As the only hard case wallet in the Bellroy line, there were high hopes for the Bellroy Flip Case, but after using it for just a short time, it became disappointing. Funnily enough, the first alternative brand on our list also originates from Australia. Status Anxiety was founded in 2004 and has created a brand based on high quality, minimalist yet affordable leather goods. This is actually why they named the brand what they did. Status Anxiety is actually a made-up social condition meant to describe the way compare ourselves to those around us, and the idea that tangible possessions (like designer brands) play a part in this. To combat this, Status Anxiety tries to create the highest quality products possible while offering them at affordable prices. The Nodus range of wallets is built with innovation and quality in mind. My personal favorite has always been the Nodus Compact Wallet that is incredibly well designed to accommodate huge amounts of cash, cards, keys, and coins all within a wallet that measures not that much larger than a typical credit/debit card. Other features very much present in Nodus’ range include RFID shielding, Micro Suction (in their phone cases), and even magnets in some cases.

This affordable slim wallet is exceptionally similar on paper: 8-card capacity, built-in money clip, full-grain leather, and handy front compartment are all accounted for here, although some small differences distinguish it. Photo: Kim Stone Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for every trade, industry, and budget. What is Everyday Carry?Adam Molina is a product review expert and seasoned everyday-carry enthusiast. They have covered gadgets and niche items for almost ten years and are passionate about exploring the ever-evolving landscape of consumer electronics and everyday carry gear. Having always been drawn towards electronics, they began their career reviewing audio gear and personal electronics for outlets like Soundguys, Android Authority, and Business Insider. They are currently a member of MKBHD network of channels, including an executive producer role on the Waveform Podcast. Capacity: 14 cards (12 accessible with Wally pull tabs plus inside money clip for 30 or more cash bills Nodus Wallet’s are a brand I’ve been familiar with for years but one I know very little about. Although they don’t share any information about their brand I’ve always been fascinated with their range of wallets and the unique appearance and texture of their wallet’s leather. If you look closely at each wallet you can clearly see what can only be described as grainy with a unique patternation. Nodus also follow the Bellroy path, and although not as thorough, design and manufacture each of their products to the highest degree from ethically sourced leather from a famed tannery in Florence, Italy.

The Flip Case’s overall style is undeniably Bellroy all throughout. Leather material on the outside adds a coat of class to match most other leather wallets. They’ve debossed a small Bellroy logo at the front, and there’s an owl like on the Apex Slim Sleeve—it’s a tiny one next to some text inside the rear compartment, but it’s there alright. The corners and edges are rounded to give it a smoother look while also making it less harsh to handle. But there are two features that catch the eye the most: The slanted cut and the blue color. Bellroy Flip Case | Bellroy has some eye-catching colors that they work with. Along a similar vein to the other bifolds on this list, the Distil Union Wally Bifold 5.0 is all about getting the essentials right and leaving the unnecessary bits behind. This offering features a stainless steel custom money clip, a 14 card and 30 bill capacity, and a streamlined, slim profile that isn’t big or bulky or otherwise irritating to deal with day to day. The general aesthetics of Serman Brands’ offering is the most obvious one. Where the Bryker Hyde 1.0 goes for a plain, bare-bones look, this wallet has a touch more rugged, masculine character. From a quality perspective, this is designed in Australia and made in India. It is a slim molded hard shell design, with dual magnetic doors on both sides and has RFID protection. It is made from a premium eco-tanned leather on the exterior and recycled plastic bottles for the interior plastic piece.Now, the Bryker Hyde 1.0 gets major brownie points for its twist on the traditional, but they’re not the only one doing that. Among their competition? Serman Brands 1.S.

The Design of the Bellroy Flip Case is pushing in two different directions. Firstly, the wallet is in a hard case or hardshell style. This means the wallet, at its core, is made from a hard and durable polymer material and stores cash and cards internally in a way that protects your belongings providing a safer more secure way to carry your cash, cards, or anything else you can squeeze inside. Externally, this hard casing is wrapped in Bellroy’s signature eco-tanned leather that is high in quality and with a deep rich coloring. Sleek and solid is the name of the game for hardshell cases—there’s just something about solid-feeling gear that’s reassuring once you get your hands on it. For the Flip Case, there’s good structure despite what the all-leather look might suggest. It’s thanks to the plastic shell lying underneath—it’s not as rigid or tough as, say, metal, but it definitely gets the job done. The stiff, tough hardshell ensures that your credit cards aren’t the toughest part of your wallet. Bellroy Flip Case | Just a simple debossed logo that’s not in-your-face. The downside? It can only hold about 6 cards and a few bills, meaning it’s probably not the best option if you’re still holding on to ancient membership cards and too many credit cards that keep getting you in trouble.

What is it?

Much like Bellroy, Status Anxiety also practices in providing sustainability to their wallet range. The manufacturers have chosen my Staus Anxiety are all family-run businesses that have fair working conditions and strict environmental controls for sourcing their leather. One of the main reasons why I included Status Anxiety in this list is they produce a great range of leather wallets made from high-quality materials. Each wallet has a very clean and minimalist appearance with a huge variety to choose from including slim cardholders and larger bi-fold style wallets. My favorite in their collection is their ‘Magic’ Wallet which is highly innovative in the way it allows for access to cash and cards. It still folds the same as your beloved bulky relic. And it has the interior card slots you’ve come to expect, but it also offers up a couple of interesting changes. Photo: Kim Stone