Rogue Front Pocket Wallet in Bison (Hands-on) Review: Minimalist Wallet made by American Artisans

Who is the Rogue Nantucket Front Pocket Wallet in Bison for?

• For people who prefers natural top-grain leather over processed leather, the Rogue Nantucket Wallet uses hard-wearing bison leather that will age beautifully
• For those who prefers carrying their wallet in front pants pockets - the unique shape of this wallet is designed specifically to be carried in the front pocket proudly, as well as being a great conversation starter
• If you are someone who is after thin, light and minimalist wallets, this wallet is only 1.6 ounces despite its all leather construction

I have a confession to make: for years I have been carrying my wallet in the front pocket instead of the back. Why? The reason is both practical and vain: I preferred the pickpocket deterrent of having it on the front, and I prefer my wallet bump to be in the front, rather than adding to my rear which doesn't always look the best. Honestly it has always been something that I was too embarrassed to talk about, but discovering the Rogue Nantucket front pocket wallet made me realize that I'm not the only one.

If you also carry your wallet in the front pocket, you should definitely read on - because this is the first time I've heard of a wallet maker that caters front carrying wallets; and if you still carry your wallet in the back pocket - perhaps you shouldn't. This may be the wallet that turns your habits back to front.

The unique 'Whale Tail' shape

The feature of the Rogue's Nantucket Front Pocket Wallet that makes a first impression is undoubtedly its unique shape. It takes a certain amount of genius to reimagine the shape of the rectangular wallet, which most of us takes for granted.

But it's unique shape is not merely as a conversation starter: it actually has a practical purpose. For anyone who has turned their pants inside-out for laundry, it only takes a few seconds to link this unique shape to the inner shape of the front pockets on most pants. Yes, the Nantucket wallet is made to fit front pockets like a 'square peg in a square hole'.

The original Rogue front pocket wallets were actually made with the narrower side of the wallet on top as the opening, but the Nantucket wallet flips the design on its head and has the wider side as the opening, allowing for accessibility - which makes more sense to me. But either way, Rogue lets you choose whichever you prefer.

Raw top grain bison leather

What you'd typically see on leather shoes, carry bags and wallets are typically embossed leather which is full grain leather that has its original surface removed to give a uniform finish. But the Rogue bison wallet is called 'rogue' for a reason, and its untreated top grain bison leather is quite a thing to hold and behold. Instead of a uniform color and texture, the top grain is organic and retains its natural character. The untouched leather also means that it retains its original durability, and should easily last a couple of decades while aging itself nicely over its lifetime.

Thin and lightweight

Just as having thinner and lighter smartphones is an obsession, it's the same with most wallets. And even though the Rogue front pocket wallet is made in heavy duty leather inside and out, it has managed to keep the weight way down. Compared to my old Bally wallet that was made of embossed leather, the Rogue wallet came in at almost half its weight at 1.6 ounces (45 grams).

After loading the Rogue Nantucket wallet up with 10 credit cards and cash, it's surprising to find that it is also thinner than other wallets that I've owned, which minimizes the bulge from the wallet when being carried in the front pocket.

Final Remarks

If you've never carried your wallet in your front pants pocket, you don't know what you're missing. Carrying the wallet in the back pocket typically leads to great wear and tear on the back pockets, and often leads to being a target for pickpockets. If you're convinced that you're going to give front pocket wallets a try, why not do it like a pro with the Rogue Nantucket front pocket wallet? It's design is not only unique, but tasteful too. The top-grain Bison leather construction looks very classy - combined with its unique profile, the Rogue Nantucket wallet is a perfect marriage between innovation and traditional leather artisanship that is an unique offering in the wallet market.

David is a tech enthusiast/writer who is often on the move and is on a mission to explore ways to make his overhaul flights more enjoyable. This is a contribution to an ongoing IBTimes review series on gadgets for Business Travellers.