Is the Axwell wallet worth buying? This hands-on review will tell you what we think.
Ever since The Ridge and Ekster, shook up the wallet game, there’s been a profusion of minimalist metal wallets.
Some of them are hits, with new features and innovative designs.
Others are… well… not so great.
I’ve tested several of these next-gen wallets, and have a healthy skepticism about whether they’re better than a classic leather bifold.
That’s what makes me a good source to bring you this Axwell metal wallet review — where I’ll give you the ins and outs of what makes it great, what could be improved, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
About Axwell
Founded in 2017, Axwell started small with their signature wallet — the one that we’re looking at here. Designed by a small team working from Canada, the United States, and Spain, they have a strong focus on combining clean design with exceptional durability.
They also donate a portion of their proceeds to homeless veterans, making the brand another force for good in the world
Axwell Metal Wallet Review (Two Colors)
Axwell was kind enough to send me two colors of their wallet to review, so I could get a better feel for how their range of colors works in person. Functionally, the two wallets are identical.
So, right out of the box you can tell that Axwell has put a lot of thought into their design and presentation. The wallets look great, and even their packaging has an upscale feel to it.
Everything is nestled neatly inside of the box, with the cash clip tucked underneath the wallet.
Pulling the wallets out of their boxes is where it gets interesting.
The Axwell wallet is unique in that it is built with a modular design. The front and back panels are held on by magnets, making it easy to customize the wallet with the cash strap, cash clip, both, or neither.
Here’s the mechanism you use to install the cash clip:
And here it is fully attached:
I like the idea of this in theory. Unfortunately, the magnets aren’t super strong — so if you load up the cash clip with bills, it puts just enough pressure on that back plate to make it easy to pop off.
Not exactly what you want to have happen when you’re pulling your wallet out of your pocket.
The cash strap, on the other hand, works perfectly. And it’s extremely easy to install or remove.
I also find the loading and unloading of cards to be a lot easier with the Axwell wallet as compared to The Ridge. Its beveled edges make it easier to slide the cards in and out.
And while it’s a little bit thicker than The Ridge wallet (seen here on the left), it’s still a very thin and manageable, minimalist wallet.
So overall, I’m really satisfied with how this wallet works. The blaze orange color is pretty awesome too — not garish, but just flashy and interesting enough.
Axwell Wallet Pros and Cons
Wherein I tell you the strengths and weaknesses of the Axwell metal wallet.
Pros
- Overall construction is solid
- Modular design makes it easier to customize than any other metal wallet I’ve tested
- Colors are true to what is shown online (maybe even a little nicer)
- Cash strap works especially well
- Axwell sells replacement elastics for whenever yours wear out
- Prices are pretty reasonable
Cons
- Magnetic plates have a tendency to come loose
- Cash clip design could be better; when loaded heavily, it tends to pull the back panel off
- Slightly thicker than The Ridge wallet
Overall Impression
Every metal wallet these days has to live up to the OG — The Ridge wallet — or die trying.
Overall, Axwell’s metal wallet definitely holds up well. It’s offered at a more reasonable price than The Ridge, though it’ll still cost you a pretty penny.
But you’ll get easier access to loading and unloading your cards, and easier customization. The cash clip design could be improved, but the cash strap works just as well if not better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wherein we answer the most commonly asked questions about metal wallets from around the web.
Are metal wallets good?
Metal wallets are great for people who want a minimalist wallet and people who don’t carry their wallet in their pants pocket. Their stiff corners can be a little bit uncomfortable in a pair of jeans, though.
What’s the point of a metal wallet?
Metal wallets are extremely durable and relatively lightweight. But most importantly: They look really cool. So rather than thinking of them as an improvement over a metal wallet, just think of them as an alternative style.
Where do you buy metal wallets?
There are dozens of brands making metal wallets now, and you can buy from any of their web stores. Or you can just go check out our guide to the 10 best metal wallets instead, since it has links to where you can buy each of them.
Conclusion: Is the Axwell Wallet Worth Buying?
So in the end, yes: I believe the Axwell metal wallet is worth buying. It’s well-made and thoughtfully designed, and the colors look great in person, too.
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