It takes a lot to make us empty out our well-worn and much loved R.Horns Wein eight-card wallet. Now almost 15 years old, it shows only the most desired signs of age. It is still fully functional but now softer and beat up about the edges; just hitting its stride, really.
The item that has for now supplanted that wallet is a small, elegant, and equally well-crafted one provided by Los Angeles-based Chester Mox. While the design is strikingly different and the construction slightly less artistic (R.Horns is known for its labor-intensive double folded stitch which hides all evidence of unfinished edges), the Chester Mox Antiqued Italian Calf Compact Bi-Fold Wallet in Saffron, is a study in functional beauty.
Compact and efficiently designed, it’s a winner and an excellent choice should you be seeking a low-profile wallet for your identification and a small selection of credit and transit cards. While the product’s description indicates that it can hold some folded cash in an inside pocket, which is quite true, this is really a card wallet; a tool for our emerging less-cash economy.
We have been testing ours for about a month, and frankly, it almost feels as though it’s the only wallet we have ever owned. The firm but pliable hand-stained calfskin has broken in nicely and its coffee-colored nylon stitching is crisp and sturdy. We opted for a laser engraved “OTC” on the outside, which provides a nicely modern counterpoint to the wallet’s classic styling. Where traditional stamping would yield more of an old-world feel, the laser engraved leather provides a completely different impression; cleaner, younger, and contemporary.
Chester Mox is family-owned, and with 12 years of experience in the leather business, they certainly seem to know what they’re doing. The husband and wife team behind the brand are picky about their leathers and only source from leading tanneries, including the storied Horween, also a supplier to bespoke cobbler John Lobb. All of their products, and they do have a growing selection of leather goods for ladies and gentlemen, are designed and hand-constructed in their Los Angeles workrooms.
The images below are from the company’s website. A note of thanks to Derek, from Put This On, for bringing Chester Mox to our attention.
Thinking of purchasing this awesome looking wallet, would really like to know though, can the left card slot or the internal slots accommodate more than one card?
Good day! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Thanks for sharing!
That is a piece of beauty right there.
You can see the character of the leather on the outside, and the pockets look very stylish.
I bet it smells nice.