Hello, everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll be reviewing wallets from the local accessories label Kisetsu.
I previously reviewed Kisetsu wallets when Ed Charly first purchased the brand. Since then, Ed Charly has separated Kisetsu from its main brand and created a dedicated website. The brand also introduced a couple of new offerings—let’s see if they are any good.
Kisetsu Kaizen Bifold Wallet – Review
Although I’ve already reviewed the Kaizen, Kisetsu just released a more affordable microfibre variant and sent one over for me to look at.
While previous iterations of the Kaizen were made from crazy horse leather, this latest release uses microfibre leather. Unlike crazy horse leather, microfibre leather is a synthetic material, which explains its lower price point. While the microfibre leather feels premium to the touch and mimics the characteristics of real leather, it will not patina over time.
Another difference is the addition of a textured lining, as opposed to the plain lining on the previous Kaizen.
Otherwise, the microfibre Kaizen’s functionality remains the same as its predecessor. It has four card slots—including a quick-access slot—which fits about 6-10 cards. Being a bifold wallet, there’s a full-length cash compartment, an anti-spill compartment for coins and keys, and a small slot for a travel pen in the middle.
However, I prefer the crazy horse leather Kaizen variant over the microfibre. The microfibre picks up scratches easily, ruining its smooth aesthetic. In contrast, scratches on the crazy horse leather model add to its rustic charm.
Kisetsu Hansei – Review
Kisetsu’s latest wallet is the Hansei, which is available in either saffiano leather or crazy horse leather.
Between the two, I requested the crazy horse leather variant – I like that it will patina over time.
Don’t worry – crazy horse leather isn’t made from horses. Instead, crazy horse leather was named as such because the same form of leather is traditionally used to make horse saddles. It is produced by applying a specific kind of wax to a full-grain calf leather piece that has been buffed and smoothed out. Over time, the colour and texture of the leather will change, imbuing the wallet with character.
In terms of storage, the Hansei is largely similar to the Kaizen. There’s an anti-spill compartment on the left for coins and keys, a travel pen slot in the middle, and a card compartment on the right (with a pull-out tab for least-used cards below).
As a bifold wallet, the Hansei has a full-length cash compartment for bills. It also has RFID-blocking technology and a hidden SD/SIM card slot.
The main difference between the Hansei and the Kaizen is the inclusion of a quick-access pocket at the back for your most frequently used cards. It’s a nifty little feature that I appreciated.
All in all, I enjoy the new Kisetsu Hansei. The brown crazy horse leather remains premium to the touch and aesthetically striking, and the wallet retains its svelte form factor without compromising on utility. In fact, the Hansei is slightly more practical than the older Kaizen due to the quick access slot at the back. It’s really useful – I use it to store my condo access card and find myself using the feature literally every day.
Kisetsu Shinkai – Review
Kisetsu also sent over its smallest wallet, the Shinaki holster.
Like the latest Kaizen wallet, the Shinkai is fashioned from microfibre leather. Due to its synthetic nature, the brand states that it’s more durable (as compared to genuine leather), water-resistant, easy to clean, and lightweight.
Meant as more of a cardholder, the Shinkai Holster comfortably fits 6-8 cards. It’s also RFID-blocking, which protects your credit cards from being skimmed.
To make access more convenient, the Shinkai has an “eject” button at the bottom.
The Shinkai also has a small cash slot at the back, which the brand says is designed to carry “cash folded into three”. In reality, I found this to be too much hassle. Instead, I mostly used it to carry spare cash meant for emergencies (if, for whatever reason, a place is cash-only in 2024), but mostly relied on the card slot for my everyday needs.
The Shinkai’s biggest advantage is its price—it’s only $27 (after the promo code below). For that price, it’s a no-brainer for anyone looking for an affordable cardholder.
Conclusion – so Kisetsu wallets “shiok” or not?
Kisetsu wallets deliver on three fronts: They are affordable, packed with features, and have a small form factor. Out of the three, I liked the Hansei the most – I love the texture of crazy horse leather, and it has enough storage options even for a heavy-duty user like me. It’s now my daily wallet, and I’ve received a ton of compliments on it.
Those interested in Kisetsu wallets can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off its website. After the discount, the microfibre Kaizen costs $89, the Hansei costs $107, and the Shinkai just $27. Considering the nifty features each wallet possesses, that’s a steal.
View the Hansei here.
View the Kaizen here.
View the Shinkai here.
View the full range of Kisetsu’s offerings here.
P.S.: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
