Trayvax and Ridge are the two names people compare when they decide to stop carrying leather, and they are not the same idea. Ridge makes a two-plate card holder with an elastic band and a money clip, in aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber. Trayvax makes wallets around a steel or aluminum frame with paracord, leather and tools, in Bellingham, Washington, with a 65-year warranty. This guide compares them on the things that matter and tells you which suits how you carry.
Construction
Ridge: two machined plates, an elastic band that tensions the stack, screws you can adjust. Trayvax: a plate or frame with paracord (Original, Element) or leather-wrapped plates (Contour), riveted or stitched. Ridge is a card holder; Trayvax is a wallet built like a tool.
Cash
Ridge uses a money clip or a cash strap on the outside. Trayvax puts a clip in the plate (Original, Element) or gives you a real billfold (Venture).
Tools and extras
Trayvax builds in a pry bar (Original 2.0), a bottle opener and an attachment point. Ridge is a wallet and nothing else.
Leather
Ridge has none. Trayvax offers oil-tanned leather over metal on the Element and Contour, so you get the structure with a leather feel.
Warranty and origin
Ridge offers a lifetime warranty and makes its wallets overseas. Trayvax makes in the USA with a 65-year heirloom warranty.
Price
Ridge aluminum starts around $80 to $100, titanium and carbon fiber higher. Trayvax starts at $55 for the Original and goes to $235 for a titanium Contour.
Which
If you want a slim card holder with a band and nothing else, Ridge is fine. If you want tools, leather, paracord, and American made, Trayvax. For a machined wallet with leather and a mechanism, Dango is the third option.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trayvax better than Ridge?
For tools, leather options and USA manufacturing, yes. Ridge is the slimmer pure card holder.
Which is cheaper?
Trayvax, starting at $55.
Which holds more cash?
Trayvax, with clips in the plate or the Venture billfold.
Where is Trayvax made?
Bellingham, Washington.
Which has a longer warranty?
Both are lifetime-class; Trayvax states 65 years.
The bottom line
Trayvax, unless a bare card holder is exactly what you want. Start with the Original 2.0 or the Element.
Related reading
Ridge wallet alternatives
Best Trayvax wallets, ranked
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