Today we are announcing a Nomad first: our limited edition Shell Cordovan Bifold Wallet, handmade entirely in the USA. We produced this wallet in collaboration with Ashland Leather Co. and used Shell Cordovan leather from the Horween Tannery for this product. 250 of each color wallet were produced, so this is a limited run Nomad wallet. We will also be donating $100 from the sale of each wallet to the National Urban League, one of the oldest community organizations in the USA dedicated to economic and racial justice.
We built this wallet for three reasons: to support American manufacturers and craftspeople, to raise funds for an organization that we think is doing some of the most important community work in the country, and last but not least, to build one of a kind wallets that will last a lifetime. We hope you appreciate these testaments to handmade goods as much as we do and keep your eyes peeled for more limited edition releases from Nomad in the future!
Support for the National Urban League
When we set out to make a limited edition wallet in the USA, we weren't just looking to support our national community through increased domestic manufacturing partnerships. We were also looking to support local communities that have been historically underserved with our limited edition wallets. That is why we are donating $100 from the sale of each Shell Cordovan Wallet to the National Urban League.
The National Urban League works to provide economic opportunity through widespread initiatives from early education programs, housing support, healthcare programs, legal aid and college scholarships, just to name a few. They have been instrumental in providing support to civil rights movements as well. We are proud to be supporting the National Urban League and all the work they have done to address inequity in this country. If you would like to make your own donation to the National Urban League you can do so here.
Shell Cordovan from Horween
Shell Cordovan leather from the Horween Tannery is one the most unique leathers out there, and one of our favorites. Shell Cordovan first came into use to make leather razor strops in the early 1900's. The Horween Tannery of Chicago has long been considered one of the world experts in Shell Cordovan and they have been continually producing Shell Cordovan since 1905.
The process of making Shell Cordovan takes over 6 months to complete and the end result is a leather that will age beautifully over time, all while standing up to every day use. Shell Cordovan is steeped in a blend of vegetable liquors before being dyed, glazed and polished by hand. Shell Cordovan is also air dried, rather than with heat or fanning. This labor intensive and time consuming process represents Horween's absolute dedication to craft and quality. It's also the reason we think Horween is the best example of American leather and why we continue to use Horween leather in our products.
Shell Cordovan is the ideal leather for a pocket good like a wallet or key fob. It develops a mirror like luster over time, creating a polished sheen. Like any leather that Nomad uses, Shell Cordovan will patina over time, creating a unique finish for each individual wallet.
Made in the USA
We built this limited edition wallet in Chicago, with our friends at Ashland Leather. Each wallet was handmade in two separate production runs of 250 wallets each, so you can be sure that your wallet was built with attention to detail and personal care. A wallet is a piece of gear that you carry every day, and this limited edition wallet is a chance to make your everyday carry stand out from the rest.
The Shell Cordovan Wallet Limited Edition can hold a total of eight cards, 2 cards will fit in each of the four pockets. You can also use the rear pockets to hold folded cash. This wallet will easily carry all your daily essentials while looking good. If you are already rocking one of our Shell Cordovan Apple Watch straps, this wallet is a stylish complement.
If you enjoyed this article about our limited edition Shell Cordovan Wallets, check out this post about the legendary Horween Tannery of Chicago.