Haydanhuya Wood Wallet Review
A handcrafted wooden wallet that blends unique aesthetics with limited everyday practicality.
Some products prioritise pure functionality, while others lean heavily into aesthetics. Personally, I like a balance of both, but with the Haydanhuya Wood Wallet. I have my doubts about how practical it might be for everyday use. That said, there’s no denying it’s a stunning piece, and it’s been nearly four years since I last reviewed a wooden wallet, a material rarely seen in the wallet world. In this review, I’ll be taking a close look at this handmade creation, examining its craftsmanship and design, and putting it to the test to see how well it performs in daily life.
About Haydanhuya
Founded in 2011 in Istanbul by designer Gokhan Eryaman, Haydanhya is a microbrand specialising in handcrafted goods, from bags to wallets, often incorporating wood into its creations. While little is known about Eryaman himself, his body of work suggests a strong background in design. Based in Istanbul, he produces a range of unique pieces, many of which can be seen on his Instagram.
Look and Design: A Wooden Wonder in Design
The Haydanhya Wood Wallet is undeniably beautiful. If you’re considering one, it’s likely because you appreciate its natural aesthetic and minimalist elegance. Each wallet is carved from a single piece of oak, available in either a lighter or darker finish. Personally, I favour the darker tone, which appears to be achieved through a richer varnish. The charm of this wallet lies in the individuality of the material, every piece of oak has its own distinct grain, meaning no two wallets are ever the same. This ensures that each handmade wallet is truly one-of-a-kind. For a closer look at the craftsmanship involved, Eryaman has shared a video showing the entire process from raw material to finished product.
Functionality and Usability
We’ve covered the design, craftsmanship, and quality - but how does it actually perform as a wallet? Looking great is one thing, but if it can’t handle daily use, the appeal quickly fades.
The Haydanhya Wood Wallet functions much like a cardholder. A leather strap opens to reveal a single slot, perfectly sized for cards. Once loaded, you fasten the strap with a button to keep everything secure, with a maximum capacity of around eight credit or debit cards. There’s also a large circular cut-out on the side, allowing you to slide cards out without undoing the strap. It’s a clever addition that not only improves access but also complements the wallet’s overall aesthetic.
That said, the use of wood inevitably introduces some drawbacks. The most noticeable is the size. While the width and height are only slightly larger than a standard card, the thickness is substantial, measuring 65mm x 97mm x 14mm. This makes it considerably bulkier than most wallets, whether carried in a front or back pocket, and I found it hard to ignore during everyday use.
Final Verdict: Is the Haydanhuya Wood Wallet Worth it?
Overall, I have mixed feelings about the Haydanhuya Wood Wallet. The design is undeniably appealing, and I’m a fan of the natural look and feel of wood. However, the functionality falls short of what I’d expect from a daily-use wallet. Retrieving cards can be awkward, the thickness creates an uncomfortable bulk in the pocket, and there’s virtually no space for carrying banknotes.
A more streamlined version, perhaps with a reduced card capacity, could improve its practicality. In fact, this design might work better as a dedicated business card holder rather than an everyday wallet. At $75.00, I believe there are more functional options on the market for the same money. For more information on Haydanhuya and its other handcrafted goods, visit their official website via the link below.
Our Verdict: TL;DR