ridge.com
ridge.com Overview
Ridge (often referred to as “The Ridge Wallet” brand) is a direct-to-consumer lifestyle accessories company founded in 2013 by father‐son duo Paul Kane and Daniel Kane. (Ridge) Initially its flagship product was a minimalist metal wallet; over time the brand has expanded into other “everyday carry” (EDC) essentials like phone cases, keycases, rings, travel gear and more. (Wikipedia)
Here’s a breakdown of the brand: what they do, how they position themselves, what stands out (and what might be drawbacks), plus key takeaways you might want to know if you’re considering buying from or dealing with them.
The Brand Story
The Ridge Wallet story: the Kanes launched via Kickstarter with a mission: make wallets better—slimmer, more durable, more functional. (Ridge) A core mantra: “Do more with less.” The idea is you don’t need to carry everything; carry what matters in gear that lasts. (Ridge)
Over time the firm emphasises a “material-first” design philosophy: using aerospace-grade aluminium, titanium, carbon fiber, etc. (Ridge) They now report over 5 million wallets sold. (Ridge)
They also offer a 99-day risk-free trial and a “lifetime guarantee” on many of their products. (Ridge)
Product Offerings & Key Features
Flagship Wallets
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The original wallet is a slim metal plate design (holds about 1–12 cards) with either a cash strap or money clip. (Amazon)
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Materials include 6061-T6 anodised aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre, special finishes (like 24k gold, damascus steel) in higher-end units. (Ridge)
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Security features: RFID-blocking (the metal body acts as shield) to protect cards from unauthorised scanning. (Amazon)
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Support & warranty: Many reviews note the lifetime warranty is a strong point. (Gear43)
Expanded EDC Gear
Beyond wallets, Ridge now offers:
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Phone cases (some MagSafe compatible) (Ridge)
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Key cases / key organisers (1800D2C)
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Travel gear / luggage (weatherproof builds) (1800D2C)
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Rings & other accessories (premium metal bands) (Ridge Wallet)
Design & Utility Highlights
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Slim profile: Many users appreciate the minimal bulk compared to traditional bi-fold wallets. (Gear43)
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Material quality: Use of aerospace-grade materials gives durability. For example: titanium can withstand high temperatures and corrosion according to the brand. (Ridge)
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Customisation: Multiple material/finish options, accessories, and colour choices.
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Warranty/trial: Risk-free trial for 99 days + lifetime guarantee gives buyer assurance. (Ridge)
Pros & Cons
What works well
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For someone who carries only the essentials, the Ridge wallet and associated gear hit a sweet spot of slim/efficient design.
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The build materials and warranty policy give confidence: you’re buying something meant to last, not just a fashion piece.
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The minimalist aesthetic has broad appeal: sleek, modern, “gear” feel rather than traditional bulky leather wallet.
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Brand transparency: The story, materials, design focus are clearly communicated.
What to watch / possible drawbacks
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Price: Given the materials and design, the cost is higher than many standard wallets. Some reviewers debate whether the premium is justified. (Gear43)
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Accessing less-used cards: Because the design prioritises minimalism, accessing cards deeper in the stack or lots of cash may be less convenient. (Gear43)
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Not a full substitute for a bulky “carry everything” wallet: If your everyday carry includes many receipts, coins, folded cash, etc., this may require a shift in habit.
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Availability & shipping: If you’re outside key markets you may face different shipping, duties, or warranty handling. (General point for D2C brands.)
Market Position & Brand Identity
Ridge positions itself in the “everyday carry / minimalist gear” segment rather than traditional wallet makers. They emphasise durability, performance materials, engineering, and a lifestyle of “carry less, live more”. (Ridge)
From a competitive standpoint: they are not just making wallets; they are building an ecosystem of carry-gear. Their patent portfolio and product expansion (rings, travel gear) suggest ambition to be a broader brand rather than a wallet niche. (1800D2C)
For a Buyer: What to Ask & Consider
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How many cards/cash do you carry? If you carry many cards + lots of cash + coins, a minimalist wallet may force trade-offs.
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Material preference: Do you want aluminium (lighter), titanium (stronger/more expensive), carbon fibre (premium) etc. Ridge offers multiple. The finish affects durability, weight, cost.
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Warranty & usage: If you expect heavy use or value long-term durability, the lifetime guarantee is a significant plus.
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Access patterns: If you frequently access many cards or shuffle cash often, check how the design accommodates that. Some reviewers note a small learning curve. (Gear43)
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Lifestyle fit: If you value minimalism, clean design, and want something to last, Ridge aligns well. If you prefer large capacity, traditional leather aesthetic, or carry varied items, you might look elsewhere or supplement.
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Cost vs benefit: The price is higher than many standard wallets, but you're paying for materials, warranty, design. Decide if those attributes align with your values.
Key Takeaways
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Ridge started with a mission to build a better wallet; now they’re an EDC gear brand using premium materials and design.
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Their core value proposition is durability + minimalism + quality materials.
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The lifetime guarantee and risk-free trial are strong selling points.
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The design isn’t necessarily for everyone—works best if you carry fewer items and value slimness, quality, minimal clutter.
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As with any gear purchase, weighing your use case (how much you carry, how you access items, budget) is important.
FAQ
Q: What is the warranty on Ridge products?
A: Many Ridge products carry a lifetime guarantee (for manufacturing defects) and they also advertise a 99-day risk-free trial. (Ridge)
Q: How many cards can a Ridge wallet hold?
A: According to the product specs/reviews, the wallet can hold approximately 1 to 12 cards depending on model and thickness. (Amazon)
Q: What materials are used?
A: Ridge uses aerospace-grade aluminium (6061-T6), titanium (TA2 grade), carbon fibre and forged carbon for premium versions, and even luxury finishes (24k gold). (Ridge)
Q: Does the design protect against RFID theft?
A: Yes — the metal plate design acts as a shield to block RFID scans, which is one of their advertised features. (Amazon)
Q: Is it good for carrying cash and coins?
A: It is designed for cards + a strap or clip for cash, but coin capacity is limited (if at all) and some users note this may not replace a large traditional wallet full of items. (Gear43)
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