Folks had asked us to film a new video showing off the features and use of the Clear Organizer Wallet (COW) — we filmed this reel before the COW was restocked on 8/30 and sold out same day, which caught us by surprise.
But there's two videos below: first up is the video you asked us to make. Second is a video that shows off two new potential versions of the Clear Organizer Wallet. You see, we're totally out of the brown suede material to make the dividers as we did in the last batch, and we're now looking at two different options: Texon or Black microsuede.
We want your feedback on the two options — which would you prefer and why? — so be sure to share it in the comments.
So, to recap from the beginning: after we retired our Clear Organizer Wallet, many of you asked us to offer another production run. We did, and it sold out quickly. Since it'd be annoying of us not to offer another run (not everyone was able to have a COW, man) we're going to make more, but here's the thing: we're out of the brown synthetic suede that we used to make the dividers of the last batch. The good news is that we have two other options, but the bad news is we can't decide which we like best: it's 50/50 here amongst the crew.
First option is: Texon. Texon is the material used to make the accessory strap holders on The Guide's Pack and Guide's Edition Syniks, Synapses. It's a stiff, durable, high quality faux leather/felt. Those of us who prefer the Texon dividers prefer them because they are stiff: it's easier to thumb through the dividers, and the wallet overall is stiffer and has more structure.
Second option is: Black Microsuede. Also a high-quality faux material, this suede is perhaps just a little softer than the previous synthetic suedes used for the COW. Those of us here at TB who prefer this option like it because of the softness: this version of the COW is much more comfortable carried in pants pockets.
Based on the video and our descriptions above, which option would you prefer and why? Note: while this isn't a poll or vote (we gather feedback from many online spaces, as well as crew, friends, and family in-person) we will consider the feedback shared as we decide which material to use on the next run of COWs!
41 comments
Maui Chad - September 24, 2021
Tom Bing ‘I BEG OF YOU’… to please bring back the (COW) !!!
My old one is getting a little worn down!
I also vote for the (TEXON) dividers, the ridged Texon section(s) will make it much easier to find your cards, the ‘Suede’ dividers were a little too flimsy, that it made it a little difficult to pull a card out from between the suede dividers.
I appreciate all you do, I’m a huge fan of all your products. I just got my Camo print Truck the other day and it is truely an awesome tote bag!
Mahalo from Maui ——— TOM BIHN replied: Definitely bringing back the COW, and it’s looking like we’ll offer it in both Texon and Black microsuede, so you’ll have that Texon option! Glad you’re liking your Truck — it’s something special in the Camo for sure.
Vicki - September 24, 2021
I’m testing the COW and am finding it too small for my taste. I put my 2 credit cards in my new PP to free up more room. I wish the COW had a little more depth to it, and was 3/4" bigger all the way around. As for the dividers, the Texon material would be my choice, if it makes thumbing through whatever’s inside easier. Thank you! ——— TOM BIHN replied: Hmm, a larger COW: interesting. Perhaps large enough to also fit a passport?
Christine - September 24, 2021
HOW EXCITING! I want another COW!
I got mine second hand and it has silvery grey very soft material. I use it every day for the last several months. One conclusion I have made is that stiffer dividers would be better!
Aesthetically I prefer black to brown, regardless of material.
So glad to hear the COW is coming back!
Mahalo for all you do do! ——— TOM BIHN replied: Glad your silver COW has been serving you well all these months. Noted re: stiffer dividers.
Dom - September 24, 2021
The COW was my very first TB product, and its amazing workmanship, simplicity and function were what got me to dive headfirst into the wonderful world of Tom Bihn. I’ve been using the COW as my wallet for years, and will never go back to non-TB wallets. I’ve never had any issues with the suede (mine has a red & a blue) dividers. I like that I can open it up easily to look through my cards (credit cards, bank card, driver’s license that I place in the innermost compartment). Would the stiff Texon material enable me to do that? Is there any “give”/stretch to the Texon at all, or is it like a hard cardboard? Does the Texon make the wallet less flexible to maneuver? Can it still fit the same amount of cards/cash/coins as the suede? Would the microsuede be too soft and ends up collapsing on itself when I quickly shove cards back into the wallet? Those are my concerns. I’m definitely buying at least two, if not more, in the next COW restock. I’m getting them for my teenage sons, who break through conventional wallets easily. It will be the ideal (longlasting) wallet for them. They’ve always admired my COW, so it’ll be the perfect Christmas gift! ——— TOM BIHN replied: These are good questions. Personally, I find the Texon easier to flip through to view cards: maybe I’m all thumbs but the thumbs I have are more able to contact/push aside the Texon than the softer suedes. It’s not quite as stiff as cardboard, but it’s pretty darn stiff with a little give but no stretch. It still fits the same amount of cards etc. in my experience. The Black microsuede doesn’t collapse anymore than the original suedes, so should be all good in that regard.
Do your sons carry wallets in bags or pockets? If the latter, the Black microsuede would be the way to go.
Stephanie - September 24, 2021
I would prefer the Texon. I don’t like how the dividers squash down. The softness isn’t an factor for me as I carry the wallet in a bag, not in my pocket. ——— TOM BIHN replied: Understood. Yeah, carried in a bag, the stiffness isn’t such a big deal and is actually a plus.
Maui Chad - September 24, 2021
Tom Bing ‘I BEG OF YOU’… to please bring back the (COW) !!!
My old one is getting a little worn down!
I also vote for the (TEXON) dividers, the ridged Texon section(s) will make it much easier to find your cards, the ‘Suede’ dividers were a little too flimsy, that it made it a little difficult to pull a card out from between the suede dividers.
I appreciate all you do, I’m a huge fan of all your products. I just got my Camo print Truck the other day and it is truely an awesome tote bag!
Mahalo from Maui
———
TOM BIHN replied:
Definitely bringing back the COW, and it’s looking like we’ll offer it in both Texon and Black microsuede, so you’ll have that Texon option! Glad you’re liking your Truck — it’s something special in the Camo for sure.