For most of my life, I’d used cheap leather wallets from places like Walmart and Kmart. Even with a small amount of cash and a few cards, I always felt they were quite bulky, and within a couple years would start to become frayed and tattered looking.

I did a deep dive on wallets, and discovered the Flowfold wallet. It’s surprisingly cheap for being a handmade item the US, and re-used discarded sail cloth as its material, which is both a waterproof and extremely durable material.

I’ve been carrying this wallet for about 3 years now, and still looks like brand new on the outside.

Inside, the inner material made of clear plastic sail cloth which holds cards is getting a bit scuffed at the edges from cards abrading it, but it’s not really all that noticeable when the slots are filled.

The killer feature of the wallet, for me, is just how thin it is compared to most normal bi-fold wallets. This picture is with the wallet filled with 9 cards and and 10 bills, making it about as thick as an empty slim leather wallet, so it slips into even the smallest front pocket while still being easy to get out.

I was able to pick up this wallet for about $21 since this olive color was on sale, but I see usually they go for about $40.

It doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of fraying or non-cosmetic wear after 3 years, so I could see this lasting a decade fairly easily. A no frills, reliable BIFL wallet.

If you, gentle reader, have your own BIFL wallet, leave a comment below or make a new post of your wallet! I’d be interested to see it. ^^

  • @LolcatXTREME@lemmy.world
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    1410 months ago

    I have one of these and it’s not a BIFL. Awesome wallet but mines showing some wear and has a couple small holes in it after about 6 years.

    • ProdigalFrogOPM
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      1010 months ago

      Ah, darn. Well, considering it’s thin and recycled, 6 years+ of use is acceptable. But If you’ve happened to find anything that’s comparably thin but lasts even longer, I’d be interested to switch once mine wears out.

      • @LolcatXTREME@lemmy.world
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        39 months ago

        I haven’t seen anything comparable and I’m probably a little harder on it than you’re average joe, but it’s still my favorite wallet and I’ll be buying another once this one wears out too much

  • CH3DD4R_G0B-L1N
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    710 months ago

    Wallets must be good for this topic. I just looked up mine to see if they were still in business. https://www.flipsidewallet.com I assumed it might have been a case where they designed themselves out of business with a solid product no one needs to replace. I’ve had mine for, idk, 10 years, maybe more. Honestly can’t remember when I didn’t have it.

    • @sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz
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      410 months ago

      Hey, thanks for the link. Just looked it up, watched a couple reviews, and now I have one ordered. Looks like what I want. I’ve been going through different designs over the last couple decades and nothing has been quite right.

  • @GRENADE_MAGNET@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    I’ve been using an All-ett wallet for about 15 years. Similar idea. I can understand why you’re so jazzed, slim wallets are great and you can carry them in your front pocket.

    All-ett Wallets

    • plz1
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      16 months ago

      I just ordered the ID nylon version. I’ve had leather ones for most of my life, but I think it’s time to switch it up. Thanks for dropping the recommendation in here.

  • @snowbell@beehaw.org
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    10 months ago

    I’ve been using the same leather Carhartt wallet for 15 years or so now and have yet to find a wallet I like as much. Only downside is how thick it is, but I have a ton of cards to hold and cash.

  • RayNASCAR
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    10 months ago

    Can definitely vouch for Flowfold. Bought mine in 2014 and still holding up well apart from some fraying in the corner.

    It’s great because it doesn’t stretch out and lose cards like leather wallets I’ve had

        • ProdigalFrogOPM
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          310 months ago

          You might wanna take a look at some of the other recommendations people have posted here first before pulling the trigger on a flowfold, the Flipside in particular looks pretty darn good.

            • ProdigalFrogOPM
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              10 months ago

              Sorry man, but If you find you like the look of one of the others mentioned here better, you should be able to cancel your order fairly easily. But to be honest I don’t know if you can really go wrong with any of them.

  • @Varyk@sh.itjust.works
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    210 months ago

    Oh man, thanks, this is a great recommendation, I’m in the market for a new wallet right now and I love recycled products and thin wallets! Serendipity doo da