Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

There are so many minimalist wallets from which to choose that it can be challenging to find the right one. Ridge Wallets are worth a closer look. They are about as minimalist as you will find yet they offer a host of great features that will make it easy to carry, and access, your cards and cash.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

Ridge wallets come in your choice of Aluminum, Titanium, and Carbon Fiber.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

I was sent the Carbon Fiber version for review. It’s impressive.

The wallets also come with your choice of either a cash strap or money clip so you can choose your preferred way to carry your money.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

The cash strap is a thin piece of elastic that is great for carrying cash, ID’s, or RFID-enabled cards. The steel money clip functions the way a tradition money clip does and integrates nicely with the rest of the wallet. Like the cash strap, the money clip is great for carrying cash, RFID-enabled cards, or business cards. If, however, you have moved toward a “no cash lifestyle” you can use the included T5 Torx Driver to remove the one that ships with your wallet.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

The wallet is small yet can hold up to 12 cards and some cash. How small is the Ridge wallet? It is just a bit larger than the credit cards it holds.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

It is significantly smaller than a dollar bill.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

And it is tiny compared to your passport.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

When they call the Ridge wallet a minimalist wallet, they mean it. As the company explains:

The Ridge is a modern, slim front pocket wallet. The main compartment is an expandable card holder — equipped with your choice of a money clip or cash strap. Over time, the typical leather bi-fold gets packed with faded receipts and unnecessary cards, resembling something more like a suitcase rather than a wallet. The Ridge re-evaluates your everyday carry and gets rid of the bulk.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

Each side of the wallet is constructed from two plates of material. One is an RFID-blocking aluminum plate while the second is made from either carbon fiber, aluminum or titanium. These two plates are held together by eight small screws. The two plates are held together by elastic that stretches to hold up to 12 cards but is tight enough to hold just a single card securely. The two interior steel plates have RFID technology built into them, so cards stowed inside aren’t susceptible to crooks who have card scanners.

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

Features:

  • Holds 1-12 cards without stretching out
  • Blocks RFID (wireless theft)
  • Replaceable elastic
  • Backed by our lifetime warranty
  • 3k carbon fiber weave | matte finish
  • Weight: 1.6 oz | 86 x 54 x 6 mm

Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet Review: Minimal in Design but Offers Maximum Function

To get cards out, you simply push a bit on the ridge to move the cards a bit out of the wallet and then press down on the back of the wallet to fan out the cards. From there it is as simple as grabbing the card you need and pushing the rest back into the wallet.

The Ridge Wallet is cool. It holds up to twelve cards, has two different options available for carrying cash, and blocks criminals from scanning your card information without your knowledge. Add in the fact that regardless of how many cards are inside it holds them securely and you have a minimalist wallet you’ll love to carry.

The Ridge Wallet sells for $125 to $140 depending upon the wallet chosen; they are available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Available in a range of colors and materials; Your choice of either a money clip or elastic for cash; Holds 1-12 cards securely

What Needs Improvement: Pricey

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.