A wallet is one of the few accessories that we use each day, but few of us give it much thought. That's a mistake. A material that's been valued for centuries because it outlasts and outperforms any other in your pocket, crocodile wallets are a blend of toughness, status, and design. This philosophy is reflected in all the products in the collection at Summit and Selva: less compromise, better materials, and more life. If you're looking to purchase a new wallet, it is important to know the difference between crocodile leather and its many other imitations that are available today.
What Makes Crocodile Leather Different?
Natural croc scales are difficult to replicate with embossed or synthetic leather. These scales are each a separate cell, and each grain is never the same—there is no uniformity in the grain of any two wallets. This isn't simply a cosmetic change. The scale also makes the hide harder and less prone to cracking than cowhide or lambskin. The density of these edges becomes a direct result of the number of days that the item is being used every day over the years, resulting not in deterioration of the surface, but in a richer patina.
Genuine vs. Imitation: Know the Difference:
There are a lot of leather products on the market that are "croc-embossed" and are sold as leather when they are not. The difference in price is there for a reason. A true crocodile wallet is hand-tanned and finished from a real crocodile hide rather than stamped with a pattern on cowhide. The embossed leather will lose its texture in 1 year or 2 years. Real hide maintains its form, scale definition, and structure for decades. When a listing does not designate its species or tannery/hide grade, be suspicious.
Design and Functionality:
The design of a good genuine crocodile wallet is not all on the outside. The performance of the wallet depends on the card slot placement, stitching density, and the wallet's interior lining. Check for saddle-stitched seams instead of machine-locked stitches because if a thread comes undone, the saddle stitch will not unravel. Interior linings should be a matching leather or suede and not a piece of synthetic fabric that peels when rubbed against cards and cash repeatedly.
Nestled in the jaws of a crocodile. A Crocodile Wallet:
Crocodile leather is not as demanding as one might think and is not maintenance-free, but some maintenance is required. Avoid direct, prolonged exposure to sunlight, as this will remove the oils present in the hide. It needs to be conditioned every few months with a leather cream specifically designed for leather from exotic species, or leather conditioners will clog the scale texture. Keep it flat or standing up so that it will retain its shape for years of use, not months when folded under pressure.
Making the Investment:
The genuine crocodile wallet is a bit pricey compared to a mass-produced wallet, but the costs per year of use come out differently. A well-maintained crocodile hide wallet can last at least 15-20 years, while a synthetic wallet may have to be replaced every 2-3 years. Both Summit and Selva work hard on creating each piece with that in mind, choosing hides and construction techniques that will stand the test of everyday use, day in and day out. When considering another cheap replacement versus a longer-lasting piece, it pays to stick with the investment.
