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Wallets are not so simple anymore. Along with leather and fabric wallets, there are also super-durable and tough metal wallets and carbon fiber wallets are among the strongest. But where do you start?
Well, you start by knowing that carbon fiber does not mean limited functionality. There may not be many bifold carbon fiber wallets out there, but there are a variety of innovative storage and access solutions.
Add in RFID technology, an almost indestructible case, lightweight carry options, and carbon fiber wallets become an appealing solution.
Our Top Picks
1. Ekster Carbon Fiber Cardholder
Pros
- Holds up to 15 cards
- Click-of-a-button card access
- RFID blocking
Cons
- Not great for carrying cash
The Ekster carbon fiber cardholder is a space-grade carbon fiber storage solution for all of your card-carrying needs. The protective case is going to ensure that your cards are never bent or damaged when carrying, and the smart access system allows you to carry multiple cards in a small space while still having easy access to them. Simply press the button on the bottom of the wallet, and the cards will pop up and fan out like a switchblade.
The advantage of the Ekster wallet is its footprint. You can store up to 15 cards without it taking up too much space in your pocket. 6 cards fit directly in the wallet, and 9 more can be held by the expandable aluminum backplate. The same backplate also allows for bills.
RFID technology prevents your card or personal data from being stolen, and the entire cardholder weighs next to nothing. Not only is it small, but it is light too. A protective wallet that will fit seamlessly into your life.
2. The Ridge Carbon Fiber 3K
Pros
- Multiple color options
- RFID blocking
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- None
The Ridge carbon fiber wallet, as you would expect from most carbon fiber wallets, is small and light and mixes style and strength. The 3K carbon fiber ensures that your cards are always protected. The carbon fiber has a weaved matte finish, giving an elegance that fits any life. Take it to the gym with you or to a formal occasion.
The wallet holds up to 12 cards, expanding to accommodate the new cards while holding the cards inside tight. The elastic strap ensures that everything is held in place and still allows you to retrieve a card without it being stuck inside. The RFID technology stops any of your card information from being stolen while you have your cards in the Ridge carbon fiber wallet.
The Ridge is modular and customizable. You can use the wallet with a cash strap or a clip. The strap is smaller, and the clip gives a classic look and feel. You can switch the two parts out, and there might be more modularity produced in the future.
3. Dango M1 R-Spec™ Wallet
Pros
- Handcrafted in the USA
- TSA compliant
- Excellent quality materials
Cons
- Rugged aluminum finishing could cause scratching
The Dango M1 R-SPEC wallet looks unique. At an initial glance, it has a futuristic and military look, and the design has been based on race car design. The result is a wallet that is cool, and elegant while still being streamlined and tough.
The main case is crafted from aerospace-garden aluminum with a carbon fiber backplate. The aluminum is powder coated for a bright and durable finish. There are a number of colors available, and the full-grain leather stitching adds a note of style that other carbon fiber wallets do not have.
Without cards, the wallet is less than half an inch thick, and this will expand as you add up to 10 cards. The wallet only weighs 3 ounces when empty. Being made from durable materials, this is a wallet that is going to last, but what will draw you to it is the unique look and design. If you are looking for something a little different, then the M1 is well worth checking out.
4. Zuboot Carbon Fiber Urban Explorer
Pros
- Comes with survival tool & key knife
- RFID blocking
- Holds up to 16 cards
Cons
- None
The Zuboot carbon fiber wallet is as strong as they come, but the real strength here is not in the wallet itself but in what comes with the wallet. Let’s look at the wallet first. Carbon fiber is durable and slimline, feeling light in your pocket and not taking up too much space. The RFID technology stops your card data from being stolen. You can fit up to 12 cards in the wallet, and friction ensures that the cards do not fall out while still allowing you to pull out a card easily when needed.
So, what else do you get with the wallet?
A carbon fiber key holder gives you a storage option for all of your keys and will hold them, so they are not loose in your pocket, storing them neatly and ready for you to select the key you need. There is also a knife in the shape of a key—it will fit neatly into the key holder. The multitool is the same shape as the wallet, and it won’t damage the wallet if carried together. The multitool contains everything that you might need in an emergency.
5. HELL-BENT® 2.5 Wallet
Pros
- Comes in 2 sizes
- Comes with a complimentary skid plate
- RFID blocking
Cons
- Carbon fiber look, not material
The Hell-Bent black carbon fiber wallet is tough and stylish, but you will be drawn straight to the price point. When it comes to carbon fiber wallets, you won’t find many that are more affordable than this one. Although, you should be aware that the wallet is not completely carbon fiber but thermoplastic with a carbon fiber finish. Still, this is an amazing wallet that gives you value for money.
The wallet is designed with everyday carry in mind, and you can hold up to 12 cards in the large version of this wallet (8 in the medium). The patented design helps to retain the cards with the unique pressing inside the wallet. The clipped corner lets you remove the cards easily, and there is a unique fanning motion so you can access any of your cards once they are in your wallet.
The wallet is slim and minimalist, and there is also an option to add any of the Hell-Bent money slips. If you are looking for an affordable option, the Hell-Bent carbon fiber wallet is it.
6. The Frenchie Carbon Speed Wallet Mini
Pros
- RFID blocking
- Eco-friendly Italian leather
- The world’s finest carbon fiber
Cons
- None
Not many carbon fiber wallets unfold. Not many carbon fiber wallets are the carbon speed wallet mini from The Frenchie Co. They have managed to create a wallet that is flexible and unfolds by mixing carbon fiber with premium leather. Most carbon fiber wallets are designed for mainly card carry, but the Frenchie carbon wallet is designed for cards and cash.
The world’s finest carbon fiber is mixed with eco-friendly Italian leather and features a magnetic closure. You can unfold the wallets to better insert and remove all of your bills and cards. When the wallet is folded, the innovative design means you can still retrieve all of your cards quickly by pulling them upward.
The Frenchie is small and compact when folded but gives a lot of storage space when unfolded. You can hold up to 12 cards and 20 bills. Carbon fiber wallets mainly look the same, but this carbon fiber wallet takes the design to the next level.
7. NIMALIST™ Wallet – Carbon Fiber
Pros
- RFID blocking
- Simple & minimalist
- Quick-access card slot
Cons
- None
For a minimalist carry option, the Nimalist carbon fiber wallet is one of the best. The wallet comes in at around the size of a credit card, and the 3K carbon fiber is one of the strongest and lightest materials ever to be used in a wallet. This is why the Nimalist wallet is so highly regarded in the minimalist community. It is tough, light, and small.
Carbon fiber is more resilient, and it comes in one of four finishes: aluminum, titanium, steel, and wood. Don’t worry; each finish is as strong as the other, so you are never going to be sacrificing strength for style. This is a wallet that really is timeless—it looks great, and it will last.
You can hold up to 16 cards and 20 bills both inside the case and in the metal clip on the side. The quick-access slot allows you to easily retrieve the cards that are stored inside, and the RFID technology protects you from theft. The perfect wallet if you want to live a minimalist life.
What To Know Before Buying a Carbon Fiber Wallet?
Carbon fiber wallets share a lot of the same features, but there are some things to think about that will set your perfect wallet apart from the others. When you are searching for a carbon fiber wallet, you should look for the following:
Simplicity
This does not mean that you should look for the wallet with the least functionality. You should know what you need and then look for a wallet that fits those needs. Most carbon fiber wallets are small, light, and minimalist, but there are extra bells and whistles added to some that you might not need. If you are looking for a carbon fiber wallet, you are already searching for a simple wallet. Stick to that.
Card Capacity
Check the wallet that you have now and count how many cards you carry. Now, go through those cards and look for the ones that you actually need to carry with you every day. That is the capacity that you need. You don’t want a wallet that does not offer enough capacity, but going overboard can mean a wallet that is bigger than needed.
The Material
Not all carbon fiber wallets are created equally. Just because it is a carbon fiber wallet, that does not mean that the wallet is completely carbon fiber. Some wallets fall into this classification just by having a carbon fiber backplate. If it is important to you to have a complete carbon fiber wallet, then make sure that you look for that. A wallet that is partially carbon fiber can offer similar strength at a more affordable price.
Functionality
You already know how many cards you need the wallet to carry, but how do you access those cards? Wallets like the Ekster carbon fiber wallet have an innovative card access design, while others can unfold. What is right for one person might not be right for you, so pay attention to how the cards are held and accessed.
RFID technology is a must if you are worried about your card data being stolen. This technology stops thieves with scanners from stealing your card data when the wallet is in your pocket.
Cash is being carried less and less, but if you need to carry cash with you, you better make sure that the wallet can do that. Some have no cash clips, and others have optional clips that can be added. Most have a cash-carry option, but not all do.
Size
Most carbon fiber wallets are minimalist. Of course, this does not mean that all carbon fiber wallets are tiny. The card-carrying capacity and functionality will affect the size (and weight) of the wallet, and the size of the wallet will depend a lot on the functionality that you are looking for.
When you have nailed down your functionality, you can decide on the final size of the wallet. The design will dictate some of the sizes, and that comes down to personal choice. You might opt for a slightly larger wallet that looks the way you want, or you can choose a wallet based solely on the size.
