If you are looking for a minimalist wallet that isn’t minimal in style or functionality you don’t want to look any further than the Essentialist Wallet. This wallet is serious about carrying your cards and cash and that’s just the beginning. Plus it looks like it means serious business. Add in the optional bottle opener and USB 3.0 drive and your wallet is much more than a wallet!
Here’s what the company has to say about the Essentialist Wallet:
You don’t settle for anything less than the best. You strive for greatness. You are the chief of style and have the ultimate sense of class and sophistication. You possess elite standards. Be different and stand out from the crowd with the Essentialist Wallet. Experience the convenience of integrating your wallet with your essential accessories – USBs, bottle opener, or even your keys.
We’ve seen and reviewed a number of different minimalist wallets. This one not only looks different but, because the body is made from aluminum grade 6061 material, it naturally blocks out RFID signals. That, in turn, keeps your credit cards safe from skimming devices.
The wallet is esentially two sheets of cut metal.
One side is a plate with four screw holes and two cutouts so you can quickly and easily access either two keys or the bottle opener and USB 3.0 drive.
The other sheet has raised sides along three edges. These allow the cards and cash to sit flush with the upper edge of the sides and, in turn, keeps everything safe and secure. An elastic band crosses this area length-wise and holds everything in place. As the company notes:
The elastic strap has been precisely measured to securely hold even 1 card without slipping out. The premium ribbed, non-roll elastic is built for heavy duty usage and won’t loosen or wear out over time.
Features:
- Accommodates 1 – 2 accessories/keys (key ring attachment can be removed to free up two extra posts)
- Comfortably holds 1 – 6 cards and cash
- Side thumb slot to easily push out cards for access
- Comes with interchangeable black and gold screw sets
As noted, two of the four screws hold two keys or the Bottle opener and USB drive in place. When closed they fit snugly between the two sheets of metal. The other side ships with a key ring attachment. This is great if you want to attach your key fobs and car remotes to the wallet and have one package with cash, cards, keys and anything else you tend to carry during the day.
If you don’t want to use the key ring you can unscrew the case and flip it inside the wallet body.
Specifications:
- Fits keys/accessories with a hole diameter of 4mm+
- Fits keys that are 2mm – 3mm thick
- Dimensions – 94 (L) x 60 (W) 14mm (H) or 3.7″ (L) x 2.36″ (W) x 0.55″ (H)
- Weight – 92 grams or 0.2 lbs (without keys)
- Material – Aluminum grade 6061
The bottle opener is a $7 add on to the wallet. It is compatible with both the company’s Key Caddy and Essentialist Wallet. It can also serve as a standalone bottle opener. It is TSA approved so it is safe to bring through the airport, has a flat head screw driver at the end and is made from durable stainless steel. If you get this wallet I highly recommend getting this extra.
The USB drive is described as, “the worlds slimmest USB 3.0.” It is, in fact, only 3mm thick! It features an aluminum alloy casing for durability and has a waterproof and shockproof chip inside. That means if you drop the USB drive or accidentally send it through the washing machine your data will be safe. The 8GB version is $12. The 16GB version is $19. The 32GB version is $34. And the 64GB version is $69.
I like the Essentialist Wallet. It has a unique look and design and does exactly what it promises. I especially love the fact that it blocks RFID scanners and keeps your cards safe. I’ve been using it with more cards than they recommend and it has worked just fine for me. My biggest issue with it is the fact that it is a bit on the heavy side, (my last few minimalist wallets were super-light) and it has angular corners that you feel if it is in your pocket.
At the same time, it is worth noting that a thin, light, leather wallet may be a bit more comfortable to carry but it doesn’t offer the flexibility and safety of this wallet. That’s worth a ton and is why I’m happily using this wallet as my daily driver. At $87 for the wallet and a few dollars more for the bottle opener and USB drive it isn’t inexpensive but, as they say, you get what you pay for.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review unit
What I Like: Sturdy; holds cards and cash and keeps them safe and secure’ Has a key ring’ Works with the bottle opener and USB drive accessories.
What Needs Improvement: Heavy and rigid, Not inexpensive when you start adding the extras.