Minimalist bi-fold wallet, "Reduce."

At first glance, it is a simple bi-fold wallet, but the moment you pick it up, you can clearly tell the difference from a standard wallet.

Its primary feature is a design that pursues thinness and strips away anything unnecessary. We addressed the common issue of bi-fold wallets being "bulky when filled" by rethinking the structure from the ground up.

While this is a classic model that Munekawa has been crafting for a long time, the spread of cashless payments has led to it being chosen once again by those who want to keep their belongings to a minimum.

In this blog post, we will explain in detail what kind of wallet the Reduce is, its structure, and the reasons why it is so popular.

What is the minimalist bi-fold wallet "Reduce"?

As its name suggests, the Reduce is a bi-fold wallet whose form was conceived from the idea of "reducing."

It measures 8.5cm in height by 10cm in width. We pursued dimensions that allow for the smooth insertion and removal of banknotes while keeping the size to an absolute minimum. It features one bill compartment and three card slots on each side. It comfortably holds about 10 banknotes and 6 cards.

With a thickness of about 1.5cm and a weight of about 46g, it is surprisingly lightweight for a genuine leather piece.

Many people who pick up the Reduce at our store are drawn to its thinness, lightness, and streamlined design. Our customers who use it daily have told us, "It’s rare to find a wallet that pursues this aesthetic of subtraction," and "I love how it provides exactly what is necessary, and nothing more."

A unique design that is easy to use despite its small size

When you open the Reduce, you will notice that the center of the bill compartment is cut out.

This shape is designed so that you can place your thumb on the opposite side of the hand used to remove the bills, allowing you to slide them out smoothly. By just opening the wallet and placing your thumb there, the bills are pushed forward with ease.

Furthermore, by omitting the leather in the center, there is less overlap when the wallet is folded, which directly contributes to reducing its overall thickness. It is a design where the ingenuity for ease of use directly leads to its thin profile.

A leather wallet that gets thinner with use and offers the joy of aging

We often hear from those who love the Reduce that they are looking forward to how it will age over time.

Because it has a plain structure without decorations or metal fittings, you can feel the original texture and changes in the leather directly. With daily handling, it develops a natural luster, growing into a deep, unique expression tailored to the owner's habits.

A brand-new Reduce has a slight gap due to the inherent stiffness of the leather. The Italian "Buttero" leather that Munekawa primarily uses is quite firm at first, but as you open and close it repeatedly, the fibers loosen and become soft and supple.

Once the leather settles, it becomes as thin as about 8mm. While many people associate aging primarily with changes in color and luster, for the Reduce, "thinness" is also an element that matures as you use it.

Who is the Reduce recommended for?

Our customers who choose the Reduce tend to share several commonalities:

• Those who mainly use cashless payments but want to keep banknotes and cards on hand.
• Those who often store their wallet in the inner pocket of a suit or jacket.
• Those who want to go out lightly, empty-handed or with a small bag.
• Those who prefer to carry a wallet and a coin case separately.
• Those looking for a practical, no-nonsense gift.

Even with the maximum capacity of 6 cards, the thickness remains at about 1.5cm, so it won't ruin the silhouette of your clothing when placed in a jacket inner pocket. Taking advantage of its compact bi-fold design, some people even carry it in their front trouser pocket or shirt pocket.

We have received comments such as these from customers who have purchased it:

"Recommended for people who want to carry the bare minimum of cards and cash compactly. It’s slim, stays in place, and I use it stress-free."

"I found this while looking for a coin-less wallet. I was drawn to this aesthetic of subtraction."

"I was looking for a wallet that only holds bills and cards, and I purchased this in blue."

The "bill compartment + card slot only" configuration is surprisingly hard to find when looking for specific requirements. The Reduce is chosen by those who have such clear preferences.

Conclusion

Making a wallet thinner and lighter is also a way to simplify your daily surroundings.

The Reduce is just the right choice for those who know exactly what they truly need. We hope you enjoy the process of it conforming to your lifestyle the more you use it.

At our direct-managed store in Daikokucho, Osaka (with an attached atelier), you can try inserting your own cards and bills to check its actual thickness and usability. If you live far away, please view the detailed specifications on the product page in our online store.

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https://munekawa.jp/

▶︎Click here for details on Munekawa direct-managed stores
https://munekawa.jp/pages/store