Hi, I’m Eric, the guy behind the workbench here at The Kilted Leatherworker LLC. I was sitting in my workshop the other day, looking at a mountain of scraps and a very cluttered workbench, and it hit me: life is a whole lot like a workspace. When it’s cluttered, you can’t find the tools you need to build something beautiful. When it’s clean, everything flows.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what we carry with us every day. Whether you’re heading out for a hike in the Texas Hill Country or just heading into the office for another day of meetings, the stuff in your pockets matters. For a long time, I was the guy with the "Costanza wallet": you know the one. It was three inches thick, full of receipts from 2019, and making my back ache every time I sat down.
But I’ve learned that simplifying what you carry isn't just about saving your lower back; it’s about making room for the adventure itself. When you aren't fumbling with a brick in your pocket, you’re free to focus on the world around you.
Why Clutter Kills the Adventure
Have you ever been out on a trail or exploring a new city and had to stop every five minutes because your pockets were overflowing? It’s a distraction. Minimalism, to me, isn't about having nothing; it’s about having the right things.
When I started my leatherworking journey, I realized that many people buy massive bags and wallets simply because they feel like they should fill them up. It’s like a giant soda: if you buy the 64-ounce mega-gulp, you’re going to drink the whole thing even if you weren't that thirsty. Carrying a huge wallet is the same way. You’ll find yourself stuffing business cards, old coupons, and random scraps of paper in there just because the space exists.
Nothing clears the head quite like a cold cream soda on a hot afternoon, and that’s exactly what a minimalist carry feels like for your daily routine. It’s refreshing. It’s light. It lets you move through your day with a bit more zip in your step.
I’ve written before about the minimalist wallet challenge, and honestly, most of us only need about three to five cards and a little bit of cash. Anything more is just noise.
The Star of the Show: The Burgundy Wrinkle Minimalist Wallet
When I was designing new pieces for the shop, I wanted something that felt rugged but looked sophisticated. That’s where the Burgundy Wrinkle Minimalist Wallet came from.
There is something about the texture of this leather that just speaks to me. It has these natural, unique "wrinkles" or character marks that tell a story before you even put your first card in it. It’s a minimalist leather wallet designed for the person who wants to simplify without losing their sense of style.
I love making these because they represent everything I believe in: honest materials and durable craftsmanship. When I’m at the bench, I ensure that every stitch is perfect. I use a heavy-duty thread that isn't going to quit on you after a few months. This isn't a "fast fashion" item that you’ll throw away next year. This is a companion.
The beauty of a high-quality handmade leather goods piece like this is the patina. Over time, as you slide it in and out of your pocket, the oils from your hands and the friction of your jeans will change the leather. It will get darker, smoother, and shinier in all the right places. It becomes a map of where you’ve been.
If you’re wondering if a front-pocket carry is right for you, check out my thoughts on minimalist vs traditional wallets. Trust me, your back will thank you.
Elevating the Professional Carry
Now, I know a lot of my friends spend their adventures in an office building or a hospital. Just because you’re at work doesn't mean you can’t appreciate the art of a slim carry.
One of the most overlooked items in a daily carry is the ID badge. Most people use those cheap, clear plastic holders that crack and yellow after a month. Or worse, they use those retractable clips that snap and send your ID flying across the breakroom.
I decided to fix that with the leather ID badge holder.
This isn't just about looking good: though it certainly helps. It’s about reliability. I use a rich, brown leather that feels substantial. It keeps your ID secure and presents a professional, put-together image. It’s a small detail, but as I’ve learned in leatherworking, the details are where the soul of the work lives.
Using a leather ID badge holder is a great way to bring that "less is more" philosophy into your workspace. It’s one less piece of plastic in your life and one more piece of quality craftsmanship you get to touch and use every day.
The "One Step at a Time" Philosophy
You might be wondering why a guy in a kilt spends his days poking holes in cowhide. For me, it’s about the pace. Our world moves so fast. Everything is digital, everything is "instant." But you can't rush a good saddle stitch. You can't rush the way leather ages.
I enjoy the process of creating items one step at a time. I love the smell of the shop, the sound of the mallet, and the feeling of a finished piece that I know will last for decades. When you choose to carry a minimalist wallet or a handmade belt pouch, you’re choosing to slow down a little bit too. You’re choosing quality over quantity.
Little did I know when I started this journey that I’d be helping people all over the country declutter their lives. It’s been a surprise, but a welcome one. Whether I’m hand-dyeing a professional mini padfolio or stitching a new wallet, my goal is always the same: to make something that helps you enjoy your life more.
How to Start Your Minimalist Journey
If you're feeling weighed down by your current carry, here are a few simple steps to start downsizing:
- The Purge: Dump your wallet out right now. If you haven't used a card in three months, it doesn't belong in your daily carry. Put it in a drawer or a safe place at home.
- Go Digital: Many loyalty cards and receipts can be stored on your phone. You don't need the physical plastic taking up space.
- Invest in Quality: Swap your bulky, cheap wallet for a slim minimalist leather wallet. Because it has less space, it forces you to be intentional about what you keep.
- Think Utility: If you find you still need more room for specific adventures, consider a leather belt pouch. It keeps the weight off your pockets and onto your belt, where it's much more comfortable.
More Life, Less Leather
At the end of the day, the things we own shouldn't own us. My "kilted" approach to life is all about freedom: freedom to move, freedom to explore, and freedom to be yourself. By choosing a simpler carry, you’re opening yourself up to more experiences. You’re ready to jump in the car for a road trip or head out for a walk without checking to see if your pockets are bulging.
There is something truly wonderful about a simple, well-made leather item. It doesn't need bells and whistles. It just needs to work, and it needs to look good doing it.
I’m so grateful that I get to spend my days making these pieces for you. Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings and for supporting a small, handmade business. It means the world to me and my family.
If you’re ready to start your minimalist adventure, I’d love to help you find the perfect piece. Feel free to browse the shop or check out some of my other stories on the blog.
Until next time, keep it simple and keep adventuring!
Warmly,
Eric
Founder & Owner, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC