• ACCESSORIES
Ridge Wallet Review: Minimal, Functional, & RFID Blocking
Reviewed by Jamal James
Last Updated March 2022
Chances are if you’re here, you already know the greatness behind the The Ridge Wallet. Using long-lasting materials such as aluminum, titanium, forged carbon, and carbon fiber, The Ridge's modern, compact, minimalist wallets redefine the way you carry your cash and credit cards.
Finding a good, long-lasting wallet can be difficult. But, if you want a comfortable, go-to, everyday carry option that looks great and is built to last, The Ridge Wallet is our top pick, and it may be your best bet.
FEATURED IN THIS REVIEW
By combining their (gold) standard minimalist design with a premium gold-plated finish, The 18k Gold Ridge Wallet is a magnificently simple statement of craftsmanship and class. Complete with a microfiber cloth for care and shine, RFID blocking technology, and a lifetime warranty, it’s more than worth the bang for your buck. It’s also a fantastic gift – but you’ll probably end up keeping it yourself.
Pros
- Premium, durable materials – 18 Karat Gold Plated 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Modern minimalist design
- RFID blocking construction
- Comfortable, compact, everyday carry
- Slim, front-pocket friendly design helps prevent back pain from sitting on bulky, back-pocket wallets
- Holds 1-12 cards easily
- Comes with additional screws, microfiber cloth, and Torx screwdriver
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- On the pricier side – $225
- Credit-card-size only/ limited sizing options
- Smudges easily (keep that cloth handy)
Ratings Breakdown
QUALITY
4.9 ★★★★★
Ridge wallets are crafted out of premium materials like Grade 5 Titanium to stand up to even the toughest abuse.
VALUE
4.9 ★★★★★
Aesthetically pleasing, well crafted products meant to last a lifetime. Initial price tag may seem higher than other wallets, but the lifetime guarantee offsets the cost.
CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCE
4.7 ★★★★★
The Ridge Wallet performs just as well, if not better than other wallets due to the strong construction, slim profile, and RFID-blocking technology.
BRAND
4.5 ★★★★
Staying true to its origin as a family-founded business, The Ridge puts people first and is on a mission to enhance everyday experiences by delivering top-quality essential products and accessories that are built to last.
Who is The Ridge?
The Ridge was started back in 2013 by Daniel and Paul Kane. They are a father and son team whose idea to carry less and live more has transformed the way we accessorize and how we value what we carry.
The Ridge grew out of a goal to eliminate excess waste and build long lasting, performance-focused products. This dedication to durability increases The Ridge's sustainability, while reducing the overall, lifetime cost of the products, themselves. All Ridge products are meant for everyday use and made to last a lifetime.
The Ridge Wallet Review
The Ridge has truly redefined the standard wallet, and the brand’s bestselling styles are no exception. Each one is brilliantly designed with a sleek finish, yet artful, considered minimalism.
Whether you choose the Cash Strap or the Money Clip (or both) to accompany your wallet, you’ll never be disappointed. Not everyone is going to buy both the Cash Strap and the Money Clip with a single wallet. However, both options are simple and easily interchangeable. You can even have both on the same wallet. But I don’t recommend that option. As it weighs down the wallet itself, and creates more clunkiness in the pocket.
The Torx screwdriver that comes with it was a breeze to use. But keep an eye on those screws! They’re so tiny that I spent ten minutes looking for one that dropped while I was swapping in the money clip. Thankfully, the wallets do come with extra screws, should you need them.
The Money Clip and Cash Strap are both great options for holding bills. But if I had to pick one over the other: It’s the Cash Strap, hands down. The elastic is more comfortable and holds more cash, efficiently, which is important in an everyday wallet.
The Money Clip got caught more than once on as I removed it from my pocket for regular use. This was a snag that the strap avoids entirely. However, if you’re looking to dress up your Ridge Wallet with a less-casual style, the Ridge Wallet Money Clip is a solid option.
How Well Does The Ridge Wallet Perform?
The Ridge Wallet performs fantastically well. It’s light and easy to use, once you figure out the slight nuances. The weight of these wallets range from 2 oz – 3.5 oz empty, which is pretty darn light. This wallet slides easily into your pants pocket or purse. The only issues we’ve run across with it is that if the money clip is used it can snag on pants pockets. So, if you plan to take the wallet out frequently, you may want to opt for the cash strap instead.
The exterior of these wallets, while exceedingly resilient to long term damage, may scratch. These wallets come with a soft microfiber cleaning cloth to keep the exterior clean. However, if you put this wallet in your pocket with any other hard metal objects, such as keys, they are prone to getting scratched. So, I would suggest keeping this wallet in a solitary pocket of its own, or in a dedicated compartment of your purse.
Long term, though, this wallet is meant to last for life, according to the brand. And they back this up by offering their lifetime warranty. However, they do not cover normal wear and tear (which, according to them, includes damage/dents from dropping or scratches on the face). But, they do cover all of the parts, if any of them get lost or no longer operate properly.
Is The Ridge Wallet a Quality Product?
Each Ridge Wallet is crafted from premium materials such as Grade 5 Titanium, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Each wallet also includes two inner aluminum plates that block Radio-Frequency Identification: RFID’s are radio waves used to scan and poach your personal information off your credit cards and passports. The extra level of consideration and security makes this brand — and its products — a sure standout.
Is The Ridge Wallet Worth It?
If you're okay spending more upfront for a staple accessory that is made to last or if you're looking to treat yourself to a style upgrade, then it may just be a good buy. The Ridge's top of the line construction and lifetime guarantee helps to offset the cost.
Plus, they have a wide price range to appeal to different budgets. So, if the $225 price tag of the 18 Karat Gold Plated wallet is a steep spend, there are other more accessible options for you to explore and enjoy. Either way, this wallet should be the last wallet you’ll ever need to buy. Which makes it worth it in my book.
The Ridge Wallet: Final Thoughts
Overall, The Ridge Wallet is a great addition to almost anyone’s life. These wallets are strong, built to last, functional and beautifully designed. While the initial sticker shock may be a deterrent for some, the lifespan of the product is worth considering.
Should you buy it? Yes! It’s the right investment. However, it is a premium item, so make sure to keep your microfiber cloth close by, and treat it with care.