EEVblog #1250 - World's Thinnest Wallet Review - Stealth Razor

[EEVblog]

Dave got one of these newfangled slim wallets, the Stealth Razor from Airo Collective, a Kickstarter project, the world's thinnest wallet.
Does it actually replace a full traditional leather wallet?
How practical is it?
Does the RFID protection work?

[johnlsenchak]

Dave   what NFC  app  where you using?  I  need to check  that out

American  credit cards  are  going away from  being embossed  on the  front and going toward  printing  the numbers on  the front  or  back  with the  smart  chip

American   "funny  money", Come  on   Dave,  the  Aussie  "fiat"  looks like the  queens  monopoly money  Right back  at you !   LOL

That  wallet  looks  real  cheap and flimsy  to me,    it may have been  made in  Cali- Fornia  , but   how do you  know the actual  materials didn't    come from  the   zhen-zing  market  place

[EEVblog]

That  wallet  looks  real  cheap and flimsy  to me,    it may have been  made in  Cali- Fornia  , but   how do you  know the actual  materials didn't    come from  the   zhen-zing  market  place

The material feels really great quality.

[wilfred]

It's all well and good to have a thin wallet. Until you try putting money in it. I'm glad to have found one reason to not need to look for a thin wallet.

It looks like a real pain to get cards in and out when they're all squeezed in against each other. Those wallets are designed for people who don't carry cash and wave the phone around.

Poor old Huxley. Will he ever score a prime spot in dad's wallet.

[admiralk]

I think the last time I used a wallet was the mid '80s? See no reason to start again.

[floobydust]

A thick leather wallet:
Doesn't slip and fall out of your pocket.
Does tilt a man's hips sitting, and after years of that, your back can actually get crooked. So I don't sit on my wallet, especially in the car. It squishes the cards anyway.

Millennials are all using tap-and-pay off their cell phones.

[Mr. Scram]

I think the last time I used a wallet was the mid '80s? See no reason to start again.

How does that work? Even if I'd go full NFC which currently isn't possible I'd still be stuck with a handful of cards various parties want me to carry.

[EEVblog]

It looks like a real pain to get cards in and out when they're all squeezed in against each other.

I don't mind that, it's not like a do it every day.

[Muttley Snickers]

It lacks Velcro.   

[Dataforensics]

Never understood why some people carry wallets etc in back pockets. As you say uncomfortable and makes an easy target for thieves.
Always carry mine in side pocket with a kevlar cord attached to belt.

[German_EE]

I've had a thin wallet for about seven years but it's built to different principles. Most wallets overlap the cards which leads to a massive increase in thickness but mine has three card pockets side by side. The combined width of three cards plus a bit of stitching is about the same as a Euro banknote so that gives me a wallet which is about 150mm x 150mm opened with cards on one side and notes on the other.

The other secret is to only carry the cards you need. I have about six or seven cards in my wallet and it's reasonably slim but my girlfriend has nearly thirty including some that she never uses anymore. Crazy.

Finally, don't forget to carry an organ donor card.

[LaserEng]

Best wallets I've had are the Big Skinny brand, the wallet in this vid seems overpriced for what it is. Like superlegerra car models, remove weight and features but increase price

[SilverSolder]

It's not just credit cards but gas cards, store cards, gift cards, membership cards, etc. etc. etc.  -  I have given up on the idea of a small wallet and just go for the biggest one with the most slots.

[Michal Mytnik]

Dave
you should buy something like that.
https://spocket.pl/produkt/spocket-classic-pcb/ 

[admiralk]

I think the last time I used a wallet was the mid '80s? See no reason to start again.

How does that work? Even if I'd go full NFC which currently isn't possible I'd still be stuck with a handful of cards various parties want me to carry.

I stick cards, with my driving license, in my checkbook which lives in my glove box. I just carry it in the store if I need it. Cash I just shove in my front pocket. After loosing my wallet, just after cashing a paycheck, I decided that would never happen again, and it hasn't.

[wilfred]

It's not just credit cards but gas cards, store cards, gift cards, membership cards, etc. etc. etc.  -  I have given up on the idea of a small wallet and just go for the biggest one with the most slots.

I've seen a few people for whom the next step up is carry on luggage. They have cards for gyms they don't go to, part used coffee club cards for places they went to when traveling, library card for books they don't read, shop loyalty cards for stuff they can't afford and credit cards to pay for it.

[Bud]

I solved the problem by carrying two slimmer wallets. One has cards that are in use every day, including the office door pass one. The other one has my driver's license, health card and cards that are of occasional use.

[wilfred]

I solved the problem by carrying two slimmer wallets. One has cards that are in use every day, including the office door pass one. The other one has my driver's license, health card and cards that are of occasional use.

Hmmm, interesting take on solved. 

I'm sure I'd get the wrong one out first at all times. A bit like inserting USB plugs.

[SilverSolder]

There are wallets that have plastic "pages" to hold 20 cards in a much thinner format than having leather separating them...

E.g.  something like this:  https://www.amazon.com/RFID-Blocking-Wallet-Leather-Business/dp/B0798KH9N4

[BravoV]

Why don't they put a velcro at both ends to prevent it keeps opening it's jaw ? 

Or .. maybe tiny button magnet ? As nowadays most cards use chip rather than the magnetic strip, not sure about this though.

[VK3DRB]

Actually, my old wallet is looking a bit worn like Dave's. I have about the same number of cards and carry a small amount of cash like Dave. Does any Aussie know of a decent wallet brand or vendor that fits Aussie dollars? We used to have company in Melbourne called Amtex which made the best quality wallets around, but I think they are long gone.

As for the comments on our cash, Australia invented plastic notes and we developed the most advanced note printing technology in the world. Blind people can discriminate our notes and they are almost impossible to counterfeit. Our notes last a long time. The Americans on the other hand are stuck with poorly designed notes that are not robust. Blind people or people with poor vision cannot distinguish their notes and can be ripped off. Not surprising that the US is still left behind in the dark old days of imperial measurements, along with third world countries Liberia and Myanmar. The only "advantage" is expensive colour laser printers can be self funded by just printing off a few sheets of greenbacks .

[wilfred]

Is it only me that finds buying a wallet the hardest thing to buy? I bought a spare last time. Just to save the future hassle. It may only be a wallet but it is such a personal thing.

[janoc]

I stick cards, with my driving license, in my checkbook which lives in my glove box. I just carry it in the store if I need it. Cash I just shove in my front pocket. After loosing my wallet, just after cashing a paycheck, I decided that would never happen again, and it hasn't.

I guess getting cars broken into is rare where you live. I would never leave something like that in a car - if it got stolen, I would be most likely completely on the hook for any losses because the bank would consider it as my negligence (car doesn't really count as "secure" place where it is OK to leave such stuff unattended). 

Also, here in Europe checks are pretty much dead. France is one of the last holdouts but even here a lot of places don't accept checks anymore. You would also never get salary using a check (or cash for that matter). Well, with some exceptions like gig workers here in France where it is still common - everyone else gets it directly into their bank account.

[nixfu]

Another vote for BigSkinny brand wallets that are basically just like this yet 1/4'th the cost.   I love mine, had it for a few years and has proven quite durable.

https://www.bigskinny.net/wallets-for-men.html

[thm_w]

I think the last time I used a wallet was the mid '80s? See no reason to start again.

How does that work? Even if I'd go full NFC which currently isn't possible I'd still be stuck with a handful of cards various parties want me to carry.

Not really the answer you were thinking of but many phone cases have enough space for 2-3 cards. Enough for me: CC + drivers license.
If you have any sort of barcode based card, you can either store it in an app (most scanners these days read LCDs) or print the barcode out and stick it on another card.

[maginnovision]

I've been using bosca wallets for a while. This one looks alright.

https://bosca.com/euro-8-pocket-deluxe-executive-wallet-w-passcase-old-leather.html

[SilverSolder]

Time for a scientific test!  -  overstuffed leather wallet with around 40 cards...

Do one of those new fangled wallets with vinyl card holders (thin!) actually help?




We will have to call that a success, so far!  -  now, the question is how the vinyl card holders will stand up to daily use...

[gslick]

World's Thinnest Wallet is great, until you want to take guitar lessons.

[admiralk]

I guess getting cars broken into is rare where you live. I would never leave something like that in a car - if it got stolen, I would be most likely completely on the hook for any losses because the bank would consider it as my negligence (car doesn't really count as "secure" place where it is OK to leave such stuff unattended). 

Also, here in Europe checks are pretty much dead. France is one of the last holdouts but even here a lot of places don't accept checks anymore. You would also never get salary using a check (or cash for that matter). Well, with some exceptions like gig workers here in France where it is still common - everyone else gets it directly into their bank account.

Living in the country does have some advantages. Plus I think PUs are less likely targets for thieves than cars. Since I got my new truck I try to remember to takes the keys with me when I go in a store.

[tszaboo]

First of all, I think this is ridiculous pricing for a non-designer brand wallet. You can buy 2 designer wallet for that price, as from this no-nape company. If size really matters to you, then the best choice is a wallet money clip. because this " holds 4 bills and 8 cards stacked on top of each other" is kinda ridicolous. So if you pay with a 100 and get back 3x20+10+5, then you cannot store the money? Well thats useless isnt it. Like the wallet doesnt fulfill its purpose, at all.

[rr100]

I'm using this one and I find it great: https://www.all-ett.com/collections/mens-wallets/products/nylon-coin-wallet?variant=13769512255545

The "cloth" is so thin I was thinking I'll buy the second one in the first year; well it's been like 5 years and is still going strong, including the zipper and the bit of velcro.

It has the footprint of (over) two credit cards but that's actually a feature (the national ID is huge and this way they I can fit it in the large "money" pocket). And you get this way direct access to 4 cards you can see (8 if you draw from the back). They say it can do 20 cards and it should be no sweat (I only have like 10-12). And it has a zippered coin pocket (again, desired feature)!

[SteveD]

Yep.  Go the Allett one.

I got one of these (https://www.all-ett.com/collections/mens-wallets/products/leather-original-wallet) last year, after getting sick of sitting unevenly on a fat wallet.  It was starting to affect my spine, I think!  Also, as a late convert to a smartphone, I decided a larger wallet can rest behind my phone in the front pocket, since it is roughly the same size.  Much flatter, plenty of space for cards and looks like it shall last.  Not as cheap as buying local, but since I bought mine at their black Friday sale (or was it cyber Monday?), they threw in a nylon one as well, that became a stocking filler for my son.  He may never suffer a fat wallet!

[james_s]

It's not just credit cards but gas cards, store cards, gift cards, membership cards, etc. etc. etc.  -  I have given up on the idea of a small wallet and just go for the biggest one with the most slots.

I have the same problem. Debit card, credit card, driver's license, Costco card, health insurance card, a couple of different supermarket cards, library card, Orca (bus pass) card, keycard that lets me into the office, assorted gift cards, it all adds up. Never really bothered me though, I feel naked without my wallet in my pocket, I like to be able to feel that it's there.

I was actually annoyed when I finally bought a new wallet recently that I couldn't even find one that *wasn't* RFID blocking. I need to see if I can cut out some of the shielding material so I can scan my bus pass and office keycard without taking them out of my wallet. I wouldn't really care if the driver's license compartment was shielded, although I'm not paranoid enough to really care. It's stupid that the entire wallet is shielded though, most people I see just bump their wallet against the reader on the bus and at work I've been in the habit of just bumping my butt up against the card reader to open the door.

[SilverSolder]

It's not just credit cards but gas cards, store cards, gift cards, membership cards, etc. etc. etc.  -  I have given up on the idea of a small wallet and just go for the biggest one with the most slots.

I have the same problem. Debit card, credit card, driver's license, Costco card, health insurance card, a couple of different supermarket cards, library card, Orca (bus pass) card, keycard that lets me into the office, assorted gift cards, it all adds up. Never really bothered me though, I feel naked without my wallet in my pocket, I like to be able to feel that it's there.

I was actually annoyed when I finally bought a new wallet recently that I couldn't even find one that *wasn't* RFID blocking. I need to see if I can cut out some of the shielding material so I can scan my bus pass and office keycard without taking them out of my wallet. I wouldn't really care if the driver's license compartment was shielded, although I'm not paranoid enough to really care. It's stupid that the entire wallet is shielded though, most people I see just bump their wallet against the reader on the bus and at work I've been in the habit of just bumping my butt up against the card reader to open the door.

The idea of not having leather between all the cards is sound.

Prompted by this thread, I am trialling a new wallet:

 https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Security-Credit-Holder-wallet/dp/B011LV1W6C

So far, I am liking it a lot -  it is "as compact as possible", holds an absolute sh!t-ton of cards, and does not block the (low frequency) RFID tag to get into the office.

[james_s]

Yeah having leather between the cards is probably not really necessary, some kind of thin fabric would be fine, even Tyvek would probably do the job. I've had a wallet that had vinyl or something and that didn't work very well, it quickly deteriorated. I like to have *something* between the cards, otherwise every bit of dirt/dust/crud grinds into the cards as they rub together and they soon get all nasty and tattered.

[SilverSolder]

Yeah having leather between the cards is probably not really necessary, some kind of thin fabric would be fine, even Tyvek would probably do the job. I've had a wallet that had vinyl or something and that didn't work very well, it quickly deteriorated. I like to have *something* between the cards, otherwise every bit of dirt/dust/crud grinds into the cards as they rub together and they soon get all nasty and tattered.

Yeah, that's my main worry with this thing - it won't be durable enough.  Still, I'm enjoying it while it lasts...   and it did come with an additional set of vinyl inserts, so the manufacturer probably expects this to be an issue.

[Fungus]

I was in London last week and they have Aussie-style plastic money in the UK now. 

[nctnico]

Prompted by this thread, I am trialling a new wallet:

 https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Security-Credit-Holder-wallet/dp/B011LV1W6C

I love the Chinglish term 'compatible with age' for saying it is suitable for old people.

[SilverSolder]

Prompted by this thread, I am trialling a new wallet:

 https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Security-Credit-Holder-wallet/dp/B011LV1W6C

I love the Chinglish term 'compatible with age' for saying it is suitable for old people.

I lauged out loud at that one too! -  Perhaps you have to be a certain age to understand the long term cumulative benefits of reducing your costs by 5% - 15% by using the right card for the job...  I didn't care when I was young either.

So far, the principle with the vinyl inserts is working well for me.  It is much faster to find the right card for the job when they are nicely laid out like a little booklet.   It is not a big problem to take cards out (or in).  The smaller overall size is a huge win.

[coppercone2]

get a phone case that has a cover with room for credit card and ID and a safe in your car if you are scared for other things

then carry cash in a rubber band like a gangster

[jrs45]

If you have a fixed volume you want to contain, but don't want it thick, the only option is to make it larger.

I use the all-ett:

https://www.all-ett.com/collections/mens-wallets/products/nylon-original-wallet

It's all about having TWO stacks of cards on each side.  This makes it HALF as thick as any single-layer wallet.  And it fits perfectly in my pocket.



The nylon lasts many years, the thing really does work.

[maginnovision]

If you have a fixed volume you want to contain, but don't want it thick, the only option is to make it larger.

I use the all-ett:

https://www.all-ett.com/collections/mens-wallets/products/nylon-original-wallet

It's all about having TWO stacks of cards on each side.  This makes it HALF as thick as any single-layer wallet.  And it fits perfectly in my pocket.



The nylon lasts many years, the thing really does work.

If I wanted a clutch I'd get a clutch.