Type A, Wallet, Bi-fold

Type A is a simple billfold wallet assembled by folding and interlocking a single piece of leather. It features one bill compartment and one card compartment. The thick leather ensures that the leather will not wear away easily, and the interlock provides a strong and resilient assembly that is pure to the material.

Thicker Leather for Longevity

Type A focused on simplicity and durability. Conventional wallets attempt to have many individual card compartments and therefore resort to thinner leather, which is due to get worn out faster. The type A wallet uses leather that is thicker than what is usually used in wallets and provides bucket compartments instead of individual slots for cards and bills. By balancing storage methods and material thickness, I was able to design a robust wallet that ensures longevity and durability.

Structure Inspired Assembly

While Type A increased material thickness, its unique assembly method also contributes to its durability.  Unlike the characteristics of woven fabric, stitching such a thin leather would perforate and effectively weaken the material. Inevitably, these structural weak points are at the edges which encounters the most wear and abrasion. Instead, Type A is assembled with interlocking tabs, similar in concept to the Japanese wood joinery. The angles of the joints were derived from obtaining structural strength and dimensional stability. This not only moves the joints away from the edges, but also uses the strength and characteristics of the material itself to come together wallet.

Details that Come Together

Type A wallet features bold moves-but like fine carpentry, the  concept needs to carry through to the detail level.  Details - at the hinges, folds, and where the flaps meet - were refined so that the wallet’s overall design is visually pleasing in any state; closed, open, or in transition. These are one of the considerations that are not overly apparent upon quick glance, but heavily contribute to the pleasing use of the wallet.

Patina that is Unique to the User

The wallets use thicker leather for longevity - but personal objects should look better with use, and show marks unique to the person using it. Type A uses nubuck leather, which is dyed and buffed but not finished with oils and waxes. Over time and use, the natural oils of the users hands and the friction in the pocket conditions the wallet and contributes to the patina, registering a finish that is unique to the user. The Type A wallet is available in Nubuck Brown and Stealth Black
 

Handcrafted in California

Because the wallet is designed and made for longevity, each item is handcrafted in the California studio so that I can ensure that each wallet uses the best parts of the leather and finished to a high and demanding quality worthy of many years of use.

*Aniline dyed hides used in the straps and wallets, have a tendency to stain vegetable tanned leather and other porous materials such as paper and untreated wood under prolonged contact, especially when it is new. Please be cautious of storing or having the material touch other materials, especially those with lighter colors.