The Wallet Shoppe
The Frenchie Speed Wallet, it’s as cool looking as it is functional. Here’s my review.
The perfect wallet is an elusive part of my everyday carry, but a necessary one. Too thick and it’s uncomfortable and leaves unsightly imprints; too thin and it doesn’t accommodate everything I need. My wallet needs to hit that sweet spot without compromising on durability and style. I’m also looking for security and convenience.
While my must-haves might seem like basics, I’ve found it tough to find a wallet that checks every box on my list. I tested out The Original Speed Wallet by The Frenchie Co.
Born out of Kickstarter, The Frenchie Co. offers its Speed Wallet in Italian leather, CX6 carbon fiber and ballistic nylon.
In addition to these options, they also offer a mini version in leather, carbon fiber, and ballistic nylon, as well as a variety of other products.
This hand-crafted wallet turned out to be everything I’ve been looking for in terms of comfort, quality, and ease-of-use. Its fast-access “pull and go” design was a unique feature that I fell in love with. Here’s my in-depth review of The Frenchie Co. Speed Wallet.
Frenchie Speed Wallet - Features
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Magnetic closure: A solid closing mechanism was a hugely important feature for me. The Speed Wallet’s magnetic closure ensured I had no worries about stuff falling out or my wallet coming undone until I want it open.
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Speed Pockets: I never had to fumble for a card when using the wallet’s speed pockets, of which there are two. Each pocket is designed for fast-access and easily fits two cards.
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Access Card Friendly: The Original leather wallet’s access-card slot saved me pulling out my card every time. That slot deliberately allows a reader to reach the card; compatibility depends on your card and reader.
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RFID Blocking: This is something I hadn’t thought a lot about with my previous wallets, but the added security of RFID-blocking technology is a nice perk. Keep a card in a shielded pocket when you want that protection; the access-card slot serves a different purpose.
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Multiple Currencies: the cash section is handy for travel. Check the folded size of your larger notes against the model you choose.
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Returns: The current policy allows a return request within 30 days of delivery for an unused wallet in its original packaging. Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.
Size/Dimensions
The full-size leather Speed Wallet measures 63 x 99 x 10mm and is advertised for up to 12 cards and 15 bills. Loaded thickness depends on what you carry.
The carbon-fiber model has its own construction and capacity, so choose by its specific product listing, rather than treating the materials as interchangeable versions of one size.
The Frenchie Speed Wallet is definitely slim; it fits into my front and back pockets with ease (though we recommend a slim wallet and front-pocket carry). The small size was not a drawback in my experience. I was able to carry all of the cards and bills I need on any given day. The bi-fold design makes it very easy to pull out bills.
Material/Colors
The Italian leather on the Original I used is soft but hardy, with a timeless quality. The stitching adds to the classic, minimalist look. I liked the new-boots smell, too.
The CX6 model combines carbon fiber with Italian leather for a more distinctive woven appearance. Colors and interior combinations vary by model; choose the exact variant rather than assuming every leather wallet has a tan lining.
The Frenchie Co. Mini Speed Wallet
The Mini trades the Original’s extra height and inner card pocket for a smaller footprint. The leather Mini’s current product details list 63 x 86 x 15mm, up to 12 cards and 15 bills. Its card slots need at least three cards each for retention, so it makes less sense if you carry only two or three cards in total.
Owner Aredwan liked the Mini’s comfortable front-pocket fit and easy pull-tab access. If you like the Original’s fast-access idea but want a shorter wallet, that’s a useful reason to consider it. Mini models also come in carbon fiber and ballistic nylon; check their individual dimensions before choosing.
Durability
I’ll admit — I definitely demand a lot from my wallets. My line of work is fast-paced and I’m constantly on-the-go or out in extreme heat or cold. Not to mention, I am frequently pulling my wallet out for some reason or another. The Frenchie Speed Wallet has held up where others have failed.
I can credit the handcrafted and well-selected material with the fact that my Frenchie Speed wallet, so far, functions and looks as well as the day I got it. The pull tab on the speed pockets is in perfect working order, and the outer material is still smooth. The magnetic closure has held strong. Those details are why I’ve enjoyed carrying my Original, though I’d still keep a leather wallet dry and avoid overstuffing it.
Final Verdict
The Frenchie Co. Speed Wallet
The Frenchie Co. Original Speed Wallet has proved extremely useful overall. As I said, my main needs in a wallet are function, practicality, comfort, and style. When it comes to function, the speed pockets in this wallet cannot be beaten.
As someone who uses an access card on the daily, the access card slot has been a huge time-saver. The size and materials make it unobtrusive and any-type-of-pants friendly, without having to sacrifice on comfort.
The classic yet modern look and feel of the wallet are just the icing on the cake. I can confidently say I’ve found my new everyday driver. If the speed-access concept appeals to you, our aluminum ejector vs. carbon fiber wallet comparison covers the same quick-draw idea with a different material approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Original or Mini for a small card load?
The Original has no minimum card count per slot. The Mini needs at least three per slot, and omits the Original’s inner card pocket. Choose the Original if you want more flexibility with a light load.
Does every model have the same interior color?
No. Look at the selected color’s interior photos; leather and carbon-fiber variants have different combinations.
What does the warranty cover?
The current wallet warranty is five years for manufacturing defects under normal intended use. It excludes ordinary wear, accidental damage, water damage and overstuffing. Purchases from third-party retailers go through that seller rather than Frenchie’s direct-store warranty process.
