Few brands (if any) pop up on our site more than The James Brand. The Platonic Ideal of what an EDC brand should be, the revered Portland-based gear experts meticulously design each and every product with both form and function in mind. Over the years, they have crafted some of our favorite pieces, from the versatile Carter pocket knife to the twist-retractable Bolen pen. But they’ve yet to add a wallet to their lineup — until now.
Filling The Gap
Since Ryan Coulter and his team of designers launched The James Brand back in 2012, the company has built its reputation on creating modern EDC essentials that reject the overly tactical aesthetic dominating the market. Starting with the Chapter knife, they’ve consistently proven that everyday tools can be both beautiful and practical. So when they announced the Lowe wallet, their first-ever foray into the category, expectations were understandably high. And from what we’re seeing, they didn’t disappoint.
We’ve been using the Lowe for the past week (see video below) and have been loving it. It’s a fantastic take on the minimalist metal wallet, with expectedly-sleek design, a great in-hand feel, and effective Pinc-Tech that actually keeps your cards secure (more on that later). Adding and removing them from the housing creates a great experience overall.
CNC-Machined Minimalism
The Lowe strips away everything unnecessary. Crafted from CNC-machined 6063-T5 aluminum with a flush-mounted silicone band, this thing is thinner than a pack of gum yet somehow manages to feel substantial in hand. There are no visible seams, no exposed hardware, and minimal branding — just a tiny logo on one side and “James” etched into the strap, which is perfect for adding cash or an extra card. The chamfered corners are designed for smooth pocket re-entry so it doesn’t scrape against your phone or leg when putting it away.
Four colorways are available at launch: Silver/Black, Silver/Grove, Black/Black, and Black/Alpine Liquid Blue. Each features that signature silicone band sitting perfectly flush with the aluminum body, meaning no awkward protrusions or bulk.
The Pinch-Tech Solution
Most minimalist cardholders either grip too hard when fully loaded or feel loose when just carrying one card. The Lowe sidesteps this problem entirely with what The James Brand calls Pinch-Tech — a pair of internal rails that hug your cards regardless of whether you’re carrying one or the maximum six. An internal ramp at the bottom lets you push cards up and out with your thumb, while the rails maintain just enough tension to keep everything secure without making deployment difficult. The aluminum construction also provides natural RFID blocking, though the brand has a refreshingly honest take on whether RFID skimming is actually a widespread concern.
Spec Sheet
Model: The Lowe
Material: CNC-machined 6063-T5 aluminum
Band Material: Silicone
Card Capacity: 1–6 cards
Card Retention: Pinch-Tech system
Dimensions: 3.5″ × 2.6″ × 0.4″
Weight: 2.1 oz
RFID Protection: Natural (aluminum)
Price: $119
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $119, the Lowe wallet is available now through The James Brand’s website in all four colorways.
Recap
The James Brand Lowe Wallet
The James Brand just launched the Lowe, their first-ever wallet, and it’s a CNC-machined aluminum minimalist cardholder that uses an internal “Pinch-Tech” rail system to securely hold anywhere from one to six cards without feeling too tight or too loose.
