Thanks so much for taking the time to review our Small Zip. It means a lot to a small biz like mine. This was a design that we started working on 10 years ago. It used to be a bit smaller, had less compartments, and a ykk zipper. It is much more challenging to craft than most of our designs and it took a lot of work to get this one just right. Now it is one of my favorites that we make. We are considering making a non-gusseted version that can unfold all of the way.
I'm so glad I didn't purchase an Italian leather zipper wallet with a YKK zipper when I was ironically looking for one last night...it was about $45 cheaper but I know I would have been aggravated with it after knowing it's not exactly how I wanted it to be, then randomly stumbled across this video today. Count me in for one of these gorgeous zipper wallets, especially this color with the brass inlays/zipper.....but after reading your comment I think I'd be much more interested in the non gussetted version. (By any chance would you happen to have a video of a prototype of the this wallet but the non-gusseted version? I'm fairly sure I'd prefer that as opposed to this version of your wallet, but I think all I'd need to do is see a rough draft of how the specifics of the non gussetted version would look and function like to make a decision on whether or not to just go ahead and order this version. Thanks!
Got the TaurusCamp Base wallet a year or so ago after watching your video about it. I'm super happy with it. Your videos are so interesting and well done. Thx
For viewers who are interested in this wallet, it's worth noting Vaultskin's quieter (i.e. less hyped) Mayfair is very similar to this and cheaper. Comes with same number of internal gussets/slots (except doesn't have the middle slot pouch like this one) and has external slots. On the con side, it does have YYK zippers vs Riri, leather will obviously be lower quality, has RFID material and dimensions are slightly smaller. Thanks to your reviews, I ordered the Mayfair for myself and anticipate getting it this week. I did consider the Ashland, but I'm indifferent on leather varieties so went with the more value option.
Agree on the RIRI zipper quality. As a craftsman it's hard to find a zipper brand that doesn't stick, bend or break over time. Which is why many crafters tend to avoid designs with zippers. Ashland did a pretty good job and the price point is spot on in my opinion. $165, taken into material costs, labor and the ridiculous amount of price inflation we've seen is quite reasonable (The U.S. government conjures more than a BILLION digital dollars a month and it goes somewhere.) I would give the pricing 3 stars and demote Usability to 3 stars. Ashland definitely could've done more to promote security in the center pockets. I've done similar designs but created a fold down leather closure in the center to keep keys and loose change from drifting around. All in all, a fine review. Cheers!👍🍺
@@walletopia Mark, I do sell what I craft. Nearly all my clients arrive from word of mouth and collectable leather business cards with the tooling 'Alan Eldritch' on one side and an ancient e-mail address on the other (Circa 1990.) It began with the necessity of repairing/fabricating leather gear while at sea (Boots, straps, harnesses, gloves) then expanded from Long Beach up into Hollywood, Vegas, then NYC when I launched my private wallets and women's clutch collections. Each item arrives with a pair of cards. One is collectable to keep (Veg tan) and the other is standardized to give away. The item also arrives with a recipe card describing the make up of the product and it's features. Thank you for your inquiry and I hope you'll continue to deliver such honest reviews. Cheers! 🍺 Alan Eldritch Premium Executive Products
Been looking for a wallet that's good for travelling in countries that still use lots of cash and coins. This is easily one of, if not the best, wallet I've found so far.
Just FYI, enjoy your channel, always preferred a zip style pouch type wallet, like to be able to carry cards, cash, coins and the couple of keys I need. This one is pricey for a wallet, but thought it looked good in your review so decided to splurge on one and it is excellent.
I don't know how long this has been out of stock, but do you have another comparable wallet that you like? I've been looking for a zippered wallet to replace my timberland zippered wallet for a while now.
Hi sir another great review I currently are using the andar pilot wallet but I was thinking about getting this wallet do you think it's nicer which wallet would you choose the andar pilot wallet or Ashland zipper wallet thank you for your time and knowledge with these reviews
I love Ashland leather products, and I have one and was using it, but my girlfriend just bought me a Louis Vuitton Slender Wallet. Would love to see you review that and hear your thoughts on a luxury wallet and see how it stacks up!
Are you using it because your girlfriend bought it for your or because it's better 😂. Okay, I'm joking, but please give me your opinion between the two, I'm interested in your perspective since you've used both of them.
@@walletopia Definitely a different style for sure. I noticed this channel tends to review wallets that are more on the rugged side, which is what the Ashland is. The LV is much more refined, with painted edges and smaller stitching. Feature-wise they're both pretty similar, but smell-test-wise the Ashland definitely has more of the leather smell. The Ashland develops a great patina, whereas the LV will remain relatively unchanged (which is what they're going for, an old wallet will look just as good as a new one). At the end of the day they're both great, but definitely geared toward different customers.
I don't understand how usability can be a 5 as a zipper wallet with no external slot. I don't care how well the interior is designed if I have to unzip it to access even a single card everytime it isn't user friendly enough to get the highest score.
Great question! I have to keep separate my desire for what I (and many believe) is the need for an access card slot on all wallets, from the principle of the "usability" factor in the rating algorithm. Here's what it says, "'Usability' is the fourth criteria and it’s very simple. Can the wallet function efficiently, effectively and with as little friction as possible in daily use. Meaning, can you pull it out of your pocket easily, access the contents without delay, replace what you pulled out without difficulty and put it back in your pocket quickly? It may sound easy, but you’d be surprised how many wallets miss this simple formula. Often, the simplest wallet might receive a higher score because the tried and true designs are tried and true for a reason." So despite how the maker designed it, I rate them on how well the wallet functions, less friction, in using it versus is it missing subjective features. Trust me, I have to revisit these principles so I don't let my own bias get the better of me (and it does happen).
@walletopia thanks so much for the response! According to your own criteria I'd still say it would warrant a 4/5 due to not "allowing access to the contents without delay", however I respect your decision and understand now where you are coming from and that means a lot. Please keep doing what you're doing. There's no one else out there producing this content and you deserve to be even bigger.
I still prefer the vaultskin one you reviewed, the one that opens completely. Everyone I asked said zippers looked feminine so back to the old bifold 🤷♂️
I used to be a zipper guy, but couldn't take the anxiety anymore - stuff getting caught if you know what I mean. This is an attractive piece though all around, i.e. materials, colors, timelessness (is that a word?)...Price seems steep, but this piece will last I am sure. I can see this one ideal for the receipt hogging, little sticky note collectors and never miss out on any membership community. Add a GPS device and at least you know where somebody found your wallet. Good one.
Tbh Mark anything g with a zip just looks like a woman's purse to me putting it bluntly. No matter what the quality of the leather and zip etc etc! OMG. 14th I'm slacking Mark 🤔
@@walletopia I like the name Zipper wallets in the States Mark and I presume they maybe more masculine there too? But here in old blighty the UK it's just called a purse pal. Was 3rd today like on your new vid!! So I'm getting there! 😆
Thanks so much for taking the time to review our Small Zip. It means a lot to a small biz like mine. This was a design that we started working on 10 years ago. It used to be a bit smaller, had less compartments, and a ykk zipper. It is much more challenging to craft than most of our designs and it took a lot of work to get this one just right. Now it is one of my favorites that we make. We are considering making a non-gusseted version that can unfold all of the way.
It’s a great wallet! Thank you for watching and I look forward to seeing this product line evolve more!
Just got mine earlier this week and LOVE it!! Love to see chicago companies thrive🔥
Non-gusseted and with an external pocket and I'd be all over this wallet. Please do.
My next wallet ❤
I'm so glad I didn't purchase an Italian leather zipper wallet with a YKK zipper when I was ironically looking for one last night...it was about $45 cheaper but I know I would have been aggravated with it after knowing it's not exactly how I wanted it to be, then randomly stumbled across this video today.
Count me in for one of these gorgeous zipper wallets, especially this color with the brass inlays/zipper.....but after reading your comment I think I'd be much more interested in the non gussetted version. (By any chance would you happen to have a video of a prototype of the this wallet but the non-gusseted version? I'm fairly sure I'd prefer that as opposed to this version of your wallet, but I think all I'd need to do is see a rough draft of how the specifics of the non gussetted version would look and function like to make a decision on whether or not to just go ahead and order this version.
Thanks!
Got the TaurusCamp Base wallet a year or so ago after watching your video about it. I'm super happy with it. Your videos are so interesting and well done. Thx
Thank you, you're very kind.
For viewers who are interested in this wallet, it's worth noting Vaultskin's quieter (i.e. less hyped) Mayfair is very similar to this and cheaper. Comes with same number of internal gussets/slots (except doesn't have the middle slot pouch like this one) and has external slots. On the con side, it does have YYK zippers vs Riri, leather will obviously be lower quality, has RFID material and dimensions are slightly smaller. Thanks to your reviews, I ordered the Mayfair for myself and anticipate getting it this week. I did consider the Ashland, but I'm indifferent on leather varieties so went with the more value option.
I’ve completed a review on it!
As a fan of Ashland Leather, their quality is impeccable. My daily carry is a Fat Herbie. I may have to look into this zipper wallet.
I have this wallet and I love it. Glad to see it reviewed 👍🙂
I love that you are reviewing more Ashland Leather! Yay! 😁
I've got more coming!
Agree on the RIRI zipper quality. As a craftsman it's hard to find a zipper brand that doesn't stick, bend or break over time. Which is why many crafters tend to avoid designs with zippers. Ashland did a pretty good job and the price point is spot on in my opinion. $165, taken into material costs, labor and the ridiculous amount of price inflation we've seen is quite reasonable (The U.S. government conjures more than a BILLION digital dollars a month and it goes somewhere.) I would give the pricing 3 stars and demote Usability to 3 stars. Ashland definitely could've done more to promote security in the center pockets. I've done similar designs but created a fold down leather closure in the center to keep keys and loose change from drifting around. All in all, a fine review. Cheers!👍🍺
Great insight, do you sell what you make? Or is it a hobby?
@@walletopia Mark, I do sell what I craft. Nearly all my clients arrive from word of mouth and collectable leather business cards with the tooling 'Alan Eldritch' on one side and an ancient e-mail address on the other (Circa 1990.) It began with the necessity of repairing/fabricating leather gear while at sea (Boots, straps, harnesses, gloves) then expanded from Long Beach up into Hollywood, Vegas, then NYC when I launched my private wallets and women's clutch collections. Each item arrives with a pair of cards. One is collectable to keep (Veg tan) and the other is standardized to give away. The item also arrives with a recipe card describing the make up of the product and it's features.
Thank you for your inquiry and I hope you'll continue to deliver such honest reviews.
Cheers! 🍺
Alan Eldritch
Premium Executive Products
Been looking for a wallet that's good for travelling in countries that still use lots of cash and coins. This is easily one of, if not the best, wallet I've found so far.
If they made interior leather a light color, it would be perfect. The vaultskin one is designed the same as I recall. I would go with that one.
You can customize to a variety of colors
Yes, the Vaultskin Mayfair has a similar layout. It's fairly common, but yes, you can request a lighter colored interior.
Thanks for the great review. If only the wallet was in stock, I would gladly buy one.
It’s in stock now with external card slots if you are still interested :) just go to private stock!
Just FYI, enjoy your channel, always preferred a zip style pouch type wallet, like to be able to carry cards, cash, coins and the couple of keys I need. This one is pricey for a wallet, but thought it looked good in your review so decided to splurge on one and it is excellent.
Happy to hear it's what you expected, wonderful choice! It will last you as long as you want to carry it
Not a fan of zipper wallets, but this one could tempt me. Great review.
Thanks Mark! Interior looks a lot like that Vaultskin. I still prefer my Bellroy Card Pocket
Ashland Leather First Class always
It never disappoints.
My chums surf wallet that I got for $10 holds 24+ cards and is still in pristine shape after about 7 years
I don't know how long this has been out of stock, but do you have another comparable wallet that you like? I've been looking for a zippered wallet to replace my timberland zippered wallet for a while now.
Ashland Leather is the best. Really good guys too.
Hi sir another great review I currently are using the andar pilot wallet but I was thinking about getting this wallet do you think it's nicer which wallet would you choose the andar pilot wallet or Ashland zipper wallet thank you for your time and knowledge with these reviews
Is the wallet no longer available? No link provided I can see and not seeing it on their site
Yeah, alright, good call. That’s an impressive wallet.
Hey Mark, would this wallet or Bellroy's Folio Mini be your go to for international travel?
I love Ashland leather products, and I have one and was using it, but my girlfriend just bought me a Louis Vuitton Slender Wallet. Would love to see you review that and hear your thoughts on a luxury wallet and see how it stacks up!
Are you using it because your girlfriend bought it for your or because it's better 😂. Okay, I'm joking, but please give me your opinion between the two, I'm interested in your perspective since you've used both of them.
@@walletopia Definitely a different style for sure. I noticed this channel tends to review wallets that are more on the rugged side, which is what the Ashland is. The LV is much more refined, with painted edges and smaller stitching. Feature-wise they're both pretty similar, but smell-test-wise the Ashland definitely has more of the leather smell. The Ashland develops a great patina, whereas the LV will remain relatively unchanged (which is what they're going for, an old wallet will look just as good as a new one). At the end of the day they're both great, but definitely geared toward different customers.
I don't understand how usability can be a 5 as a zipper wallet with no external slot. I don't care how well the interior is designed if I have to unzip it to access even a single card everytime it isn't user friendly enough to get the highest score.
That's just like, your opinion, man.
And fun fact, your opinion isn't always right.
@Assordante let me be clear. I don't care about you or what you have to say. I posted to get clarification from Mark on how he scored this wallet.
Great question! I have to keep separate my desire for what I (and many believe) is the need for an access card slot on all wallets, from the principle of the "usability" factor in the rating algorithm. Here's what it says, "'Usability' is the fourth criteria and it’s very simple. Can the wallet function efficiently, effectively and with as little friction as possible in daily use. Meaning, can you pull it out of your pocket easily, access the contents without delay, replace what you pulled out without difficulty and put it back in your pocket quickly? It may sound easy, but you’d be surprised how many wallets miss this simple formula. Often, the simplest wallet might receive a higher score because the tried and true designs are tried and true for a reason."
So despite how the maker designed it, I rate them on how well the wallet functions, less friction, in using it versus is it missing subjective features. Trust me, I have to revisit these principles so I don't let my own bias get the better of me (and it does happen).
@walletopia thanks so much for the response! According to your own criteria I'd still say it would warrant a 4/5 due to not "allowing access to the contents without delay", however I respect your decision and understand now where you are coming from and that means a lot. Please keep doing what you're doing. There's no one else out there producing this content and you deserve to be even bigger.
You should try Animas or San Juan minimalist wallet from Last Exit Goods for the next review. ☺️
Vaultskin zipper wallet is the best
I still prefer the vaultskin one you reviewed, the one that opens completely. Everyone I asked said zippers looked feminine so back to the old bifold 🤷♂️
lookin good
I buy all my wallets from Ashland.
You can't go wrong with Ashland.
I used to be a zipper guy, but couldn't take the anxiety anymore - stuff getting caught if you know what I mean. This is an attractive piece though all around, i.e. materials, colors, timelessness (is that a word?)...Price seems steep, but this piece will last I am sure. I can see this one ideal for the receipt hogging, little sticky note collectors and never miss out on any membership community. Add a GPS device and at least you know where somebody found your wallet. Good one.
It’s a nice wallet. I would use for traveling stateside. Other than tat, it’s too big for me.
Tbh Mark anything g with a zip just looks like a woman's purse to me putting it bluntly. No matter what the quality of the leather and zip etc etc! OMG. 14th I'm slacking Mark 🤔
Hanging my head in shame! 14th, you're getting slow! 😂. I completely understand. I really like zipper wallets, but that thought nags at me often.
@@walletopia I like the name Zipper wallets in the States Mark and I presume they maybe more masculine there too? But here in old blighty the UK it's just called a purse pal. Was 3rd today like on your new vid!! So I'm getting there! 😆
I wonder if I could fit a MagSafe battery in this?
I would say it’s too high for me if the best.
A great quality wallet but lacking the exterior card slots…and its pricey!
If it had at least one card slot on the outside. But overall, still an excellent wallet.
Look like LV zippy coin purse
Grandma wallet.