelines and Standards and Terms and Conditions for more information.
Top