Handcrafted Leather Goods
The Magic Wallet
A slim, handstitched leather wallet with a self-flipping card mechanism, embedded NFC tag, and full RFID shielding.
01 — The mechanism
How the magic wallet works
The magic wallet uses a classic cross-strap mechanism: two elastic bands run diagonally across the inside, crossing each other. When you place cards or notes on one panel and close the wallet, the straps push the contents to the opposite panel — so every time you open it, your cards appear on the side facing you. No more fumbling.
The wallet opens like a book and works equally well held in either hand or orientation.
Open flat
Open the wallet so both panels lie flat. You will see two cross-straps running diagonally inside.
Place your cards
Slide cards or folded notes under the straps on one panel. They sit flat and secure, held by the elastic tension.
Close & open again
Close the wallet. The crossing straps transfer the cards to the opposite panel — opening the wallet presents them immediately.
Use the card slots
Additional card pockets on each panel hold your most-used cards independently of the magic mechanism.
02 — Smart features
Embedded NFC tag
Your wallet contains a programmable NFC (Near Field Communication) tag discreetly embedded between the leather layers. It can be read by any NFC-enabled smartphone — no app required on modern iOS and Android devices.
Tap to connect
- 1On iPhone (iOS 14+): simply hold the top of your phone near the back of the wallet. A notification will appear at the top of the screen — tap it.
- 2On Android: unlock your phone and hold it flat against the back of the wallet. Your browser or the relevant app will open automatically.
- 3The NFC tag can open a website, share a contact, display a portfolio, or trigger any custom action you program.
Make it yours
- 1Download a free NFC writing app: NFC Tools (iOS & Android) is recommended.
- 2In the app, select Write → Add a record, then choose your record type (URL, contact card, phone number, social media link, etc.).
- 3Tap Write, then hold your phone over the back of the wallet until the app confirms success.
- 4To overwrite, simply repeat the process. The tag supports unlimited rewrites.
03 — Security
RFID blocking protection
An ultrathin RFID-blocking layer is laminated inside the leather panels. It shields your contactless bank cards, transport passes, and ID documents from unauthorised wireless scans at frequencies of 13.56 MHz (ISO 14443) and 125 kHz.
What it blocks
Contactless payment cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), RFID-chipped passports, access cards, and transport cards operating on standard frequencies.
What it doesn’t block
The embedded NFC tag sits outside the shielded zone and remains readable. Your phone’s GPS, Bluetooth, and cellular signals are unaffected.
Using contactless payment
Simply remove your card from the wallet to pay. The shield is passive and requires no batteries or activation — it works as long as the card stays inside.
04 — Construction
Materials & specifications
Every component is selected for longevity, patina, and feel. The wallet is built to last decades and improve with age.
| Component | Material & detail |
|---|---|
| Outer shell | Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather (2.0–2.5 mm). Available in natural tan and distressed dark brown. Develops a rich patina over time. |
| Lining | Flesh-side (suede) of the same hide — treated with Tokonole burnishing compound for a smooth, burnished finish that prevents fraying. |
| Thread | Waxed linen thread, hand-stitched using the saddle-stitch technique. Olive/gold colourway. Stronger than machine stitching — if one stitch breaks, the seam holds. |
| Magic straps | Flat elastic cross-straps. Pre-stretched for consistent tension. Compatible with notes, cards, and folded receipts. |
| RFID shield | Ultrathin metallic fabric laminated between leather layers. Covers both panels. No batteries required — completely passive shielding. |
| NFC tag | NTAG213 chip (NFC Forum Type 2). 144 bytes user memory. Programmable, rewritable, no battery. Compatible with all NFC-enabled smartphones. |
| Edge finish | Hand-burnished edges using Tokonole gel and a wooden slicker. All corners are rounded with an edge beveller before finishing. |
05 — Craftsmanship
Entirely handmade
Each wallet is made one at a time by hand. Leather is cut with metal-edge rulers on a self-healing mat, punched with a stitching chisel, and sewn using the two-needle saddle-stitch — a technique unchanged for centuries that produces a seam stronger and more durable than any machine can replicate.
No two wallets are identical. Natural variations in the hide — grain direction, subtle tonal shifts, and the way the leather takes to burnishing — mean your wallet is uniquely yours before you ever touch it.
“Vegetable-tanned leather is not just a material — it is a record of use. The oils from your hands, the pressure of your pocket, the friction of your cards: all of it writes itself into the leather over years. The wallet you carry in ten years will look nothing like the one you receive today, and it will be more beautiful for it.”
06 — Maintenance
Care guide
Vegetable-tanned leather requires minimal care. A well-maintained wallet will outlast its owner. Follow these guidelines to preserve and enhance your wallet’s appearance.
- Condition with a small amount of leather conditioner or beeswax every 6–12 months to prevent drying and cracking.
- If wet, allow to dry naturally at room temperature. Never use direct heat sources such as radiators or hair dryers.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which may cause uneven darkening of the tan leather.
- Do not over-stuff. The magic mechanism works best with 4–6 cards. Excessive thickness will strain the elastic straps over time.
- Clean surface dust with a soft, dry cloth. For marks, use a barely damp cloth and allow to dry before conditioning.
- The NFC tag is waterproof and does not require any maintenance. It has no battery and no moving parts.