CRK Wallet... short review

[PiterM]

First of all a bit of introduction. I’ve never thought that this wallet could be handy. Well, it’s looked too simple for me. But, on the other hand… Sebenza is simple too, right? Anyway first time I’ve seen this wallet in reality was Blade Show in Atlanta. It was Chris’ personal wallet… a bit used, dark, and it had such a nice “classic” look that took my decision immediately. I’ve ordered it with one of my CRK order and it arrived here about a month ago or so, just after my holidays. Now, after some time, I believe I can share my thoughts with you.

The wallet comes in a Sebenza-like white box and is wrapped with the same kind of paper. When I unpacked it I was a bit surprised that the color was so light, much lighter than Chris' one. No problem for me at all, but I just thought it’d be darker. Anyway, first the quality inspection… well, it carries Chris Reeve name on the flap so it must be perfectly made... and it is. The leather is strong, but still soft. Stitching is even, cuts are clean, all the edges are tanned with some kind of a die, which is a bit darker than the leather itself and it adds some style. Logo is nicely pressed into the flap, but a nice touch is, that the back side of the flap is absolutely flat… just another Chris Reeve “detail”. So, here it is:

Inside... nothing fancy, you’ll find just two flat compartments. It’s a kind of wallet to carry in your pocket. Fits great both front & back pocket of my jeans. The inside is mossy with a fine grain. I carry some cards and bills in the front compartment and coins in the back one.

The size is just enough for EDC. At first I’ve been not sure if it’d be convenient to carry any coins in that flat wallet. But of course Chris knows what is good! Just imagine: you open the flap, keep it on your hand, squeeze sides a bit and coins are there right on the flap! Now you can easily pick the right one and “glide” the remaining back to the wallet. Fast, easy, effective! I like it! Today you don’t carry too much of cache, just couple of coins and some bills. For more bills (like on Blade Show, you know) I’d use a separate money-clip anyway and I recommend titanium one by Tom Anderson – premium stuff.

OK, back to the wallet… so for me it’s just the right size. Today I have there 2 cards and driving license, 11 coins and 8 bills. And it’s still flat & looking nice as you can see on the picture below. Now, after a month, it’s a bit darker and looks much better for me (the last photo has been just taken)... and I can't wait another couple of months, which should give it nice vintage look of old well tanned premium leather. Also now it has a couple of wrinkles, but it only shows the character of it. Of course it’s my EDC wallet and I can’t imagine going without it. It’s comfortable to use & carry. It is just like Sebenza – simple & effective tool for serious men (don’t get me wrong, but I just can’t imagine a girl with this one). I’d say that it’s a classic, where form follows function… that’s what this wallet is all about. Well, if Sebenza is “just” a piece of Ti & steel… than this one is “just” a piece of leather. Get one, you won't be disappointed. And if you are… feel free to send it to me!

 

[PWork]

Good review Piter. The CRK wallet is just one of many things on my wish list.

Paul

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I put coins in the front compartment, and it's still easy to drop them back in. Cards and bills go in the back, with the bills unfolded, covered by the flap. When I open it, I can pick out which ones i want without pulling them all out. I can also slide bills into the stack unless they are really torn up.

I like being able to put it in a flapped shirt pocket. It's also good for pulling out in a place you don't want to flash a regular wallet. This looks more like a coin cache, and won't attract pickpockets looking for a bigger score.

New York, New York, it's a wonderful town ...

 

[Smooth Bone]

Let me preface by saying I've got one on the way.

However, I would prefer that the only embellishment would be the CR logo . . . you know, the circle enclosing the letters CR. A very classy understated look and in keeping with it's minimalist concept. The rest is a bit much unless you're among your buddies or at Blade Atlanta. He's pretty much limited his customers to those who are into knives when this is an item that has a much broader appeal. Taking the wallet out in front of an officer asking for ID could initiate needless conversation, too.

 

[glorfindel]

darn! looks very simple but I must have must have...

 

[rooikat]

That really is a nice wallet. Now, I want one, too.

 

[Boink]

Having the full name is two sides to the coin - it's good advertising, but also does limit it's market to those into knives. I, for one, might not want to take out a wallet with the word Knives on it in mixed company. Too many questions might ensue. The coin purse portion is very useful. I have one on my taxi wallet and since I've had this wallet, I don't have the usual drawers and bottles full of change that accue over time. I frequently have just the right amount of change or, enough change to limit the coins and denominations returned to me in exchange when buying something.

What does the other side of the CRK wallet look like? It is a pocket or a bill fold?

 

[O1O1O11O1O1O]

is this avaliable in black?

 

[Smooth Bone]

According to CRK per phone conversation . . . only brown, which is fine by me. It should attain a nice worn in look over time.

 

[Thomason]

There was a bit of conversation regarding the logo on these wallets. I just received one yesterday and the only logo was the standard C and R inside a circle. Nothing else. This should be pretty cool for minimum carry times.