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The James Brand Just Reinvigorated a Classic EDC Category

Slimmer than a pack of gum and loaded with innovation, the Portland outfit’s latest is a must-have minimalist masterpiece.

A close-up of a sleek, rectangular metallic device with rounded edges, featuring a small geometric logo in the center. The device is partially covered by a black band and rests on a textured surface. The design is minimalist and modern.The James Brand
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By Sean Tirman

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Wallets are such a ubiquitous, commonplace part of everyday carry that you might not even really think about them as a part of your loadout. But it’s kind of unfortunate that pocket knives get all the glory, considering how essential your wallet actually is and how much more often you likely use it.

That’s especially true now, a couple of years removed from when the minimalist cardholder wallet bubble burst. However, it appears that this particular category may be clawing its way back into relevance.

The latest proof comes from one of the best design-focused EDC brands on the market. It may come as no shock to those in the know, but The James Brand’s Lowe is, in a word, magnificent. And I should know, having gotten hands-on with it myself over the course of the last few weeks.

A sleek, minimalist silver and black wallet with the brand name "JAMES" embossed on the black band, placed on a black elevated platform. Surrounding it are various items including a pair of black sunglasses, a black camera with a lens, a set of keys with a keychain, a pen, a black notebook, and a magazine titled "MONOCLE." The overall setting is modern and monochromatic with a dark, matte surface.
The frankly stunning Lowe fits right in alongside The James Brand’s other catalog offerings.
The James Brand

Shorty got Lowe

Cardholder wallets are a dime a dozen. Go into any big box store, head over to the men’s accessories section and you’re sure to see dozens of options — although they’re likely going to be middling at best. Still, it takes a lot to stand out. And I’m here to say the Lowe does stand out.

One of the ways it stands out is by, well, not standing out. Perhaps that’s the wrong way to put it; it would be more accurate to say the Lowe embraces extreme minimalism.

A person holding a sleek, silver and black minimalist wallet with several blue and white cards partially pulled out from it. The wallet has the brand name "JAMES" embossed on the black band. The background includes a blurred surface and a cup of coffee.
The Lowe is just as adept at hauling a single card as it is when fully loaded at six.
The James Brand

It has very little branding (just a tiny logo on one side and “James” etched into the cash strap) and its CNC-machined aluminum body has no seams on its sides. This all comes together to make it stunning, slender and sleek.

Even the silicone cash strap is flush on the sides, meaning it doesn’t jut out as it might on other minimalist wallets with a similar form. “Elegant” is the word that best describes it, yet it also doesn’t do it justice — especially when you consider the innovation hiding in its core.

Hands holding a slim, silver metal wallet with a black elastic band securing folded US dollar bills. The wallet features a small geometric logo on the front. In the background, a blurred desk surface with a white wireless earbud case, a pen, and a marker are visible.
The flush-mounted silicone band is ideal for carrying additional cash without adding any bulk.
The James Brand

Just a pinch

One of the biggest issues with most cardholder wallets, especially minimalist metal ones, is that they’re usually only good at holding very few or very many cards, usually not both. But the Lowe has a secret hidden inside that covers both bases.

Called the Pinch-Tech system, the wallet features a pair of rails on the interior sides that “hug” your cards. This makes it secure whether you’re carrying a single card or a maximum of six. However, the pressure isn’t so great that it makes deploying the cards difficult.

A hand is placing a slim, silver cardholder with a black band labeled "JAMES" into the front pocket of black pants. A blue card is partially visible in the cardholder.
Slimmer than a pack of gum, this CNC-machined aluminum wallet is ideal for front pocket carry.
The James Brand

Speaking of, the notch down at the bottom of the wallet is designed to allow you to push the cards out of the top with your thumb or fingers. While you can feel the rails holding the cards, it’s still an easy prospect to deploy them when needed, and it’s just as straightforward to return them when you’re done.

Perhaps most importantly, the whole package is slimmer than a pack of gum, making it ideal for front pocket carry. All told, the Lowe is slender, clever, beautiful and a joy to use.

A person holding a slim, silver cardholder with a black band, partially revealing blue cards inside, while the other hand holds a gray chip-enabled card above a black card reader on a table. A cup of coffee with latte art is also visible in the foreground.
For as simple as it looks, The Lowe is packed with innovation and cleverness.
The James Brand

Now available

The James Brand The Lowe minimalist cardholder wallet launched today, September 30, on the brand’s site. You can score it now in your choice of four handsome colorways for $119 apiece.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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