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Feedback Request: Chain Wallets

FlatCap99

One of the Regulars
Messages
203
Hi Everyone,

I wasn’t sure where to post this, so hoping here is fine. I was looking for some feedback on a chain wallet I made. I know there are quite a few people who ride motorcycles and wanted to get some thoughts. I am most concerned with some feedback on how the chain attaches to the wallet. I have a couple ways of doing this now and what is pictured here is a new method I was trying. The wallet outer is made from Whiskey Shell Cordovan and chestnut colored Conceria Walpier Buttero inside paneling. I also do something similar where the wing only goes across the top. I have seen other people do this as well and it works well, but I wanted to try something different. The main reason I am asking is centered chain clip takes forever to stitch in. I have to glue everything down, punch the holes, remove the panels, punch some additional holes and then have multiple different pieces of thread to stitch it properly without any gaps or strange looking thread jogs. More bluntly, stitching it in takes like 4x as long as the other simpler option. I am sure I can get that down the more I do it, but curious to what all of you who use chain wallets think? I included my personal wallet as well (the single color 8 picture) so you can see both methods. There is always the trusty grommet method, but I wanted to try some more stylized options. Is this an instance of less is more or does the additional outer leather add a decent detail?

This one is also for sale, but since feedback is the main driver, I thought I would just post here

Thanks!
 

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Messages
17,105
Location
Chicago
Absolutely gorgeous! I need to pick one of these up from you! That is far more elegant than anything I've seen before. You've got talent son!
 

FlatCap99

One of the Regulars
Messages
203
Thank you, sir! I really appreciate that. Just let me know when you are ready, I'd be happy to give you a good deal on a custom one....I would say one to match your jackets, but we may need to go with a more universal color that goes well with variation :)
 

VestCoast

A-List Customer
Messages
307
Location
Maine
Prefer the chain to be as far to the outside of the pocket as possible so I don't sit on it. I also think the asymmetry looks better, the center attached version reminds me of an ID card on a retractable line. I much prefer your wallet in the last picture to the centered version.
 

FlatCap99

One of the Regulars
Messages
203
Thanks VestCoast,

There are probably an extra couple chain links in the pocket with the centered attachment clip. I had the same concern, but once I put it in it wasn't as much extra as I thought. I always put my wallet in the same way, but I also remove it whenever I sit down, so this is good feedback. I do see your point on the ID retraction association, what if I swapped that with a D ring in the same spot as the last pic?

Thank you, much appreciated!
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,711
Location
East Java
very nice wallet and chain!
do you need chain on bifold? usually it is burried inside the pocket and the pocket edges sealed in as you sit, I kind of think it is for longer wallet only that sticking out of your back pocket, since hardware let it be chain or wallet concho usually make hole on the jeans pocket.
 

FlatCap99

One of the Regulars
Messages
203
Thanks Navetsea!

You are correct this will stay in your back pocket securely without the chain. However, lately I have been forgetting my wallet places. I always take my wallet out of my pocket when I sit down and set it in my lap every time I drive. Sometimes it slides out of my lap or off the seat and ends up missing and I end up panicking. I lost my wallet 3 times in a week, so I thought it was time to attach it to me at all times. I also put the chains on the longer ones I make, but moved into smaller ones more out of necessity for myself.

The joys of getting older.... :)
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,711
Location
East Java
26Kv0Ym.png

here maybe some ideas so the spine can stay flatter and the ring more sticking out so the chain and its clasp or hook can be outside the pocket.
1st one is a big eyelet instead of ring, 2nd and 3rd is jump ring
I can only draw so untested ideas:D

another untested theory, if you must attach a chain on bifold then it better be a long chain that reach the floor, or have a snap to secure the wallet in place, because with short chain, if you drop the wallet the chain will yank it thus might pour the content of your wallet out, unless it has a snap or someway (perhaps hidden magnet) to secure it/ keep it folding, or long enough so the wallet reach the floor and not hanging.
 
Last edited:

Jrolfe

A-List Customer
Messages
348
Great work! Looks very well constructed. I'd definetly be interested in one as well.
 

FlatCap99

One of the Regulars
Messages
203
Wow, those drawings look amazing! I wish I could draw things up like that, but I am terrible at it. All 3 of those designs are very feasible. I was actually trying to think of a lower profile way to attach the D ring on one, but ended up with something rather bland because I could not think up a way like you drew in the 2nd and 3rd sketch. Those are a nice way to have a lower profile piece of leather to attach while adding some nice style.

That first pic is a unique idea. I can think of a couple ways to try to have that all be one piece to help keep form. I think as long as the leather piece that is stitched in is fairly rigid, it should not wilt over the years. If it was made with a veg tan leather you could wet mold that part of it and then heat treat it to harden and I would think it could keep that form even after some heavy use.

Also good thought on the snap. I have had mine fall a lot and nothing has moved or fallen out of it, but the button never hurts either. Plus, that is a great excuse to use a cool concho like you mentioned before

Appreciate the feedback and the sketch ups!
 

VestCoast

A-List Customer
Messages
307
Location
Maine
Really dig those drawings, I think the D-ring would work well too. I just aesthetically prefer the asymmetry of the chain being at the top of the wallet. Very nice work all around!
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,313
Location
Iowa
Very nice idea and workmanship here! Looks like you Flat Cap and navetsea should do a partnership!

I also would be interested in such a wallet at some point. I really like the Shell Cordovan with the brass chain, quite the elegant statement there. Sadly I must admit I've had a $12 Wal-Mart wallet for almost 10 years now. Yes, I am quite overdue for an update. I really the bi-fold with chain option idea here.
 

FlatCap99

One of the Regulars
Messages
203
Very nice idea and workmanship here! Looks like you Flat Cap and navetsea should do a partnership!

I also would be interested in such a wallet at some point. I really like the Shell Cordovan with the brass chain, quite the elegant statement there. Sadly I must admit I've had a $12 Wal-Mart wallet for almost 10 years now. Yes, I am quite overdue for an update. I really the bi-fold with chain option idea here.

Thanks AeroFan! Send me a message any time and I would be happy to make something for you!
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,711
Location
East Java
Wow, those drawings look amazing! I wish I could draw things up like that, but I am terrible at it. All 3 of those designs are very feasible. I was actually trying to think of a lower profile way to attach the D ring on one, but ended up with something rather bland because I could not think up a way like you drew in the 2nd and 3rd sketch. Those are a nice way to have a lower profile piece of leather to attach while adding some nice style.

That first pic is a unique idea. I can think of a couple ways to try to have that all be one piece to help keep form. I think as long as the leather piece that is stitched in is fairly rigid, it should not wilt over the years. If it was made with a veg tan leather you could wet mold that part of it and then heat treat it to harden and I would think it could keep that form even after some heavy use.

Also good thought on the snap. I have had mine fall a lot and nothing has moved or fallen out of it, but the button never hurts either. Plus, that is a great excuse to use a cool concho like you mentioned before

Appreciate the feedback and the sketch ups!
thanks, and feel free to use or implement the idea man, I'm happy to help.
1st one I'm thinking perhaps moccasin stitches with something like tendon or artificial tendon around the edges of the leather surrounding the eyelet to keep both sides together and not splitting with use.

I think it has to do with how much we carry money in wallet too, in my country it is still pretty much cash based economy, so I need more bill inside, the reason I carry long wallet now because my bifold before that get too fat after withdrawing from atm and just casually drop it on the table already make the bill slide out a little, but in countries where electronic payment is more that people can go around with card holder or very minimalist wallet, then I think bifold is very ideal
 

Pdawg

One of the Regulars
Messages
161
Location
USA DC
This is a cool bifold design. I myself like the attachment near the top and on the spine in a longer, mid style wallet. I thin
shackle-wallet-back-tan-700x412.jpg
k the d ring and both the shackle work as an attachment. I also like north sea shackle wallet that was built a while back.
 

dudewuttheheck

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,260
Looks nice, but as others have said, I would highly suggest putting the ring/shackle/attachment for the chain at the top, not in the middle. That will be a dealbreaker for most buyers I think.
 

FlatCap99

One of the Regulars
Messages
203
Appreciate the feedback everybody! Sounds like going with the D ring closer to the top would be a benefit for more people. This is good feedback for my one offs so I can put the ring where it will be more functional for more people.

Cheers!
 

Powerband

Practically Family
Messages
840
Appreciate the feedback everybody! Sounds like going with the D ring closer to the top would be a benefit for more people. This is good feedback for my one offs so I can put the ring where it will be more functional for more people.

Cheers!

Yes, good move on this. Fantastic skill! PM sent.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

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