“Design: This layout is genius. At the moment I've got a dozen cards and 15 bills in mine and it's not much thicker than my traditional Coach bifold -- when it's empty. This of course requires the Herbie to be larger in some other dimension. But when compared to my bifold, it's really only noticeable in height. Placing the bifold in a pocket means placing it spine down, whereas pocketing the Herbie positions the spine vertically. Comparing the two wallets in those positions, they are about equal in width. So entering the pocket is no different. The Herbie just sticks up about an inch more. That's the small price you pay to be able to carry a lot of cards and bills without a fat bulge.
The design is also a plus in that there's no danger of cards falling out even if the slots become loose. Can't say that about a traditional bifold.
Quality: It's probably hard to beat Horween shell cordovan for durability. Ashland's construction also looks top notch, though time will tell. I've had mine only a couple weeks.
Appearance: Again the cordovan. One can expect a nice patina. The extra height does make it look substantially larger than a traditional bifold, but to me the functionality and relative thinness more than compensates. My only complaint is the amount of branding. Opening the wallet means seeing an embossed Horween Cordovan logo, an Ashland logo, and the Horween stamp on the inside of the shell. That feels like one or two brandings too much.”
“First wallet was the natural shell cordovan Fat Herbie and it is terrific. Fits all my cards and easily fits into my back pocket. I wear it proudly and look forward to watching the gradual patina work out.”
“This a great wallet. I have only carried it for a couple of weeks and it's flattening out and breaking in quite well. The color is darkening. I love the design - I know of no other wallet like it. Plus it's made in the U.S.A. and I like that. The quality is first rate.”
“Wallets are not something I've ever paid much attention. Clothes, yes. Footwear, yes. But wallets? They go in your pocket, they make brief appearances each day, and I never think about them outside of this as long as they work. I had a black leather Jack Spade wallet with fabric lining given to me that lasted for 7 years before the lining started to break down. The most I could say about it was that it was fine. It worked, but it gave me no pleasure.
Shell cordovan is one of the most beautiful materials on Earth, so it didn't take a lot of convincing to try this wallet in that makeup. I can't remember how I heard about Ashland--it must have been through some Internet workwear rabbit hole--but I do remember what I heard was very enthusiastic. When it came time to replace the Jack Spade, I didn't hesitate, but I didn't really expect my life, or at least my impression of wallets, would change much either. After all, a wallet is a wallet, right?
I was wrong. At the risk of repeating other reviewers, this is the best wallet I've ever owned. I wear my wallet in my back pocket. The Fat Herbie fills the pocket perfectly without peeking out of it. It's thin, and it doesn't feel like I'm sitting on a brick, unlike my other wallet sometimes did. I don't notice its there until I take it out and admire its smooth, glassy surface and the weight of it in my hand. As others have pointed out, after just a few wears it starts to mold to your body. I actually think about this wallet sometimes, which has never happened to me before, and it makes me happy.
If you're thinking about it too, rest assured it's everything you want it to be.
Thanks, Ashland! Apparently I won't need to be back for myself for life, but I will be back for gifts.”
