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I greatly appreciate feedback from my customers – thank you.
Below you can read some of the reviews that had been left on now-discontinued products
I greatly appreciate feedback from my customers – thank you.
Have tried to find fault with this wallet for over a week now. Quality wallet. Hands down the FINEST ” made in America ” wallet I have found (and I have been collecting them for many years!) Craftsmanship is impeccable, service excellent, prompt reply to questions, classy packaging and lightning fast shipping! Get one of these wallets before this guy finds another line of work!!!
Recently ordered chocolate brown cordovan wallet, I can saying only one word Wow! Collecting funds for another one,I like different colors,great and fast service.
Phenomenal products and really outstanding customer service. I recommend this site to all of my friends and I will be giving gifts from it come Christmas time. This is the best mini bifold and bifold that I have ever seen. I look forward to checking back for other new products as well. Thank you again for an excellent buying experience.
I received my J MICHAEL ASHLAND pocket wallet in black shell today. IT IS STUNNING! The attention to detail with the stitching is pristine. I ordered it with blue stitching, so it looks like an evening out in black tie, very elegant color combination…When you receive your J Michael wallet the packaging is like gift wrap, literally speaking, plus a handwritten card, the “birth certificate” of your wallet that describes your new arrival. Excellent marketing! This is an elite minimalist carry. Get one!
Michael, I just wanted to say how impressed & pleased I am with the item I recently ordered. The craftsmanship is excellent and the wallet is beautiful. Thank you. Since receiving my items, I’ve recommended your products to family & friends and look forward to ordering more of your quality products in the future. Great work, take care.
J Michael thank you for the beautiful wallets, I’ve been using the shell cordovan and I have to say it’s like nothing else I’ve ever owned! The other wallet which is sterrhide feels amazing too! I haven’t used it yet but the sterrhide is so soft and pliable I love it too. The leather smell is still there on both, and the construction quality is by far the best I’ve seen. If anybody wants some great USA handmade quality leather products stop whatever your doing and send J an email, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. HE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR ME AND I’M SURE HE WOULD DO THE SAME FOR YOU!!!! both wallets are bifold regular version. Thanks again man your great!!
I just received my order of the two Horween cromexcel cash and card wallets and am blown away. I’ve been looking for a slim wallet in cromexcel for some time now that could accommodate bills folded in half, and this is it! I also highly appreciate the extra gift you included! The thin calf feels really nice and is very slim. Thank you again!
Love at first sight? Only waiting 4 days (ordered Thursday, received Monday ) I had the privilege of opening this box and smelling the beautiful leather, and admiring the craftsmanship that made this wallet… I fit 8 cards and 6 bills! And the size is still very compact (I asked for an extra QuickDraw slot to be added and he added it for free, great customer service and shows he really cares about his work) I have one card in the QuickDraw , one under my cash stack folded once, and 3 in each of the card pockets. The leather is beautiful, size is great for front pocket, and I don’t see me getting another wallet after this . Thank you so much
Your work is fabulous – I’ve never seen anything like it. Congratulations, your wallets are masterpieces!
I just got my wallet. This thing is beautiful. The top right side pocket has a subtle pattern in it that just looks gorgeous, and the cash pocket has a slightly redder hue compared to the outer leather. This wallet has so much character, George R. R. Martin would try to kill it.
Good Morning, I received my new wallet a week or so back and all I can say is WOW. In a world of internet crap its nice to see someone who takes pride in their craft. You are a craftsman, very rare these days. It’s so nice I’m afraid to use it everyday, but I will ! Just order a couple more things!
Just received the wallet today! Really simple design with outstanding craftsmanship! Started using it already and so far it seems to hold about 6 cards with a couple stamp cards on one side and 15 cash folded in half. (Seems to have a bit more room for additional cash). I asked him to add a snap on to the wallet which works great and was a free add-on! Will definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a simple clean and slim wallet. I now have my eyes on the pocket bifold wallet as my next future purchase! Btw he is really fast with his emails. So don’t be afraid to ask him questions about a certain product!
I’ve only had my bifold wallet for about a day, but I already love it. It looks beautiful and as soon as I started handling it out of the package the top notch craftsmanship was evident. The speed was also super impressive. I ordered the wallet on a Tuesday afternoon and received it on Friday. Thanks for the great product and great customer service.
I have to say thank first. Michael emailed me about his stock ran low. He offered me an upgrade at no extra charge. The wallet came a couple days later and it is absolutely stunning. I love my wallet so much and its wallet is higher than my Louis Vuitton wallet that triple the price
I really like the chocolate shell pocket wallet, it is sharp . I think the leather will create a rich patina over time as it is worn . As I have said before, your quality and craftsmanship makes brand name wallets look inferior. For now, my wallet shopping craze has been satisfied. Lol !! Now I can direct my efforts toward telling my friends and family about your luxury US HANDMADE leather products.
I can say, without question, that the products that I’ve ordered and received from J Michael are perhaps the finest quality that can be had anywhere. The thought and attention that go into his products are not frequently encountered in today’s throw away society. I have no doubt that these wallets will last my entire lifetime. I applaud the effort and talent that is displayed in his work. J Michael has earned a lifetime customer, and I’ll gladly and enthusiastically recommend his products to anyone. Truly, truly impressive! Thanks J Michael!!!
I just received my cash and card wallet in green shell cordovan and it is absolutely amazing. I love it so much I just placed another order for the same wallet in blue shell! …Thanks, I might even be tempted to order all the colors, your skills are unreal and the quality is unmatched.
J Michael – just received the whiskey shell wallet and it is gorgeous! My second from you. The blue stitching is indeed a nice touch. The black shell I ordered last year is holding up splendidly and still looks new. High quality stuff and worth every penny. Looking forward to my next order. Thanks again.
I would like to make a quick comment about the Mini Bifold wallet and the thoughtful gift you enclosed. Both are beautiful and perfectly made. What I look for is simple quality and you nailed it. Thank you for caring about what you do. I will definitely be ordering again.
Let me say this, J Michael you are a true master craftsman! The attention to detail and materials used that went into making this wallet are over the top. I have no doubt this wallet will last a lifetime. Thank you J Michael for sharing your skills with us. American made, pride in his work, you get your money’s worth is alive and well with J Michael. I will be ordering more soon.
Greatest wallet ever. The quality and the craftmanship are second to none. I am very happy with my purchase.
Thank you. The wallet is great and I really appreciate the fine work that was put into it. It’s nice to use something that is hand made, as I’m kind of a traditionalist.
Got my wallet and I love it. One word: perfection. There’s nothing like a handmade leather wallet and this is the best I have seen. The details, the stitching, the leather (shell cordovan) smell, everything is fantastic. Thank you J Michael!
I am simply obsessed to have wallets he makes, only for one simple reason that MICHAEL’S, craftsmanship is extremely meticulous , & masterly done. & best part is he uses best of the leather & totally hand made. Even in days to come I would await eagerly his new creation to possess. HIS WALLETS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR CONNOISSEUR & ALL WHO LOVE LEATHER, WALLETS
I received the pocket wallet yesterday! I could not be more happier! Excellent work, beautiful leather, perfect size.
Wow! Amazing Quality. Amazing Customer Service!
I was in the market for a wallet, so I did some research and came across J Michael Ashlands website. I was looking for something quality that would last me many years, so I decided to take the plunge and purchase a wallet here. I honestly cannot say enough about the quality that comes from J Michael. You can literally smell the quality that comes from his products. This wallet will not only last me FOREVER but it is something I can be proud of! Customer service is literally THE BEST! Stop reading this review and buy one of these amazing works of art, you will not regret it. Very happy customer here! I came back to the site to leave a review and buy more amazing products!
Back again…this has the possibility of becoming a bit of a habit. I’m absolutely intrigued with your pocket wallet. Wallets are usually rather utilitarian and spend most of their existence in a pocket until the end of the day. Your pocket wallet sees quite a bit of daylight from me pulling it out of my pocket and admiring the design, quality and workmanship.
I received my wallet and it I amazing, I have been looking for years for a wallet that can hold up to my abuse. This is it! The craftsmanship is second to none, it’s just beautiful. Thank you so much for contacting me when the shell cordovan arrived, well worth the wait. Definitely the finest wallet available.
I had not yet had an opportunity to write you and let you know that I’m thrilled with the Blue Shell Cordovan bifold wallet you made for me. I have always liked fine leather goods, and I really appreciate all of the care and craftsmanship that obviously went into this wallet. The quality of materials is the best I’ve seen. And it was a bargain compared to the products on offer at retail stores. I believe this wallet will last more than my lifetime, and I very much enjoy having it as part of my daily carry.
I received my Mini Bifold in today’s mail and I have to say you nailed it! You met all of my design parameters and the construction, attention to detail, materials and finish are truly exceptional.
Cut from premium leather.












I just received my wallet in the mail. It is absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for everything you did and helping me through this process. Your work is incredible.
Just wanted to let you know that I recently received my card wallet and really love it. A big change from the bulky wallet I’ve carried for 12 years and the quality and craftsmanship are outstanding. Congratulations on your excellent product. I plan on being a return customer.
I would have to say that J Michael is the best person to work with. I have never spoken to someone more informative and knowledgeable about their products. I ordered the Pocket Wallet in the Shell Cordovan leather…..the craftsmanship is unbelievable. I have never had such a high quality wallet and I have owned several wallets over the past several years. I will usually buy a new wallet every year and this wallet is by far the best wallet I have every owned. It is a perfect blend of form and function. The look and feel are utterly amazing. It is a small wallet yet it holds so many cards and it also holds a lot of cash (folded once….which I really love). I am definitely ordering more wallets from J Michael. Thanks again for such a great wallet!!
I received the wallet just in time for christmas. Thank you very much for this beautiful piece, I am very happy with my choice. Looking forward to ordering something else from you in the future. Thank you very much!
I live in Sydney.
I received my pocket wallet in Black shell exterior with black calf interior and blue stitch… This is exactly what I wanted!!
I am very happy with the quality and finish.
J Micheal has replied promptly to my emails.
Very highly recomended !!!
I purchased a mini bifold wallet from you about a year ago and absolutely love it! It has developed an amazing patina and silky smoothness over time. It’s absolutely the best wallet I’ve ever owned and I’ve received many compliments about it.
I received the wallet and you were right the recipient loved the wallet. It was beautifully made, well done.
Thanks for the wallet. I just got it this afternoon. It really looks amazing. I love what you’ve done with the edges, they are very clean. The stitching is also a step up from what I see even in high end wallets. I have had several wallets made of shell and yours is up there for the best finishing. Thanks a lot, I’ll probably check out some more of your stuff in the future.
Thank you very much for the pocket wallet! I had only seen photos of your work and had not handled any, it is very impressive. Seeing the quality, I can’t say that I’m surprised that the demand has you too busy for custom work.
I ordered the cash and card wallet a couple months ago. After spending hours of researching I was lucky enough to come across J Michael’s wallets. The quality, design, customer service have all been exceptional! I even had the opportunity to talk with him and he has be great to deal with. If you want a quality wallet with great designs and functionality that will last you for a very very long time, I definitely recommend J Michael leather. Thank you!
Thanks so much for the beautiful piece of work- the wallet is fantastic!
An enormous thank you to Mr. J. Michael. This has to be one of the nicest things I own, period. The edges, precision sewing, quality of leather, and overall attention to detail are undoubtedly the best I have ever seen. This beats any other wallet you will ever buy I can assure you that. The price is more than fair for the quality you are receiving, no one should have any problem with that price after seeing the finished product. Again, thank you J. Michael, I plan to have this wallet for life. Will buy again 100%.
Thank you for an outstanding wallet. The burgundy shell cordovan is absolutely amazing. Paired with perfect stitching and silky smooth edges, this wallet will be in my pocket for decades. Between an amazing product, lightning fast shipping, and great customer service, J Michael can’t be beat for leather goods.
Received my wallet today, job well done! The chocolate brown with red stitching is exactly what I thought it would be. I couldn’t be happier! Thanks for such a great job and excellent customer service! I will be recommending you and requiring your services in the future. Rare to find someone who takes such pride in their work these days. Which is sad really. Great job!
Like a lot of people looking for goods on this site I am a leather junkie. From jackets to boots to wallets I love me some leather. I recently picked up a pair of Shell Cordovan boots and absolutely love them, so when I decided to replace my old wallet I Googled “Shell Cordovan Wallets” and the research began. I ended up with a burgundy shell cordovan bifold from J Michael and I couldn’t be happier. This wallet is the real deal. I was afraid that it would be too thick, because in the photos the size of the edges were pretty intense. However, this wallet is exactly the same thickness as my former ‘name brand’ designer wallet. It’s only a few weeks old but it’s taking shape and breaking in nicely. The burgundy shell is dark and beautiful. There is no doubt this wallet will last me the rest of my life (I’ll be 40 next month… so life’s pretty much half over, right?). Last but not least the craftsmanship of this wallet is second to none. The lines of stitching are as perfect as you’re every going to find. The finished edges are perfect. Just a top notch piece of daily kit here. Needless to say I’m a happy customer.
Love the wallet, incredible quality. It is the perfect size. I will let all my friends know about you.
WOW!! I’m just blown away!!! I have never seen a wallet this nice. Thank you so much. You are more than generous. The wallet is both too beautiful to use, and too beautiful not to! As with all you have made me, the craftsmanship is off the hook! I’m a Happy Happy Happy customer!
After looking at your website’s wallet eye-candy on several occasions, I finally made a decision to order your black Pocket Wallet. I anticipated it’s arrival with more intensity than a 7 year old anticipates Christmas morning. I was not disappointed. I unboxed the wallet from its very tasteful presentation and took several minutes to admire what had arrived. The wallet is drop-dead gorgeous with its supple, thin yet substantial rich, black leather, nicely detailed stitching and incredibly well finished edges. The clean and efficient design allowed the wallet to easily inhale 5 bills, 4 credit cards, 2 ID cards, 3 paper insurance cards and 2 business cards and remained flat, thin and compact. I can only imagine that it will relax with use and assume a slightly thinner profile. Very nicely done.
Is it Christmas in here, or is it just me?! Once again, I am blown away by just how beautiful is! Finally “The Holy Grail” !! WOW!!!! The Shell wallet looks gorgeous! You were right, the Blue Shell with black interior looks awesome, and I even love the contrast on the card pocket with the Blue Shell. That Blue Shell is a beauty !!! Now, I can say my collection is complete. It needed a Shell wallet made by one of the very best, if not the BEST wallet makers / leather-smiths out there. I would highly recommend buying from J Michael Ashland. You won’t be disappointed. Trust me! He is one man operation. Everything he offers is handmade, with nothing but the best leather available, and craftsmanship and quality second to none, and…annnnd, its made right here in U. S. of A. You gotta love that!! I am one extremely happy customer, and glad I made the purchase. And I would do it again in a heart beat. Definitely a customer for life! I’ll be back !!
I wanted to let you know that I received the glasses case last Friday, January 15th. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! It’s absolutely beautiful and my glasses fit snugly and securly inside. I love the leather! It matches my Shell Pocket Wallet perfectly.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this for me! I know that I’ll use and enjoy it daily for many years to come!
Got the Cash & Card Wallets in Bison. The Bison leather is very beautiful and unique, it also has cool pull-up effect. I love the grain on the leather and fiery-ish colour combine with J Michael’s awesome craftsmanship and the well designed wallet it’s perfect! I’ve inserted 3 cards on each pocket and 10 bills (I’m pretty sure it can hold even more), the wallet holds them without any issue and still able to close it flat, it fits into front pocket easily and doesn’t show too much foot print.
I order Monday and today it’s friday and my brand new wallet has come this is a truly a nice Shell wallet i got The burgundy shell with the black leather inside it looks so boss I got the red thread I can’t wait to break it in. Thank you brother for a great wallet. Ps I will tell my friends!!
I just got my wallet and I absolutely love it!! I will definitely be a returning customer and will refer you to anyone I know looking for a new wallet. Your work and customer service is beyond amazing! Thanks so much!
Love the wallet. Really fantastic. Again, many thanks!
I am writing to unequivocally praise the shell cordovan bifold wallet that you made for me (and which I received on a Saturday morning less than a week after I ordered it!). Your recommendation of the red exterior and black interior produces a magnificent-looking wallet. It projects an image of elegance, quiet and classic elegance. The craftsmanship is incredible. In fact — and this is not hyperbole — the word that probably is more appropriate than “craftsmanship” is “artistry.” Over years of buying briefcases and wallets, I have learned that edges often separate the superb from the rest. Your edges are the best, I think, that I have ever seen on a wallet.
I am a 67-year-old professional. I have owned a number of high-priced and high-quality wallets, American and Italian. None were shell cordovan — though one is American alligator — and this wallet, I believe, surpasses them all. The price is more-than-reasonable.
Should anyone reading this review wonder, the red is conservative — but classical, stylish conservative, not dull. It is pretty much the color traditionally associated with the word “cordovan” and perhaps slightly less red than the Saphir #71 cordovan shoe polish. I look forward to seeing the patina that it will develop, though I suspect that if I live out my normal lifespan, this wallet will still have a great deal of life left in it.
Thank you!
The craftsmanship is truly superb; really flawlessly finished. And the shell cordovan leather is even more beautiful than I’d expected. Such a glossy, deep hue! I can’t wait to see how it looks in a few months once wear has added more character.
Thank you again for these beautiful pieces. I know where I’ll be referring friends for top-notch, American-made wallets!
The quality of this travel bag is insane. The leather is thick and soft, the zipper is strong and smooth. The brass feet are a nice touch. I can’t recommend this highly enough!
Thank you very much for the amazing wallet. It certainly exceeded my expectations.
J Michael is simply the best leathersmith around. I was shopping for a permanent wallet in leather, something that would age and last and wear well over time. I did my research and found J Michael. He was incredibly accommodating when I contacted him about making a semi-custom version of the Pocket Wallet for me (I chose the colors for different sections of the interior and the different thread colors for exterior and interior) and didn’t charge me extra.
The wallet itself is beautiful. The amount of thought and care that went into the design and craftsmanship is readily apparent. The wallet is surprisingly roomy for its size — I even manage to fit an iPod Nano (8th generation) into the hidden pocket behind the Quick Draw pocket along with a couple of bills. The evenness of the stitching, the cut of the leather, the finished edges — all of these elements and more demonstrate deep attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
I bought a different card wallet from a very well-known leather company for my dad around the same time as I bought J Michael’s Pocket Wallet (at the time, I wasn’t sure whose would be better). J Michael’s choice of materials and craftsmanship was *leagues* above the other company’s. His choice of thick UV bonded, braided, and waxed polyester thread and the way it was so uniformly stitched is but one of many examples where he is head and shoulders above his competition. Their thread was thin, stitching uneven and loose, and pulling out at certain points.
Since owning the wallet, J Michael has gone above and beyond — I simply cannot stress that enough — in ensuring I am happy with the product. He has looked at and addressed any and all concerns I had with the product, all of them incredibly minor, and fixed the problems on his own dime and shipped it back to me for free. I recently offered him to a fee to service my wallet (condition it, etc.). He did it for free and sent me a random free gift for no reason. This isn’t the first time he’s done that for me. I just can’t endorse J Michael as a craftsman and as a person enough. He stands behind his products and goes way beyond what is necessary to make his customers happy and does it as though it’s just the norm. If there is anything I need in leather and J Michael is selling it, I will buy from him first every single time, no question.
I recently received one of your wallets as a gift from a very close friend. I believe the model is the Pocket Wallet. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with your work. The Cordovan leather is spectacular. The fit and finish including the hand stitching and burnishing is impeccable. The wallet is truly a work of art, I’m almost afraid to use it. But I know it will wear very well and get better with age. Great work!
Pair your everyday carry with a small treasure that feels as good as it looks.











Hello, I just received your wallet today. All I can say is it is perfect!! I have researched a lot of wallets and I am so happy with your wallet.. Great quality, excellently done.. Thank you. You have my business for life.
I don’t know how to express how pleased I am that I came across J Michael Ashland. I was looking up to replace my wallet that I had for the last 10 years. I had an idea for a wallet and reached out to J Michael on his site and with in 15 mins I received a phone call from the man himself. We talked over what I wanted to do. He gave me plenty of information on what he does and what goes into his wallets. With no hesitation I placed my order, what felt like the next day I saw my Pocket wallet on his Instagram site. Look for the wallet in Blue IT shell with Red shell in the interior with Yellow stitching. I had a childish grin and could not wait to get it in hand.
As soon as I got it WOW. He is the real deal. This wallet looks great and there is no doubt that it will last a lifetime. When we talked I mentioned how I wanted to be able to have a wallet that I can have made again to give to my 2 boys. My wife saw the wallet and totally agreed. J Michael Ashland has at least 2 more orders in the future from me. Thank you!
It just arrived. And it’s beautiful!… I will definitely recommend your work, and if I need any leather items, I know whom to ask!
Wow, this is fantastic. It’s a lot more compact and easier to carry than my old wallet, but the craftsmanship is what really blows me away. I’ve made a few watch bands for myself with some scrap leather, and I appreciate your attention to detail and precision. My favorite part is the burnishing, the finishing and smoothness is so impressive to me. This wallet will likely be the last one I buy, but I will be keeping you in mind if I am ever in need of a new belt…Thank you!
Thanks again for the wallet! Exceptional craftmanship and love the attention to detail. It’s very evident that you pour a substantial amount of energy into your work and it is reflected in your finished products.
I just wanted to personally thank you, and I will definitely refer people and keep you in mind first for any future products.
I just received the custom mini bifold and I can’t tell you enough how pleased I am with it. It truly is the nicest looking and best constructed wallet I’ve ever handled. You are a true artisan/craftsman. My dad will love it! Thank you
I just received my bifold wallet made from green shell cordovan leather and am extremely impressed. I have over eight wallets made by other leather companies and yours surpasses all of them in craftmanship and style.
I have been looking at J Michael Ashland’s website since I saw a YouTube video about his wallets from Steve Montelli. I wanted to order a wallet made of Shell Cordovan, and as you know it is difficult to come by and after checking back a few times I saw that he had received some. I had previously subscribed to his website and about 15 minutes of seeing that he had shell I received an email notifying me of that fact and what wallets and price were available before he made it available to the full website. I sent him an email immediately about the wallet I wanted, a cash and Card wallet with the right side having the quick pocket, like in the pocket wallet. Within a few minutes I received an email back telling me that yes he could custom make the wallet. We sent 2 or 3 emails back and forth. This was after 9 pm EST on Monday evening and after I had some difficulties with my PayPal account I placed my order at 12:15 am EST on Tuesday morning. Counting Tuesday I received my wallet 5 days later on Saturday. All I can say is WOW. Not only is the wallet gorgeous the customer service was top notch. I can say I have a new favorite wallet. I have over the the last few years purchased several wallets, Tailfeathers, Ashland Shell Cordovan, Colonel Littletons, Atelier Pall, Dave Mitchell, to name a few. The reason I mentioned the above is because I would put the quality of the materials and craftmanship and the customer service of J Michael Ashland against any of the above. The material of the wallet is Horween Shell Cordovan and it is just beautiful. In a close inspection of the wallet you can see the fine craftmanship that J Michael puts into his craft. As mentioned before the customer service could not have been better. Based on the price, quality of the product and the customer service this Shell Cordovan Wallet is definitely a 5 out of 5 star rating or a 10 on a 1-10 scale. If you couldn’t tell, I could not be happier with this purchase and I am already looking to see what I can get for my son for Christmas.
Wow! First impressions are important and again, WOW! Got my mini billfold today, I wasn’t expecting it this quick seeing as I ordered it Friday afternoon. Open the box and right on top is a business card, flip it over and a hand written note thanking me for my purchase… Now the wallet is a thing of beauty. Right away I put 10 cards (savers, gift, blood center, EMT license, CPR) in the right pocket, and 5 in the left side quick access pocket (what I’m calling the left pocket), plus my aluminum credit card bottle opener in the cash pocket. Wallet closes no problem! Stitching looks great and sturdy, leather is nice and supple, feels good in your hand. Thank You JMichael Ashland for a wallet I’m sure will last me for many years!
Last year for Christmas, I got my Dad a new wallet from you and it is such an awesome wallet! Beautiful and well crafted! My Dad loved it and still does! He loved it so much that at first he didn’t want to take it out of the box because he thought it was such a handsome wallet and didn’t want to get fingerprints on it! I’ll even stop and smell the leather if he leaves it laying around.
I received the dark brown shell cordovan bifold that you made. Less than a week since I placed the order and I have it. That’s amazing by itself. Everything about it is quality as I’m finding out is normal with any order I place. This is probably going to be my favorite. The lighter brown calfskin pockets inside are a perfect touch. All I can say is thank you.
I’m extremely picky about my leather goods and this shell cordovan pocket wallet has simply exceeded my expectations. I have an extreme eye for detail; the stitching, material and craftsmanship are absolutely top notch. These leather wallets are the epitome of what a perfect handcrafted item should look like. Not only are they a work of art, they are totally functional as well. I will be coming back to take a look at other leather goods. J Michael thank you for your commitment to quality and service!
J Michael – You’re right. I do love it. Thanks for the awesome wallet, can’t wait to start carrying it. Quality is on point – Keep up the awesome work!
My wallet came in a few days ago and I just wanted to say that it is amazing! It is the perfect size for me, and I think you did an amazing job on the stitching and colouring. I will most definitely be buying from you again and recommending your products to everyone i know.
Just received the wallet. I love it. It is precisely what I wanted. 4 cards and a stack of cash fits perfectly in the front pocket with no bulge! The quality is top notch.
Mine just arrived yesterday and I have used it for a day now, so far the wallet is fantastic and I got a lot of compliments from my friends and family! The wallet, Bifold, is a little bit big, but you will not even notice it. The wallet is nicely made! Thank you J Michael for a fantastic work of art you have given me. I will definitely recommend your work to anyone that I know that is interested on buying a good looking, hand-crafted, and just a beautiful piece of art leather wallet that is in a good quality and that is worth a price 🙂
Best wallet I’ve owned hands down and the craftsmanship is second to none. My current wallet is two years old and it still looks as good as the day I got it.
I just got it in the mail and OMG it is amazing!! The smell of the shell cordovan is like no other, is my first wallet with this leather and I’m proud to say that it will be the last one. Thanks again for the fast service, I really appreciate it. I will be recommending your products to all my friends
I want to tell you this is the most gorgeous wallet I have ever owned. My girlfriend is jealous of it because the colors you chose just flow so beautiful. The blue outer and the whisky interior with the combination of the Black and Tan stitching was more than i expected. I originally ordered a tan interior and exterior we talked on the phone and we talked as usual about colors and quality. I am so glad you took this indecisive decision of mine and let your creative mind decide for me. and in my eyes it’s a original piece . Thanks man you have got my business for life. God bless.
Ordered a black Cash and Card wallet with red stitching and Bison on the inside. Love it. Excellent work and delivered swiftly. I think I may start collecting these!
Just received my new black shell cordovan bifold and it’s amazing. Everything from the leather, marine stitching and wallet layout is perfect. This wallet is the real deal, head and shoulders above any other wallet out there. I think it’s a real bargain for what I received, free shipping that was also very quick, and very quick response from my emails. I even love the sailboat on the front! I look forward towards many years of use, and future purchases for my leather goods. J Michael you are a master of your craft. Thank you!!!
Wow! What an incredible wallet. Was surfing the internet when I found your site. So glad I did, my old wallet is 16 years old and needed to be retired. Also MADE IN USA means a lot to me!!! This is a great quality wallet!!!!
I received the wallet yesterday in the mail. Talk about fast shipping, I appreciate that very much. The wallet… WOW. I own several handmade wallets from the likes of waskerk to makr carry and none compare to your craftsmanship. I absolutely love the Bison leather, such a soft yet rich feel to it. The design of the pocket wallet is simple yet clever and functional. Your customer service is above and beyond too. Thank you! I’ll be back.
This wallet is by far the best looking and built wallet I have ever seen and used, I wanted to wait to write a review so I figured it was defiantly time. This man has one heck of a talent you can see he takes his time with the build of these wallets so meticulous, I have had many many wallets I have searched everywhere for a tough wallet that would stand my abuse this is the one. You will pay more for these but trust me it is worth it hands down this will be passed down for many generations. This man has a customer for life!!!! Thank You for the great products and the great service
I just received the wallet that you made for me in the mail. Pictures and words just cannot adequately describe the quality of your work and the leather in this wallet. I have absolutely no regrets about my choice of reversing the shell cordovan for the interior. The slight black shadowing on the reverse goes very well with the wallet exterior and your setup of thicknesses takes care of any concern about overall thickness. The blue thread is dark enough but yet different enough so that it adds character to the wallet. I could not be more pleased. Thank you.
I just received the brown front pocket wallet in the mail today and can’t believe how much I love it. I have adequate space for my 4 cards and cash and can still keep it comfortably in my front pocket. The leather is absolutely gorgeous and the aroma of it is noticeable as soon as you open the package. It looks and smells great! I love wallets and leather goods. This wallet is the best of both and just moved to the top of the list for me. Keep up the good work!
Just wanted to say that I just received the wallet I ordered for my guy’s Christmas gift this year and I know he will love it. We both appreciate quality craftsmanship and your work is beautiful.
I ordered a Shell Cordovan Pocket Wallet in Natural Tan (both on the outside and inside) and a Money Clip on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, with a request to expedite the shipment, as I was traveling on March 20. I received both the wallet and money clip on Friday, March 16. Talk about expedited shipping. Much appreciate this effort by J Micheal and a big Thank You to him. Another request was to burnish the edges and the edges were silky smooth. I have loaded the pocket wallet with 30 bills (US) and 06 cards and it folds just right. This is a great wallet to carry loads of cash. The pocket wallet is going to be my EDC (everyday carry) for the next few weeks and I am looking forward breaking it in. I’ll be back for more in Burgundy, Brown and Black.
You said I would love it and I do. Thank you so much for your fine craftsmanship and prompt service.
I got shell Cordovan pocket wallet in burgundy color. This is hands down the best leather wallet I’ve purchased to date. I’ve bought many leather wallets from internet popular brands before, but this one is on a different level. The edges are so well finished, it’s beautiful. Shell Cordovan leather is also amazing. I wish I discovered this brand before buying all my prior leather wallets. You will not regret buying this art piece from J Michael!
A mix of everyday carry favorites.












I just received your wallet and I love it
Showing off my leather products is always fun. I have received numerous compliments on various leather goods I currently own, but the J Michael Ashland Mini Bifold has broken records in terms of comments and admiration. It is safe to say this wallet is incredibly appealing to men of all ages. It is obvious that a lot of time and passion went it to the making of this wallet. It is a classic build that offers great storage, a slim design, and a lovely shade of brown…I appreciate every single thing about it and look forward to watching how it ages and holds up. If you are in the market for a classic, timeless wallet design, and want to support a 100% handmade in the USA leather operation, the J Michael Ashland Mini Bifold Wallet is a perfect piece.
I finally received my shell wallet today, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I’m so happy and I can’t describe using words how beautiful the wallet is, your amazing craftsmanship with the legendary Horween Shell Cordovan = Awesomeness, the wallet has nice glossiness and weight to it and when holding it on hand the feel and smell of shell just so amazing and luxury and yet feels like a tank which I believe it will last a life time or even pass down to my son!
I just received my Shell Card Wallet and what a phenomenal value. I’ve been in the market for a small card holder and looked at several off the shelf name brand options before I did some research and stumbled upon JM Leathersmith. The craftsmanship is superb and while it was a bit of a crapshoot, I love the colors of my card wallet. I would be happy with this wallet had I paid double!
Got it today…you were right! I love it! Beautiful work Sir! The CXL is amazing!
Hello J Michael, I want you to know that my Steerhide Wallet is absolutely perfect. You’re quite good at your craft, my respectful compliments to you.
I just received my shell cordovan men’s bifold wallet. It really meets all my expectations. This wallet is a real peace of art. The craftsmanship reflected by this wallet is outstanding. The attention to details is amazing. Also, shipping via Canada Post is really nice. I live in a small town and delivery with other shipping services could be a little tricky. Most of the time you have to go to the nearest bigger city to get your shipment from the delivery company point of service. With shipping via Canada Post, you get your package right at home with your other mail. Really nice and convinient. Thanks again J Michael for taking the time to make such nice objects that accompanied people every day. Excellent job and keep it up.
This is the best wallet I own. The pocket configuration is perfect for me. The quality of leather and attention to detail in craftsmanship is outstanding.
I have been searching for a slim wallet for a while at local stores. I just couldn’t find anything as slim as I wanted to replace my 15+yr old wallet. Today I received my cash/card wallet from J Michael and wow is the chromexcel Black leather with custom red stitch amazingly well made. I couldn’t be happier. Glad to support a 100% USA made product/company. I even emailed J Michael before placing my order to ask questions about leather options. It rare you find people/small companies like this one these days that care. Btw he replied to my email at 10pm at night. Thanks
I’ll start by saying that I’ve never written a review – or taken the time to follow-up – on ANY product that I’ve purchased. I’ve always assumed that it was a waste of time and that people, generally speaking, knew the quality of a particular item. I was compelled to write this review because of the insane quality and craftsmanship of J Michael’s work. The first wallet I purchased from J Michael was his full-size bifold…black shell exterior, black interior with navy stitching. Not only is the wallet beautiful to look at but the quality is on a completely different level. Soon after receiving the bifold – as in 3 days later – I ordered another wallet from him, this time, a front pocket wallet. The build quality on this piece was also outstanding! Not only is J Michael a fantastic craftsman, but he’s also a great person. His communication throughout the process was first-class and I could not have been more pleased. Keep up the great work JM!!
The Pocket Wallet is an expertly designed piece. It’s clearly evident that much thought was put into the design, layout, and function-ability of it. In spite of its small footprint, it will carry a very large amount of cards and cash with ease. Currently it has 14 cards and seven pieces of paper currency in it. And, there’s room for more if needed. It’s also not a gigantic lump in my back pocket, it still measure under .75” (actually between .6” and .75”).
The J Michael Ashland Pocket Wallet is built to last for decades. If there was ever a Buy It For Life wallet, this is it.
In this age of mass produced imported leather goods, it is rare to find hand-made bespoke items, crafted in North America using traditional methods and the very finest materials available.
Superb item! I don’t do reviews but this wallet justifies it. In this age of mass produced imported leather goods, it is rare to find hand-made bespoke items, crafted in North America using traditional methods and the very finest materials available. I read the reviews of others, saw the photos on this site, and decided to take a chance by ordering a minimalist pocket wallet in cordovan. Since I am critical on issues of quality, I was only cautiously optimistic that the product would meet the standard described in the reviews. A week after placing the order, the wallet arrived and it is outstanding. In every respect, this wallet meets and exceeds all expectations. The cordovan and the interior leather used is of the highest quality. The beautiful finished product shows all the hallmarks of meticulous hand production and attention to detail. This is apparent in the clean tight stitching, and the fine hand finishing of leather edges. I considered competitors’ products before placing the order, and the deciding factor for me was the hand-cutting and finishing, offered by J Michael leather-smith. You Will Not be disappointed.
Thank you J. Michael. Received my wallet 3 days ago. Seriously the best wallet I’ve ever owned! Gonna spread the word over here in Portland.
We received the package today and we loved it! You did such a perfect work that we were speechless when we opened it. Thank you so much for answering our e-mail, guiding us through the process of choosing the right wallet and creating the perfect one for my boyfriend. You were so helpful!
Crazy! Who isn’t excited about receiving a handmade, functional piece of art? I knew from the reviews that delivery was fast and I therefore entertained the giddy (can you be giddy in your 60s?) prospect of having my cordovan pocket wallet by Friday’s trip to NYC. I ordered Thursday afternoon and its now the following Tuesday, noon, and this beauty is in hand (nostrils too…smells great). Quick turn-around is really just the bonus.
The wallet is all that you’ve read about and expect from J Michael. The hand stitching perfect.
The purchase began with an email in which I noted my cell number and my vague questions. I figured I could do better in a conversation but merely suggested he could call if that suited his schedule. I got a call a half hour later….immensely helpful. We also digressed from leather to climbing and other mutual interests. The wallet holds the tangible stuff as expected…..and some intangible karma as well!
I just received my pocket wallet…Awesome craftsmanship. I love it.
I love my pocket wallets. Just sitting here on vacation this week. Looking at this elegant black shell beauty. I have 9 cards in it and $102 cash in the bottom left pocket. Folds just right. The front exterior feels like it’s padded, it is addictive just thumbing the exterior. And with everything loaded it feels featherish in weight. Smooth. Just right. Very pleased. And grateful.
I’ve had my J Michael Ashland Pocket Wallet for about six months now, wanted to wait and see before offering a review. Let’s just say I’m calling it my forever wallet. No doubt in my mind I’ll have it for at least 20 years. Great investment, don’t hesitate!
Placed my order 3 days ago and got my wallet delivered today. I couldn’t be happier. The quality and the craftsmanship are superb. If you’re thinking about which shell cordovan wallet to buy, look no further. It’s right here!
First of all, the customer service I received from J Michael was top shelf. I emailed him on Sunday night with some questions about the wallet. Not expecting to hear back from him for at least a day or two, J Michael emailed back within minutes. He answered all my questions, and was eager to help out. I placed my order that Sunday night, and the wallet arrived on Wednesday…super fast shipping! Now onto the wallet. Packaging was very nice with a hand written thank you card, and a description of the wallet. That’s a very nice touch! The wallet exceeding all of my expectations. The quality is absolutely beautiful, and the design of the wallet is perfect. The wallet has inward facing pockets, which means that your cards can never fall out. Even if a pocket were to get stretched out, and you downsized your cards in the future, there is no fear that cards will fall out, because they would fall toward the wallet. This is a great design feature! The wallet also seems to hold a bigger capacity than would be expected. I have 5 cards on the right pocket (along with a couple business cards), and 2 cards on the left, and there seems to be plenty more room if need be. The wallet still lays super flat. The leather on the wallet is super nice, and the stitching looks perfect! You can tell from the build quality that J Michael really cares about what he does, and the wallet looks like it will last forever. I would rate this with the highest rating, and would not hesitate to buy from J Michael again!
I just want to say that it is beautiful. Thank you. Love the smell. This looks like it should last several decades.
The hype is real, J Michael is the real deal. Just received my pocket wallet and every aspect of it is perfect! I will definitely be coming back for more masterpiece on leather!
The quality and design of this wallet are truly outstanding. The price is somewhat expensive, but there are so many wallets out there that are much more expensive without 1/10th of the quality and beauty of this item. The wallet is just a bit large for me so I am going to give this as a Christmas present. However, I immediately ordered a belt and a mini bifold wallet as a replacement. This item looks to be built to last a lifetime and I will definitely be purchasing a few more items in the future. In an otherwise throw away culture, it is a real pleasure to have the opportunity to purchase such excellent products from a US business with such superb customer service.
As a side note: I purchased this wallet late on a Monday evening and it arrived on Friday AM. An emailed question was answered almost immediately. Boxing and presentation are perfect for gifts. No sales tax and free shipping make this an even better deal – if that is even possible!
What can be said about the quality of J Michael’s leathercraft that hasn’t already been said? He has gained my loyalty as a customer and shared a bit with me how thankful he is to be able to work for people. J Michael… an artist in leather that not only provides products of high value, but beauty and durability… a rare gem in today’s world, setting a high bar for what being made in America should and could mean!
Thank you so much for the wallet…I love it! Thank you for what you do and who you are – you are a bright light in a sometimes dark universe !