For years, I used a wallet made from baseball leather. I loved that wallet, but I was often accused of having a “Costanza wallet“. As I tried to reduce the amount of crap I carry, I decided to try a new wallet.
I discussed the idea of a slim, minimal wallet. Many had suggestions. I was a bit hesitant to try the rubber band and/or binder clip method. My co-worker Jason swore by using the Slim Clip. The Slim Clip is advertised on TV a bit, so you may have seen it. The Slim Clip website is here, but I warn you they have an auto-play video that starts up as the page loads and is loud.
I’ve been using the Slim Clip for about 6 months now and here’s my review.
The Slim Clip is stamped steel bent carefully into shape to hold bills on one side and cards on the other. The card holding works well. I haven’t ever had cards slip out unexpectedly or trouble getting cards out, unless I shove too many in.
The cash clip works OK, but it took me some time to get used to putting the dollar bills back in securely. I like to carry cash, so having this work well is important to me. I found the clip will easily hold 20 bills. After that, it starts to get too snug. I found that if I try to push the limit, the metal actually bends and doesn’t hold as tight. I’ve used needle nose pliers a few times to bend the clip back tighter.
The biggest challenge I ran into was simply choosing what to carry. In the past I used to keep pretty much everything that would fit. With the Slim Clip, I really had to reduce down. As you can see, it holds 6 cards, with just a little extra space. I carry a Starbucks Card (mainly to protect the other cards but also helpful with a Starbucks in our building), my Driver’s License, two debit cards from our different banks (you do have two banks right, just in case of identity theft, right?), my company credit card, my health insurance card, and the member cards to the gym and pool center.
At first, I thought I would never be able to get by with just 6 cards, but I haven’t had a problem. When on vacation or business trips, I replace the Starbucks card with the hotel card key.
Overall, I’m happy I made the switch to a small wallet. It’s not the ultimate minimalist, but it’s good for me. At under $10 for a Slim Clip, it’s cheap as well.
What do you use?
A black leather Coach money clip/wallet. It has two sleeve pockets on the front with a clip on the back, and a pocket in the middle. I’ve used one for the last 10 years. Just recently I was strolling down State St. in Santa Barbara and decided to stop in the Coach store to see if I could replace my old worn one. Yep. No questions asked.
I use and love the Jimi wallet: http://www.thejimi.com/
It was tough slimming down what I carry but probably won’t ever go back to a standard wallet.
I use a leather business card holder. (this model, embossed with an Apple, of course http://www.hotref.com/Metropolitan-Business-Card-Holder-p-2584.html ) Along the same lines. If I cant fit it in, I probably don’t need to carry it. It also works well in the front pocket when riding the bike in non-biking attire.
I use a Big Skinny: http://www.bigskinny.net/
Doesn’t hold quite as much as a typical leather wallet, but stays a bit more compact. Mine full is now about the same size as my old one empty.
I’ve been very happy with it.
I go more minimal, just wrap a couple $20 bills around the 4-5 cards I have to carry all the time (license, health card, credit card, work credit card, etc). It works great, and has for the past 8 years or so. I once tried a money clip around the whole thing but it just got in the way.
The only downside I’ve found is the rubbing around in my pockets tends to wear out the backs of credit cards after a couple years. Not a big deal, since they’re easy to get replaced if they wear out.
I use a pylones cigarette case for all of my cards. Bills go in a heap in the other front pocket.
Perhaps this will be of interest to you?
http://blog.leffot.com/2010/08/14/the-fold/