The Ridge is the metal wallet most people know, and it is a good one: two plates, an elastic band, a money clip. Its limits are the reasons to look elsewhere: no leather, no tools, no mechanism, and a price that buys more from other makers. These are the alternatives we stock, what each does that a Ridge does not, and the price.
Dango D01 R-Spec, $79
A machined aluminum chassis with a carbon fiber back and bolted leather, 12 cards, made in the USA. The Ridge with leather. D01.
Trayvax Original 2.0, $55
Aluminum, steel and paracord with a pry bar, bottle opener and clip. Cheaper than a Ridge and it does things. Original 2.0.
Dango SK1 Slide Kick, $39
Machined aluminum with a rail that fans six cards out when you push the plate. The mechanism a Ridge does not have, at half the price. SK1.
Dango M4 Maverick, $99
Rail wallet with polymer prongs and a leather pocket; the titanium clip version adds cash. M4.
GPCA United-1, $69
An aluminum or titanium card holder with a built-in carabiner clip, so it hangs from a belt loop or bag and never gets lost. 1 to 9 cards. United-1.
Trayvax Contour Lite, $190 to $235
Two machined plates wrapped in oil-tanned leather with a sliding clasp. The metal wallet that feels like leather, made in the USA for 65 years. Contour Lite.
What Ridge does well
It is thin, the band works, and the money clip is decent. If that is all you want, keep it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good alternative to a Ridge wallet?
The Dango D01 for leather and aluminum, the Trayvax Original for tools, the SK1 for a mechanism at $39.
Is there a cheaper Ridge alternative?
The Dango SK1 at $39 and Trayvax Original at $55.
Which alternative has leather?
Dango D01, D03, M4 and Trayvax Element and Contour.
Which is made in the USA?
Dango D01 and D03 and all Trayvax.
Which holds the most cards?
Dango D03 Dapper, 14.
The bottom line
The Dango D01 is the Ridge alternative most people want. The Trayvax Original is the one that saves money and adds a pry bar.
Related reading
Trayvax vs Ridge
Best Dango wallets, ranked
Best tactical wallets
