01.
TLDR
Built for carrying only the essentials: a few credit cards, your driver’s license, and health insurance cards.
- Inspired by origami: a series of internal folds forms card pockets and creates a seamless, stitch-free silhouette
- Two card slots hold 6-10 cards securely—whether the wallet is inside or out
- Magnetic closure for easy, fuss-free access
- Zipper-free and ultra-slim by design
- Clean, modern aesthetic
- Perfect if you prefer to stay cash-free
If you're familiar with our retired Nik's Minimalist Wallets, these are the most similar to the Nik's Minimalist Wallet #1 and #5.
02.
Full Description
A Rework of our Much-Loved Nik's Minimalist Wallet
The Rework Process
Our goal was to improve the failure point we had identified on our wallets. We kept seeing wallets come in for the same kind of repair, elastic replacement.
The answer to our problem seemed simple: Replace the elastic with a different one.
Our designer Jose began by making and testing samples with a more robust elastic, unfortunately the added bulk of the new elastic made it difficult to sew and the new stretch made the wallets bunch and deform, also it didn’t solve the issue of the elastic wearing out.
He wanted to find a way to close our wallets that didn’t utilize an element that would wear out and would need to be replaced eventually; This ruled out elastics and hook and loop closures.
He found some magnets that we had used on past products (the P.I.K.A. Pouch, in particular) and decided to give them a try in a sample. After some patternmaking and sewing, we had a sample with a new closure system, the new sample retained the “minimal” nature of the original wallet and improved its function.
The minimal aspect of our wallets was also important, and we wanted to keep the new version as close to the original as possible. The new closure system is a great improvement, and we have been pleased with how it’s performed.
The team has been testing the new version since last year, overall, the feedback has been great, and we are excited to reintroduce wallets into our product assortment.
Style #1
The Style#1 Minimalist Wallet is the same format as the old Nik's Minimalist Wallet #1 with the new closure.
It has two interior pockets, one on each side, and no exterior pockets. In lieu of the elastic band it has two magnets to close the wallet.
Style #2
The Style #2 Minimalist Wallet is the same format as as the Nik's Minimalist Wallet #5 with the new closure.
It has two interior pockets, one on each side, and one exterior pocket. In lieu of the elastic band it has two magnets to close the wallet.
Our goal was to improve the failure point we had identified on our wallets. We kept seeing wallets come in for the same kind of repair, elastic replacement.
The answer to our problem seemed simple: Replace the elastic with a different one.
Our designer Jose began by making and testing samples with a more robust elastic, unfortunately the added bulk of the new elastic made it difficult to sew and the new stretch made the wallets bunch and deform, also it didn’t solve the issue of the elastic wearing out.
He wanted to find a way to close our wallets that didn’t utilize an element that would wear out and would need to be replaced eventually; This ruled out elastics and hook and loop closures.
He found some magnets that we had used on past products (the P.I.K.A. Pouch, in particular) and decided to give them a try in a sample. After some patternmaking and sewing, we had a sample with a new closure system, the new sample retained the “minimal” nature of the original wallet and improved its function.
The minimal aspect of our wallets was also important, and we wanted to keep the new version as close to the original as possible. The new closure system is a great improvement, and we have been pleased with how it’s performed.
The team has been testing the new version since last year, overall, the feedback has been great, and we are excited to reintroduce wallets into our product assortment.
The Style#1 Minimalist Wallet is the same format as the old Nik's Minimalist Wallet #1 with the new closure.
It has two interior pockets, one on each side, and no exterior pockets. In lieu of the elastic band it has two magnets to close the wallet.
The Style #2 Minimalist Wallet is the same format as as the Nik's Minimalist Wallet #5 with the new closure.
It has two interior pockets, one on each side, and one exterior pocket. In lieu of the elastic band it has two magnets to close the wallet.
Still Have Questions?
- emailus@tombihn.com
- Ask in our Forums
03.
Materials
Exterior Fabrics
Interior Fabrics
04.
Specs
Dimensions
Unfolded: 5.7" x 3.9" / 145 x 100 mm
Folded: 2.9" x 3.9" / 75 x 100 mm
Weight
0.6 oz / 16 grams
- Tim S.Verified ReviewerBought For OtherProduct Standouts Compact, Durable, UniqueYesterdayBought For OtherProduct Standouts Compact, Durable, UniqueRated 3 out of 5 starsGood but Pricey
I love my Nik's wallet. It's still going strong but after almost four years could use a replacement. However, the price is giving me pause. This new version is $22 more than I paid in 2021! Have costs really risen nearly 60% in that time?
Was this helpful? - Mark C.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Compact, Great GiftYesterdayBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Compact, Great GiftRated 5 out of 5 starsPerfect
This is exactly the wallet I've been looking for. I only carry cards (no cash) and one side holds my personal cards, the other my business cards. And that magnetic closure is just so satisfying.
Was this helpful? - Patrick D.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size, Compact3 days agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size, CompactRated 4 out of 5 starsMinimalist Wallet
I love the original minimalist wallet, and I like the new one well enough, but the magnets in the new design are bulky and stick to everything in my drawer. All in all, I prefer the minimalist wallet with the elastic strap.
Was this helpful? - BOBBY R.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable4 days agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, ComfortableRated 4 out of 5 starsGreat Upgrade!
The elastic strap on my Nik's Wallet was still holding strong, but starting to show it's age. I didn't need to upgrade just yet, but I saw this as a great excuse to try out the new Spectron.
I love the redesign - the magnetic closure - it's really well done. I also really like the Spectron. It's a lot more pliable than I imagined. Something I'll keep in mind if I was to look for a bag that I would like more structure.
The reason why 1 star is missing - the "TB" tag is starting look a little ratty after less them a month of general use (riding around in my back pocket). I also saw plenty of reviews about misaligned patterns in that the spectron pattern was out of square... I'll have to say, mine is perfect, but I'd expect no less for $50
Was this helpful? - GreyVerified ReviewerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Compact1 week agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, CompactRated 4 out of 5 starsNo sewing issue; wish it had more structural strength
Unlike other reviewers, my wallet arrived with zero sewing defects — typical, superb Tom Bihn quality! A few months in and the wallet has proved durable.
The design is attractive and works well though might perform better with more structure, less flex in the hinge area, and removal of the magnets as a previous wallet of mine (whose only flaw was age). Laying flat is a big deal and the wallet’s magnets basically create a fulcrum that cards see-saw on. Just a design thought in an otherwise excellent wallet!
Was this helpful?
05.
Sewn in Seattle
Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?
Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.
06.
THE BIHN Guarantee
Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.
If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.
