Carl Friedrik Swanfield oozes craftsmanship, but with cash carry concerns

[@andregadelha272]

I was looking for a new wallet on Amazon. I've never thought about a whole KZbin channel on wallets haha Thanks for the content, you've saved me lots of trouble.

[@walletopia]

Happy to help!

[@ihavenoname8020]

Hey Mark! You are hands down the best wallet reviewer on YT in my opinion.

[@walletopia]

Thanks Ana Lee, you're very kind!

[@ihavenoname8020]

@@walletopia No problem Mark! keep up the good work and stay safe out there!

[@Brett11D]

I ordered the Swanfield and Hatton wallets after seeing your review and after a lot of research. Received them within a week - I must say, these are great wallets! Leather quality is top notch, workmanship is very high quality. Your review is right on target! I was considering these, J Harber and Hentley. Happy with my choice. Great review!!

[@MrSupernova111]

The most impressive leather slim wallet I've seen so far. Thanks for the review!

[@smigglesmiggles614]

I love this wallet, glad that I got the navy blue colour before it was discontinued. I really hope they bring it back though!

[@walletopia]

That's a beautiful color, I also hope it comes back.

[@aseamin2529]

Damn why did they discontinue blue?

[@dmack1827]

Great review, Mark. I normally find a fault with every wallet because I am picky on design aspects. The only thing I don't care for on this one is the squared outside corners on the outside card pocket. They will roll with use and develop a curl. The paper money sizing is an issue as well but many designers, build for specific markets. Overall, I really like it.

[@walletopia]

Great observation, I wonder if they've seen this problem in the past?

[@g-rated-g]

I'm liking the look of this wallet

[@g-rated-g]

Thanks for this review. I've followed your channel for a while and finally decided to settle on this one. Just sent the order in and named dropped you. Hope that helps in some way to say thank you :)

[@walletopia]

Great choice and thanks for dropping our name, we have talked with them and hope to see new designs soon!

[@mccrimmon574ify]

I find with the finished pockets when wallet stretches it's more slippery and card slide out easier

[@walletopia]

Good observation, flesh sided leather does provide some friction to prevent that. In the case of this wallet, the exterior slot and interior vertical card slots could become a risk

[@DrDennis]

Glad I finally found my ideal wallet after a Ridge 👎. Stow slip wallet is 100X better than any others! Love it.

[@walletopia]

The STOW wallet is excellent and a great replacement option for band wallets like Ridge.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

This thing is almost $140 now. Just crazy

[@MightyRostam]

According to the CF website, this wallet is made in Portugal, not Italy.

[@donmoore6813]

Another great review!! So glad I found your site.

[@walletopia]

Thanks so much!

[@THEREALTWISTEDINSANE]

Do the GOVO next

[@walletopia]

Looks interesting, we'll put it on the purchase list.

[@johnnychin4777]

What's the layer behind the slits on the left to separate the slot behind? A fabric or leather?

[@walletopia]

Hi Johnny, it's leather. The Carl Friedrik's have a finished leather all the way through the wallet.

[@johnnychin4777]

@@walletopia I see, does the cards in the left vertical slips are going to the left horizontal slot behind?

[@keysersoze5094]

Good reviews. Side note, which watch are you wearing in the is video? Thx.

[@seionislam7119]

Hey mark I ordered the houbei wallet and it's taking a long time how long did it take you

[@walletopia]

About a week, although I am seeing that all mail globally is taking way longer than pre-COVID. For example, I just received a wallet today from Japan that was shipped April 8th!

[@seionislam7119]

@@walletopia I ordered mine June 28th and it still hasn't shipped

[@jenniferumipeg683]

I don't know what is so interesting about wallet reviews but I like it good job.😄👍🙂😁

[@walletopia]

Glad you like them!

[@barsason1]

hello where is the long term carry of the vaultskin notting hill?

[@walletopia]

You’ve been carry patient! It’s scheduled to publish on July 24th!

[@barsason1]

@@walletopia yes thank you cant wait!

[@andrewetos]

It's almost perfect, beautiful cognac color as well. Would love a quality/features comparison to the Vaultskin City or Manhattan Card wallets.

[@walletopia]

Thanks Andrew! Great suggestion!

[@sidkings]

Good shout! I would like to see that. I have a Vaultskin City.

[@andrewetos]

FoyshaCollection Perfect. I actually have the Roik City and it’s similar to the Vaultskin City from what I’ve seen. I was in huge debate on which of the two I’d get. Roik was just a bit smaller 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sidkings]

@@andrewetos Between the two I think Roik has a slightly more modern look to it. It functions well and the design would appeal more to younger people. Excellent choice 👍🏾 For me I opted for the Vaultskin City because I was seeking a more sophisticated and subtle look. Hence I went for VS City.

[@alvinchng1982]

I think you missed out the rear slot on the right, maybe doable for 7th card?

[@walletopia]

I did, thanks for pointing that out. Yes, that could be a 7th card and very doable, more as the leather stretches a bit.

[@themasterteacher]

I like the Carl Friedrik Chester wallet.

[@autumnmatthews3179]

I’m not always sure about lifetime warranties because the company has to be around for that but hopefully these guys are well established and will continue to be successful

[@walletopia]

Very true, but these folks have been around a few years and have established sales channels.

[@Hehhin]

this wallet screams quality! I wish it was a bit wider to accommodate more bills.

[@walletopia]

Agreed on both counts, the quality is excellent.

[@germundmortsell8485]

Great review. Does it have RFID protection?

[@walletopia]

No, thank goodness. If you haven't already, watch this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h32VeXidhKuErsU If you still want protection, I would suggest getting an RFID Card instead of having it be in the wallet. More flexibility on purchase options, better quality and you can still get protection.

[@petipetya]

Beautiful and quality wallet with great value for money. Like it.

[@walletopia]

Yes indeed!

[@arey256]

Is that a cognac color?

[@walletopia]

Yes.

[@mariogarrido]

Have you heard of the Singular Leather Wallet? It would be nice to see a review of that.

[@walletopia]

Hi Mário, YES! I ordered it a couple months ago, international shipping has been taking 2-4x longer than before COVID, such a bother, but it's on the way!

[@edwinty1010]

Love the detailed review, super informative! I’m looking at this with the Bellroy note sleeve as well as the Popov Leather. I’ve watched your reviews on all 3 but still undecided. Which one would you recommend? I do still use bills (Hong Kong) quite a lot so the cash slot is what I was concerned with this Swanfield model. But the quality and aesthetics plus monogram-able are very appealing. Thanks! Ed

[@walletopia]

If cash was a balanced carry requirement I would go with the Swanfield, but if you use cash heavily, along with other options, then I'd go with the Bellroy.

[@edwinty1010]

@@walletopia Thank you so much for the suggestion! After commenting, I dug deeper and eventually ordered the Popov traditional billfold. I rewatched what you said about Swanfield can't take EURO, that's a deal-breaker for me. Thanks again!

[@Bad4Good2]

Please review the amwell by them

[@djstrange-]

Hi Mark, amazing reviews. Do you think you could fit a Fisher bullet pen inside along the spine? Thanks

[@walletopia]

No, that would be too wide for the wallet.

[@djstrange-]

@@walletopia thanks for the reply, do have you any recomendations for a bifold card holder that could fit a bullet pen?

[@walletopia]

@@djstrange- There aren't many quality mass market wallets that support the bullet pen. However, if you go to Etsy and do a search for bullet pen wallet, there are a number of excellent, handmade wallets that would work in many configurations to choose from.

[@panagiotissakketos]

To whoever mentioned something about the Vaultskin City wallet it would be awesome if you made a review of that. I'm really considering to buy it due to its quality and there arent even any solid reviews out there on it.

[@walletopia]

Interestingly, the City wallet is made for Euro and Pound while the Manhattan is made for US/Canadian Dollar

[@AltamashSayed]

The leather quality and craftmanship is top-notch on this!! Would you recommend their cash carry bifold, the Amwell as well?

[@walletopia]

I have the Amwell in our inventory so I pulled it out. It's made very well, but the card slots (or slits) are a little funky. Look at the pictures and see if you're okay with it, but otherwise, nicely made.

[@AltamashSayed]

@@walletopia thanks a lot!! Any chance of reviewing the Amwell soon?

[@Pcar_dad6733]

Debating between Swanfield or Hatton. Any suggestion?

[@walletopia]

Personally, I like the Swanfield and it appears to be the fan favorite. More slots, more flexible carry options, still looks, feels and smells incredible.

[@Pcar_dad6733]

@@walletopia just received it today. Wow! I am switching from a LV wallet which fell apart after 4 years, quality of CF is as par with high end brand, if not better. Hopefully I can get many years out of swanfield.

[@walletopia]

@@Pcar_dad6733 Great to hear! It's an excellent wallet!

[@watercooled8105]

Amazing what uncovered keys do to a leather wallet in a pocket. Cognac,-nice color for that wallet. How does it fit in the front pocket? The extra time spent pointing out visible quality on the wallet is appreciated.. Is there any indication this wallet was built for the currency in this market and a different version for larger currency? That would be very “boutique”, but perhaps a profit killer-

[@watercooled8105]

Ordered and received. Video doesn’t give credit to the gorgeous color and leather texture. Seven assorted plastic cards, three insurance cards, five bills loaded. Good front pocket fit. Interesting presentation of cards on inside-left-unique for me. Enjoying the experience.

[@isaackeast9814]

I ordered mine last week and it’s waiting for me at home once I finish work!

[@IlhamMaulana-mx6qn]

wow great review!

[@walletopia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@njamesthomasl]

It’s a LV pocket organiser design copy with the internal panels in mirror positions. Sure the quality of this will be better though 😶

[@walletopia]

I'd really like to get a look at the perceived quality of the LV build, but I just can't get myself to pay that much for it.

[@Prime-808]

Added to my potential next wallet list :)

[@Richard_Barnes]

If I’d not just bought 2 new Craft and Lore wallets I might have gone for this! 😬👍🏻

[@walletopia]

Oh come on! What's one more? 😂

[@Richard_Barnes]

walletopia 😂 yeh I walked into that 👍🏻

[@johnnychin4777]

Is it really burned and not painted on the edge? I don't see burn info on their website, sorry if I missed anything, I still new to leather treatments! Here's one video from their website and seem like they paint something on the edge and not burn it www.carlfriedrik.com/pages/about-us

[@walletopia]

It's a painted edge you've never seen before as it's treated to be very hard, like a true burnished edge.

[@johnnychin4777]

@@walletopia I see, I think they brush and polish the edges as well right from their website video, they have a machine to polish the edges but I not sure, but thanks!

[@walletopia]

Yes, a machine burnish is common but the strength of this edge is unique, it’s like glass in look (very shiny) and in rigidity. I really like it.

[@walletopia]

Makes sense, just like shining a shoe.

[@Woddeh]

I really like this wallet, trying to make a decision between this and the Dela Nora Slim Speciale

[@walletopia]

Personally, I'd go for the Swanfield.

[@Woddeh]

@@walletopia I think I'm going to, the Dela Nora just feels like it has so much more personality, like you're buying from a friend rather than a brand. Unfortunately it just seems to be shy of perfect for me, I don't need an exterior card pocket but the fact that the Swanfield is almost as thin as the cards placed inside is really hard to pass up.

[@W.CambridgeLeatherCraft]

Another great video! I've just uploaded a new cardholder build video you might find interesting

[@marcoromano3973]

Leave it to the Italians to make a quality product 💪🏻

[@winstonsim8982]

Hi, this or ander Apollo? I can't make up my mind..

[@walletopia]

This, no question, much higher quality and construction.

[@winstonsim8982]

@@walletopia haha thanks for reply! But I really wish to have a money clip.

[@andrewetos]

Now that I checked actually I’d be much better to compare with or even do a review of the Vaultskin City wallet since there aren’t any proper reviews of it out there. I’d be exciting Or imagine a Roik City vs Vaultskin City. They are a bit similar afterall

[@walletopia]

What might be the reason for no reviews yet is that Vaultskin created the City for Euro currencies and the Manhattan which we see in the US for dollars (US/Canadian). I plan to review both and do a comparison review too.

[@andrewetos]

walletopia very true. Leaving it up to you 😌...

[@josevasquez387]

Beautiful design but the machine stitching is an automatic ding in quality for me. Why take such a gorgeous leather only to stitch it with using a method that is proven to be weaker than a traditional saddle stitch?

[@walletopia]

Yes, agreed, hand stitching will last longer, but in the case of this wallet, the design almost requires it to be machine stitched. With the attention to fine details, to punch the holes small enough to hand sew would be prohibitive (not sure how they'd do it well) and while strong would affect the aesthetics.

[@josevasquez387]

@@walletopia I can see your reasoning however as far as I know that is not entirely true. The “European” style of leather crafting typically features hand stitching just as small/fine as the machine stitching done here. My wallet for example was made by Rex Jhuang and his saddle stitch is incredibly small. Larger, beefier stitching is seen more typically in saddlery, at least in the traditional sense. So while I can understand the reasoning here, I really don’t think there is any reason other than cost cutting or lack of traditional leather crafting training on behalf of both the company and those that made the wallet.

[@walletopia]

@@josevasquez387 Ah yes, Rex! His wallets are amazing, but are 3x as much. I'm going to check in with Carl Freidrik to verify the sewing methods they use.

[@mattchandler8129]

I’m late to the comment party, but this wallet ages horribly, in my opinion. I’ve had mine two years now, I got it after watching this review. Mine looks ‘dirty’ if that makes any sense. Very dark scuff marks, dents etc. It doesn’t age well like my other leather wallets. I’ve actually gone back to my Bellroy Slim Sleeve since it’s aged beautifully and still suites my needs. Not sure if anybody else has had this problem with the Swanfeld?

[@walletopia]

Thanks for the observations on your experience, it would be interesting to hear from others.

[@Michaelsimeon333]

Same for my walden wallet. Been using for 1 year and it doesn't look good at all. And the thing is i only used it when i go on holiday or i have a cash. Not recommended

[@marvyeap]

Hi Mark. Have you heard of Joseph Bonnie? Check them out and see if you can do a review on their minimalist wallets

[@walletopia]

Hi Marvin, I haven't, but went and looked. Their card/cash wallet is cool, the way to hold the cash is a great design accommodation. I ordered one, so we'll get it on the review schedule.

[@marvyeap]

Hi Mark, awesome. Thanks for the quick response. Looking forward to that review. Cheers.

[@marvyeap]

Hi Mark, btw did you get the Joseph Bonnie Buddy (bi fold) wallet in black? That’s the only one that’s not sold out I think.

[@walletopia]

Actually, I was able to get it in Camel.

[@marvyeap]

Mark, very nice. Awesome. You probably got the last one as it shows “sold out” now.

[@sidkings]

I do like this wallet alot. It smacks of Italian quality and style! Bellissimo!... The one thing I think has let this wallet down is that it does'nt fit inetrnational notes. The fact that it does'nt take Euro Note 50+ is just silly..

[@SantaZeede]

Yeah especially since it's an European company.

[@davidwall6851]

I love your candor! #AGREE if you don't want something that will last for 20 years and has "character" from use, then buy some cheap plastic crap! LOL

[@marcoromano3973]

Another great review ! I had been looking at getting a bellroy until I saw this review of this wallet . Now I am leaning more toward this one. The fact it’s Italian leather and made in Italy to me makes it superior to the bellroy slim sleeve and not sleeve. Maybe I am biased because I am Italian American lol what’s your input? @walletopia

[@walletopia]

From a leather perspective the Carl Friedrik is superior, no question. And the Italian provenance of the leather is a better story too :)

[@marcoromano3973]

walletopia excellent ! So quality goes to Friedrik. And from a usability standpoint is it as good, better, or worse then slim sleeve ?

[@walletopia]

Usability would go to the slim sleeve. Bellroy leather is good, it’s cut very thin but wears fine. It’s also softer to the touch.

[@marcoromano3973]

walletopia thank you so much! My mentality is quality over quantity, so I guess I’ll be going with the Friedrik !

[@alexp3997]

Man I just have never been a fan of external cars slots like that, just a tacky look to me in my opinion, gorgeous wallet besides that though

[@walletopia]

Good point. I like the quick access, but from an aesthetics perspective it doesn't look the best, especially if you have a really nice leather, design, etc.

[@markdecke2929]

I have this wallet it's very well made

[@walletopia]

Great to hear Mark, has it performed as you expected?

[@markdecke2929]

@@walletopia yes I don't use it as often as I would like as I have so many wallets bit seeing the review I'll give it another spin

[@SuperDraupnir]

I havent used cash for probably 15 years now.

[@walletopia]

I’m the same. I carry a $20 for emergencies but that’s it unless I travel internationally.

[@AyoWow]

Walletopia! What if you made a "Top 5 Boomer Dad wallets 2020" 😂 Dads need back pocket carry, 5 cash 5 card minimum, leather, and under $85! Jokes mostly but I'd love to watch it 👍

[@walletopia]

😂. That would be humorous! I'll think about that one.