Keyport Slide 3.0 - Kickstarter

Keyport Pivot and Slide 3.0

I have had the Keyport Slide 2.0 since 2013.  In January of this year, the folks at Keyport introduced a Kickstarter campaign for their new Slide 3.0, along with a newly designed Pivot.

Keyport Slide 3.0

So far, I am/was very happy with the Slide 2.0.  Although, there were issues with the construction...mainly material choice...the plastic used could shatter if dropped.  Ask me how I know that one.  The aluminum construction of the Slide 3.0 (will hopefully) solve this minor issue.   You can see one of the chips on my 2.0 in the image below.  Besides, I am not a fan of the pivot system, not just Keyport's Pivot, pivot design systems in general.

The design of the 3.0 is similar to the 2.0.  There are slight changes due the change from plastic to metal.  For one, the 3.0 weighs a little more.  Well, of course it does, it is metal.  I like the added weight.

Slide 3.0 and Slide 2.0

The end cap is a much improved design.  It has a spring loaded latch.  On the 2.0, the end cap is sort of pressed in and locks in with tabs.  Well, if you happen to drop your Keyport 2.0...one of these tabs can break of...then you will have to look for your chassis, end cap, and the little piece of tab.  The fun part is finding a way to re-attach or repair the broken tab.  I tried superglue, solvents, welding the plastic tab back, and hot glue.  They all work for a while, but as soon as you need to remove the end cap for any reason (see photo above), you risk breaking the tab off again.  Oh, and if you happen to drop it again, you could get lucky and just have a chip somewhere....or you could snap the tab off again.  So, you can see how excited I was when a new - metal - version was being released.  Heck, at one point I thought about getting a new Slide 2.0 chassis, but luckily the Kickstarter campaign started.

One 'feature' that 2.0 users will miss when switching to the 3.0 is the little nub on one side of the Keyport chassis.  I use this everyday to feel which distinguish which side is which, especially in the dark.

Slide 2.0 nub vs smooth Slide 3.0

Above image shows nub (circled) that has been very helpful.  I may stick a little nipple on the 3.0 so I will know which side is 'up'.

Since I already had blades and inserts from the 2.0, when I got the new 3.0, I just transferred them over.  I even reused by buttons.  But, there was one insert that did not fit.  The LED light insert is too wide to fit.  I also had the problem of low battery life.

Keyport LED insert

If you have the LED insert and need to change the battery and/or want to fit it in your Slide 3.0, this next section may help.  Be careful and do this at your own risk...there is my disclaimer.

Hoverboard

Tanget:  The LED insert kinda looks like a hoverboard.  And, why is it when I look up "hoverboard" on Google, I get those 'hands-free Segways'.  When I search "hoverboard", I should be bombarded by images from the Back to the Future trilogy, damn it!

Trim line

Since the insert is a little wide, you need to trim one side of the circuit board.  The dotted line above shows where you need to trim to, about 1.5mm.

Be careful to not go too deep. The red arrow shows the line where 'wire' that connects the battery to the switch.  Try not to cut this line.  If you do, that is okay.  You should be able to re-route the wire back to the switch.

Sanding to the line

On my LED insert, there was enough room to sand down and not hit the wire.  Note the holes on the circuit board, you can use these to 'rewire' if you happen to trim too much.

Now, battery removal.  The batteries are spot welded on to the contacts.  This is so the insert can slide in and out easily without catching on the walls of the chassis.  I do not have, or know if there is, an un-spot welder.  So, a solution is the drill out the spot weld.

Spot weld locations

There are eight spot welds.  Luckily, they have a slight dip, like a shallow pilot hole, so the drill bit you use should not travel as easily.  Better to have access to a drill press, but drilling by hand will work.

Battery drilling

As with all tools be careful.  After all, you are drilling into to a battery.  Take it slow.  Once you pass through the spot weld, the contact should pop up, no need to drill any deeper.  I would assume that heat from the drill on the battery is not the best combo.  Speaking of heat on a battery, spot welding a battery sounds stupid dangerous.

Drilled contacts

Once you have drilled through the contacts, the battery will pretty much fall out.  Just need to find the correct replacement.  The batteries that came with the insert were 3V CR1025, I used 1.55V 395.  I will be getting half the voltage of a brand new LED insert, but I was getting close to nothing on my factory batteries.  Good news is, I can switch out batteries anytime.

Tape down contacts to battery

Not only do I not have an un-spot welder, I also do not have a spot welder to weld the contacts back on to the batteries.  But, I have tape.  Find some thin tape, cut it to size and make sure the contacts are contacting the batteries and tape everything down.  Make sure there is tape on the sides...remember it was to wide to fit in the 3.0 slots?...well why would you add more thickness to it?

Slide insert into chassis

With both one edge trimmed to fit, new batteries replaced and taped, you can now slide in the insert into the chassis as you did on the 2.0.

Lights on!

It works!

After doing this, I realized the new design has an option for LED side plate.  It looks like there is an easier way to change batteries.

New LED side plate design

If you want one of these yourself, you can order from Keyport.

WRENCHit - Kickstarter

WRENCHit - Turing Smart

Another great idea, another great product from mininch.  This is the third product from mininch and I am proud to have back this via their Kickstarter campaign.  The campaign was backed by over 2200 backers and pledged over $150,000, well exceed their goal of $10,000.  In the past three years, I have backed their Tool Pen, Tool Pen Mini, and now their WRECHit.

Their campaign was launched earlier this year in March.  Since I was a previous backer, I was on their mailing list and received information prior to launch.  I was immediately sold on the thought of having a wrench with a 'Pop-A-Point' system.  The feeling was same with many other as it reached its goal five times over within 24 hours.

Outer box

I ordered the full set and just received the set.

Awesome packaging

The full set includes the main body, which holds five wrench bits, and an additional five bits to interchange.  All beautifully packed in mininch's standard box.  Also included is a pouch for the main body and the five bits.

Bits included in the full set of 10 wrenches:

• 6mm (with 3.2mm, 3.4mm, 3,5mm spoke wrenches)
• 7mm
• 8mm
• 9mm
• 10mm
• 11mm
• 12mm
• 13mm
• Wing Nut (with Shimano® 4.3mm, 4.4mm spoke wrenches)
• Bottle Opener
• Main body
• Pouch

The 'Pop-A-Point' system is a little different on the WRENCHit.  Most other have you loading bits from the rear, allowing you to apply vertical force on the tool, like a screwdriver.  If a bit you need is not in the chamber, you will need to load from back and continue to shift until the desired bit is positioned.

On the WRENCHit, you push the bits in and load from the front.  This allows pull and torque force to be applied.   If a bit needed is not in the chamber, you can just load to the front.  Otherwise, a chambered bit will need to be shifted until it is free and can be loaded to the front.

Bits and bits

Of course it has a bottle opener, it would not be a Kickstarter campaign without a bottle opener...even though most bottles now have twist caps.


If you have noticed, some of the wrenches are designed specifically for bicycle repair and maintenance.  A full wrench set that can fit either in your seat bag or jersey pocket.  This is a great tool to bring along on rides.

Pouch

I hope to get good use of this along with the other two tools in the mininch trilogy.  Speaking of trilogy, this is the opening statement of their Kickstarter campaign:

Many great movie trilogies had ever brought happiness to our lives (The Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, Back to the Future, The Matrix…). Thanks to these unforgettable films, we think it would be a good idea to make our Tool Pen series an excellent trilogy as well. No more screwdrivers, but there’s another utility tool to make your collection complete – WRENCHit!

Ha!  They mentioned Back to the Future.

If you want this or any of their tool sets, visit their website at mininch.com

Titanium Pocket Tool - Kickstarter

I am a sucker for titanium.  Heck, I will sometimes do a search for 'titanium' on auction sites just to see what is out there.  Another place I will go is Kickstarter...which is where I found the Titanium Pocket Tool.  I like multi-function tools and obviously, I love titanium...so of course I had to get this.

Titanium Pocket Tool

The Kickstarter campaign started by Big iDesign around March of this year, with a goal of raising $5000.  When the campaign ended the TPT raised just over $229K.  As promised, the item arrived in June.

I have had the tool for a day and did some non-scientific testing on it.  Here are my thoughts and results with each tool listed on their website

• Bottle Opener - What is a Kickstarter campaign without a bottle opener function?  As I have mentioned, I to a search for titanium and usually a handful of items come up.  I bet if you do a search for 'bottle opener', you would break Kickstarter.  Where was I?  Oh yeah.  It works fine for a bottle opener on a multi-tool.  I am sure you have many bottle openers at home that can do better...or other Kickstarter items you that also have a bottle opener 'designed into it'.

• Flat Head Screwdriver - Again, works fine.  Obviously, this is not as ergonomically friendly as your traditional screwdriver, but like the bottle opener, in a pinch, it works.

• Wide Flat Head Screwdriver - See above for function.  But, I find this 'tool' to be a little misleading.  The wide flat-head screwdriver is the area in the lower left of tool (see above image).  It is like saying a coin is a multi functional currency.  It works, but again, there is no leverage.

• Internal Magnet - Strong enough to hold its own weight (listed at 24 grams).  But, not more than two pieces of paper.

• 1/4″ (6mm) Hex Bit Opening - Good enough in 'survival' situation.

• Measurement Cues - This is interesting.  From the top, the center of the screw to the edge of the button does measure 25mm.  And, from center to center of the bottom screws, it does measure 50mm.  There are no other markers, so this is only good for rough measurements.

• Mini Pry Bar - Just like how a coin can be a pry bar, but you get a little better leverage here.  Bonus, it is also the flat head screwdriver.

• Scraper Edge - Not really feeling this one.  There is a slight overlap where the two halves meet, forming a slight...very slight...edge that can be used for scraping.  Again, you can use a coin to scrap a lottery card, too.

• Stainless Steel Insert “Dual Function” - The "dull edge package opener" works fine.  I have opened packages with keys, even toothpicks.  I give this one a pass.  I wonder if this is 'airport safe'.
  The camping fork would probably work better if it was four pronged.  The three prong design results in wide prongs.  Stabbing something soft like pasta is fine.  Anything harder like vegetables, the fork does not hold very well.  A normal fork is curved and that helps lock in the food. This being straight, anything hard or heavy tends to slip off the end.  Obviously, the prongs are short (they are also angled) stabbing more than one or two pieces of food is going to be a challenge.  Also, noodles are out of the question.

• 550 Paracord Lanyard / Key Ring Opening - To put it bluntly, this is a hole with a string tied in a knot.  The paracord, and anything you have attached to it, can get in the way of tool usage.  But having an option to latch it on to something is a great option.  A soft loop like paracord is a preferred alternative to a hard metal ring that can scratch my beloved titanium.

• Accepts Standard Utility Razor Blades (not included) - The insert is basically a blunt utility razor with notches cut in to make a fork.  So yeah, I give this a pass.  I prefer the included insert as it has a fork and hopefully airport safe.

• Universal Wrench Design (15 Socket Sizes) - Not really feeling this one either.  The best place to grip a nut (you have a dirty mind) is on its sides.  This design grips the nut by the corners, the weakest part.  While it does work, there really is not enough leverage and nut grip (get your mind out of the gutter) to torque a nut.  I found that it slipped more times than expected.  Also, the design means you have to flip it one way to tighten bolt and the other to loosen, much like a pipe wrench.

Well, there you go.  For the price, it might be a little over priced for what it is.  There are better multi-tools out there that can do more for less money.  Although few are as compact and even fewer are made of titanium.  Overall, I like it (mainly for the titanium) and most of the functions are good enough for emergency use.  I recommend carrying a tool with you, whether it be this one or others, for emergencies, at least have something like this in your bag or glove compartment.

If you want to pick one up for yourself, visit the Big iDesign website

Tool Pen Mini - Kickstarter

Tool Pen Mini - Precision Bits

Last year, I backed the Tool Pen by mininch.  Earlier this year, the gang at mininch launched another Kickstarter campaign for their Tool Pen Mini.  Their new campaign was equally successful, generating over $350,000 for their $15,000 goal.

Familiar packaging

As with the original, the compact design makes this tool easy to carry and ready to use.  The Mini uses the same 'Pop-A-Point' system to cycle through the bits.  There are five bits in the chamber.

Inside the box, with extra bit carrying case

Included in the kit I ordered was an additional sixteen bits.  This was the 'most complete kit' for this Kickstarter campaign.  The bits include:

•  Slotted Bits: SL1.5, SL2, SL2.5, SL3
•  Phillips Bits: PH00, PH0, PH1
•  Hexagon Bits: H0.9, H1.3, H1.5, H2 
•  Torx Bits: T6, T7
•  Torx Security Bits: TR8, TR9, TR10
•  Square Bits: S1
•  SIM Eject Tool: 0.8
•  Pentalobe Bits: P2, P5, P6

Tool Pen Mini and bits

Like the larger Tool Pen, the cap of the Mini is magnetic.  They made one improvement to the cap, as it fits on the end of the pen, making it hard to lose.  There is also a clip on the cap, making it even harder to lose.

Size of original and mini bits

Note that the Tool Pen Mini and Minibits are not compatible with the original Tool Pen and its bits.  

Want one of these or the original Tool Pen?  Missed out on the Kickstarter campaign?  Well, you can order the original Tool Pen from the mininch website.  The Tool Pen Mini should be available soon.

Reading Rainbow - Kickstarter

So, I got this box in the mail, and I had no clue what it was.  Turns out, it was my rewards package from Kickstarter for funding Levar Burton's Bring Reading Rainbow Back for Every Child, Everywhere!  It had been a few months since the end of the funding period, so I was surprised when I received and unknown package in the mail.  Something on the box to tell me it was something I ordered eight months ago, would have helped.

Like many my age, we grew up with public television shows.  Reading Rainbow was one of the standouts. I will admit that I am not much of a reader, but I usually tried to hunt down books featured in the PBS show.  Oh, and several years later I was really into Star Trek:  The Next Generation.  I have been a fan of LeVar Burton for a while, as many of my peers are.  So, when LeVar Burton launches a Kickstarter campaign, it gets funded within a few hours.  Over 105,000 backers pledged over $5.4 million dollars to the campaign.

There were a ton of rewards with this campaign.  Everything from bumper stickers to a private dinner in the officer's lounge with Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge.  No really, a private dinner with LeVar Burton.   One of the things I wanted was a signed copy of LeVar's book.  What could be better than a book written by the guy who introduced many to...well, books.

Here is what I got.

Reading Rainbow reward package

• Tan Reading Rainbow logo T-shirt, with the famous quote, "But you don't have to take my word for it."
• Black 8-Bit T-shirt.  "Power up with Reading Rainbow"
• Coffee Mug with 8-Bit logo
• 8-Bit logo magnet
• 2015 Calender with birthdays of authors (including LeVar Burton) marked.
• The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, a children's book by LeVar Burton

Close up of magnet and LeVar Burton's autograph.

Once again, LeVar Burton is encouraging kids to read and bringing books to kids, everywhere.

Tool Pen - Kickstarter

Tool Pen by mininch

One can never have too many tools.  Especially, something as elegant and useful as this.  I came upon the Tool Pen by mininch on Kickstarter.  It was a Staff Pick, and you can see why.  The campaign wanted to raise a mere $7000 and ended up getting almost $275,000 in their funding, with over 4,600 backers.

The genius of this gadget is its compact design.  You can carry six bits at a time in your Tool Pen, using there 'Pop-A-Point' system.  Most quick jobs will not require more than three or four tool bits anyway.  Plus, you can have additional bits to pop in as needed.

I was one of the many that backed this project back in August, and today I got my reward.  So excited.

Simple packaging

The item came in a shipper pouch and inside was a simple brown box with simple graphics.  I like simple, it does not complicated things.  Another thing I like, the package contains all recyclable cardboard.  I also like boxes, and this is a cool box.

This is what you get

There were several versions of the kit available.  This included three finishes and bit configurations depending on your needs. I chose the Snow Silver Premium package.  This package comprised of the Tool Pen body and 13 tool bits.  There were options to add more bits, but I had no use for those other bits.  Looking back, I probably should have ordered them, just so I have a complete set of bits for the Tool Pen. I may have to stock up on bits when they become available again.

Tool Pen and bits

The thirteen bits in my kit included three slotted screwdriver bits (SL3, SL4, SL4.5), two Phillips bits, (PH1, PH2), metric hex bits (H2, H2.5, H3, H4), and four Torx bits (T10, T15, T20, T25).  These are common sizes and pretty much all I need.  Anything special, I would have to dig into my tool box to find.

A nice added feature is the cap is magnetically held into place. The only flaw is, there is no where to put the cap when you are using the tool.  You cannot have it placed on the end, as it would get in the way or pop off whilst torquing down a screw.  This is a minor flaw and the magnetic cap more than makes up for it. I like magnets, too.

Bits marked with type and size

Each bit is clearly marked with the size and type.  This can been seen through the window of the Tool Pen so you know which bits are in the chamber.  By simply removing the first bit and pushing it the chain for bits forward, you can rotate through your tools.  Obviously, new bits can be introduced at anytime, with a limit of six in the Tool Pen.

Dimensions:

• 14.8cm long with cap on
• 1.7cm wide from corner to corner
• 1.5cm wide from side to side
• 91.5 grams with six bits and cap on

For more information, check out their website at www.mininch.com

Nerdwax - Kickstarter

Nerdwax, the Original Glasses Wax

I stumbled onto this on Kickstarter and thought it was a fun product.  Sometimes a great name is good enough to sell a product.  They were funded over twelve times their goal.  Nerdwax is wax applied to the bridge of your glasses to keep them up.  Anyone with glasses knows the constant routine of pushing up their spectacles every few minutes.  Oh gravity, you so funny.

All natural waxes are blended to create a non-slip coating to prevent your glasses from slipping off your nose.

Applying Nerdwax to glasses

The application is simple.  Just rub the wax onto the nose pad of your glasses, as if you are applying lip gloss. Only instead of smooth, moist lips...you have a sticky nose pad.  The residue can be easily removed by wiping with finger or tissue.  The all natural materials means it does no irritate the skin...at least, I have no have any problems yet.  Make sure you are not allergic to beeswax and other natural waxes.

The weather here is a little warm, so my wax is a little on the soft side.  It makes it hard to get a smooth coat of wax, as it chunks up.  I am sure once the weather gets a little cooler, it will glide on more consistently.  Placing the wax in a cool place may help.

Because of the width of the tube, I found it hard to get into the corners.  Perhaps using a smaller diameter applicator, like a Softlips tube, would make it easier in this situation.

Hard to read areas

I have been using this for about a week and it seems to work like it is supposed to.  Depending on how greasy your nose is and oh often you take on/off your glasses, the wax lasts about 2-3 days.  I think I have a pretty greasy face, so each application lasts me about a day.  Perhaps I am not putting enough on, or not applying it correctly.

I notice that I only have slipping issues on full plastic frames.  Frames with separate or rubber-like nose pads and/or temples tend to have better grip anyway.  There is no need, at least for me, to use it on these type of frames.

You use very little, so a tube could last a few months, maybe even up to a year.  If you have trouble keeping your glasses up, give this a try.  You can order from their website at Nerdwax.com for $10 a tube.  

Back In Time - Kickstarter

Back In Time movie poster, signed by director and executive producer

I just received the first 'reward' from the Back In Time Kickstarter campaign.  A poster signed by the Director, Jason Aron and Executive Producer Louis Krubich.  Back In Time is "A film about the cultural impact of Back to the Future—30 years later—told from the viewpoint of the DeLorean Time Machine."  This is the first of many rewards, I will have more in the months ahead.  Stay tuned.

The documentary is planned to released around the 30th Anniversary of the Back to the Future film as part of the We're Going Back celebrations.  There will surely be more 'surprises' as we get closer to 2015.

Update 27 January 2014:  My t-shirt came in today.

Back In Time t-shirt

Adding another DeLorean/Back to the Future themed t-shirt to the collection.  This one features graphics matching the movie poster.  Exclusive to Kickstarter campaign backers.  I think this is the last of my rewards before the movie premiere.  After the release, there will be a Blu-Ray and digital download.

The Bradley - Kickstarter

I love good design.  On occasion, I will come across great design.  This, in my opinion is a great design, as well as a great idea.  The Bradley:  A Timepiece Designed to Touch and See, by Eone Timepieces, was a Kickstarter project that is just awesome.

In addition to my love for titanium, I also love watches.  This watch was designed for the blind, to be read by touch, as well as sight.  Beautifully made in titanium, the watch over exceeded my expectations. 

Shipping box

The Bradley came in a typical brown shipping box.  Nothing too fancy, about what I expected.  Once you open the box, you are greeted with the product box wrapped in vellum, with braille.

Braille on the box cover

I had a tough time figuring out what it says in braille, it seems that some of it is in a foreign language or shorthand braille.  I was using the US and International Braille Charts to 'decode' it.  Basically, it says "The Bradley Timepiece, Designed to Touch and See".  The braille alphabet is fascinating.

Inner box

Sliding off the cover, we see a faux leather box.  Again, nicely designed and executed.  You can tell that someone went to school for package design.

Thank you card and booklet

With the lid open, there is a thank you car from Eone.  This is also a coupon for future purchases from Eone.  The inside of box is lined with a soft velvety, almost terry cloth-like, fabric.  Very nice presentation, feels like an expensive watch.  A booklet is included.  Printed on thick stock as each page is in braille as well as translated in traditional print.

Beautiful presentation and packaging of the Bradley Timepiece

There were two basic variations, stainless steel band or fabric/leather band.  For the fabric bands, there was a option of olive green, mustard yellow, or silver blue.  While I like stainless steel, I felt the design of the metal band was not as elegant as the fabric ones.  Also, stainless steel does not match the titanium body of the watch itself.  So, I went with the silver blue band.

Time shows 11:14

I was worried that the watch would be a bit on the thick side because of the design.  I was surprised to see that it was relatively thin.  The way you read the watch is, the bearing on the inner channel give you the minutes, while the bearing on the outer channel gives you the hour.  You use the raised markers to gauge where the bearings are in relation to the clock face. The time shown above is 11:14.

The ball bearings are held in place with a magnet in the inner watch mechanism.  That way, if you accidentally knock/move the bearings while feeling around, it does not change the time.  A simple flick of the wrist will realign the ball bearings to the time.  Adjusting the watch is done with traditional crown on the bezel.

Back of the Bradley Timepiece

The back of watch is stainless steel, by default.  One option was to have this in titanium.  Of course, that is what I selected.  If only they had a titanium band as an option.  One thing rarely seen in watches, is the double hinge.  On most watches, the band is attached right on the bezel.  Note the extra piece of, you guessed it, titanium that bridges the bezel and band.

It is considered rude to whip out your watch or mobile phone to check the time, especially in social gatherings.  With this watch, you can just discreetly reach over and touch the time.  And, it looks really cool.  Fashion and function, both executed perfectly. Bonus points for choosing titanium for the watch.

Ti-Click RT Pen - Kickstarter

No secret that I love Titanium.  I love it so much, I had a piece screwed into my bones.

A few months back, there was a Kickstarter campaign for a titanium pen.  I also have a thing for pens.  So, being the best of both worlds, I ordered this pen.  Over my vacation, it arrived and I finally got to check it out this morning.

Ti-Click RT unboxing

The pen comes in a nice box with foam inserts.  I did not recall that the pen came with a pen sleeve, so that was a nice surprise.  I will never use it.  If I am carrying the pen, I would use the handy clip.  If storing the pen, it would be in the cool box.  Nice bonus, but unnecessary.

Ti-Click RT, titanium pen by Big Idea Design

The design of the pen is simple, nothing too fancy.  Being made from titanium is fancy enough to me.  The click action is a little 'sticky', but I think this is what you get when you have metal rubbing on metal, not a smooth as a plastic clicker.  I also feel that the top of the button is too hard-edged, should have been rounded or beveled.  There are no other hard edges on the rest of the pen.

The clip seems strong.  The rounded tip of the clip is nice and will not catch on any papers or clothing.

Writing is very smooth, the included ink cartridge is Schneider Express in medium, black.  One interesting feature is the spring is attached to the pen tip.  When you need to replace the ink, and you unscrew the tip, you would not loose the spring.  Great little feature.

Pen is comfortable in the hand, due to the simple/traditional design.  Overall, a very good pen.

Not sure where you can get one.  Item is not currently listed on the company website, but that is a good place to check. 

The Ridge - Kickstarter

My Kickstarter items are slowing coming in.  This week, The Ridge:  Front Pocket Wallet arrived.

The Ridge:  Front Pocket Wallet

Three months ago, I backed this project because I like minimal wallets.  The designers did a great job with a simple yet effective design.  I have to admit that what really won me over was an option to get one in titanium.  As you know, I share a special bond with titanium.

Mmm...titanium.

I already have and use a minimal or front pocket wallet.  But, this one is in titanium.  It will take a little getting used to as my current wallet is leather, much softer but not as awesome as titanium.  I guess it is no different than carrying a mobile phone.

It will be a few months before my next Kickstarter item arrives.  Hint, it is made of titanium. 

Update:   I have transferred my cards and cash to my Ridge.  Cards fit fine, but a little tight.  Well duh, how else are the cards going to stay in the wallet?  I am curious to see how long the elastics will last.  They look and feel like it will last quite a while.  So, I am not worried there.

Some things I need to get used to, the walled it the same size at a regulation credit card.  For cash, there is a slight speed bump.  On my other wallet, I just fold the bills in half and place in magnetic money clip.  On The Ridge, since it is narrower, I need to tri-fold the bills to they fit within the footprint of the wallet.  That is a 50% increase in thickness of bills.  I do not carry that much cash, so it is not really a problem.  Also, the titanium clip feels like it can spring back and last for a lifetime.

One minor issue I have with the design is, it could be a bit thinner.  Because they used an aluminum liner, it has to be a certain thickness to hold the elastic in place.  My solution, use more titanium.  Yes, I realize that would increase cost.  Like I said, this is minor...and I just want an excuse to have more titanium.  I would like to have had the corners, where the notch is cut out, to be more rounded.  It is a little sharp for an area where your finger needs to access and can potentially damage pockets.  Again, very minor issue.

Overall, the Ridge is an excellent product that is well designed and will last a long time.  Major points to the designers to offer up a titanium version.  I love that titanium.  The option of stainless steel is/was also available...as you know, I love stainless steel, too.