September 23, 2021

The Future of the Clear Organizer Wallet

40 comments
The Future of the Clear Organizer Wallet

Folks had asked us to film a new video showing off the features and use of the Clear Organizer Wallet (COW) — we filmed this reel before the COW was restocked on 8/30 and sold out same day, which caught us by surprise. 

But there's two videos below: first up is the video you asked us to make. Second is a video that shows off two new potential versions of the Clear Organizer Wallet. You see, we're totally out of the brown suede material to make the dividers as we did in the last batch, and we're now looking at two different options: Texon or Black microsuede. 

We want your feedback on the two options — which would you prefer and why? — so be sure to share it in the comments. 

 

So, to recap from the beginning: after we retired our Clear Organizer Wallet, many of you asked us to offer another production run. We did, and it sold out quickly. Since it'd be annoying of us not to offer another run (not everyone was able to have a COW, man) we're going to make more, but here's the thing: we're out of the brown synthetic suede that we used to make the dividers of the last batch. The good news is that we have two other options, but the bad news is we can't decide which we like best: it's 50/50 here amongst the crew. 

First option is: Texon. Texon is the material used to make the accessory strap holders on The Guide's Pack and Guide's Edition Syniks, Synapses. It's a stiff, durable, high quality faux leather/felt. Those of us who prefer the Texon dividers prefer them because they are stiff: it's easier to thumb through the dividers, and the wallet overall is stiffer and has more structure. 

Second option is: Black Microsuede. Also a high-quality faux material, this suede is perhaps just a little softer than the previous synthetic suedes used for the COW. Those of us here at TB who prefer this option like it because of the softness: this version of the COW is much more comfortable carried in pants pockets.

Based on the video and our descriptions above, which option would you prefer and why? Note: while this isn't a poll or vote (we gather feedback from many online spaces, as well as crew, friends, and family in-person) we will consider the feedback shared as we decide which material to use on the next run of COWs!

40 comments

Joyce - September 23, 2021

My preference is the black microsuede. I’d love to have a softer wallet :)
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TOM BIHN replied:
Noted. And it is noticeably softer with the Black microsuede.

BethC - September 23, 2021

I think I would prefer the Texon, because I like the color and probably the feel. However it is not a strong preference, as the black microsuede seems fine too. I think it’s nice if you use a color that won’t clash with any of the outside fabrics, and either one fits the bill. I don’t know for sure that I would switch back to the clear organizer wallet as my regular carry, because the minimalist version you offer takes up so much less space, but it might be good for certain travel situations.
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TOM BIHN replied:
Makes a good case for both, really — at this point, we’re thinking we may offer both options side-by-side.

Karen - September 23, 2021

Re Texon or Microsuede in COW - I’m not sure which I’d prefer without having them in hand. Probably the Texon as it’s stiffer if that makes it easier to thumb through the sections. Thank you for running your company in such a customer-oriented way, and stay safe!
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TOM BIHN replied:
Yeah, when some of us heard about the samples being made we thought the Texon would be way too stiff, but having it in hand it worked much better than at least some of us thought. And thanks for sharing your feedback, it’s part of what makes what we do interesting and helps us evolve!

Steph - September 23, 2021

I would prefer the black microsuede myself. For both the color preference, and I feel like something less stiff would be preferable, especially if one would put something stiff inside of the wallet anyway.
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TOM BIHN replied:
True that: the cards themselves provide stiffness. One thing we’d add is that some of us find it easier to thumb through the Texon dividers.

Brenda - September 23, 2021

I guess I would prefer the Texon… To have an alternative that is stiffer, but still light-colored. I think I told you I DID purchase the brown suede COW because I was tired of looking at the dull gray interior.

Suede is also a little harder to thumb through, like you mentioned. So while it’s not my favorite color, my vote is Texon.
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TOM BIHN replied:
As someone who prefers the Texon, I’d say one of my favorite things is that I think I’m able to thumb through and get the exact card I want just a little faster because of the stiffness.

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