Ridge Leather Wallet: First Look & Unboxing
Discover Ridge’s First Leather Wallet. A Fusion of Modern Design and Classic Craftsmanship.
The Ridge Brand has long been celebrated for its commitment to creating innovative wallets that combine sleek aesthetics with outstanding functionality. However, one area where Ridge had yet to compete was against the timeless leather wallet—a style dating back hundreds of years. Until now. Ridge has finally created a wallet that blends the modern innovation that brought them fame with the classic appeal of a leather wallet.
This new “Ridge Leather” wallet is a first of its kind and, according to Ridge, represents over 18 months of development, testing, and a patent-pending process. The wallet retains the signature features that Ridge is known for, while adding a twist: both sides of the metal frame are covered in soft, full-grain leather. Oil-waxed and ready for daily use, the Ridge Leather Wallet is designed to age beautifully, developing a unique patina over time as the leather acquires its own color, texture, and distinctive character through regular wear.
Ridge Leather Wallet: First Impressions
Ridge kindly sent us both versions of their Leather Wallet to test: the Midnight Black Leather and Tobacco Brown Leather editions. I was thrilled to unbox the Ridge Leather Wallet and plan to use it over the next six months to assess how well the leather holds up and how the patina develops over time. My first impressions have been very positive.
What Sets the Ridge Leather Wallet Apart?
Aside from the leather, there are a few notable differences in this new Ridge Wallet. First, the cash strap on the Leather Ridge Wallet is slightly different from the traditional model; it’s made from full-grain leather. This feels like a substantial upgrade, as the softer leather is gentler on cards, reducing wear and preventing rubbing against the metal.
Interestingly, this Leather Ridge Wallet doesn’t include the standard metal money clip that usually comes with Ridge wallets, which can be replaced with the cash strap. This may be to avoid potential damage, as the metal clip could rub against the leather and cause faster wear. However, some might see the absence of the money clip as a drawback.
Initially, I wondered if the thicker full-grain leather might make the wallet larger—and it does, though only slightly. The original Ridge Wallet measures 86 x 54 x 6 mm (without cards or cash), while the Leather version adds only a few millimeters to that. Finally, Ridge’s trademark logo is still featured on the front, this time embossed directly into the leather, adding a refined touch that enhances the wallet’s classy appeal.
Overall, my first impressions of the new Ridge Leather Wallet are fantastic—it’s clear that Ridge has maintained its innovative edge in both design and functionality. The Ridge Leather is a perfect blend of modern engineering and traditional style, offering the best of both worlds. The wallet functions just like the standard Ridge, with only a few subtle differences in design. The leather is stunning to look at, has a wonderfully smooth feel, and is top-tier quality compared to other leather wallets.
If you’re still deciding whether the Ridge Wallet is right for you, why not check out our full, in-depth article here? We share our experience of using the Ridge Wallet for over three years, giving you an honest, impartial look at its performance and durability. And we’d love to hear your thoughts on the new Ridge Leather Wallet—do you like the new look? Has the addition of leather influenced your decision? Drop us an email; we’d love to hear from you!
