Togo Leather and RFID Protection: Fort Belvedere Reviewed
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Time to read: 6 min
We have a new challenger in the Rip My Bag program, and this time, it’s a passport travel wallet from a brand called Fort Belvedere. When I first looked into this brand, I realized it is part of a project by another content creator I’ve followed for a while—a YouTube channel I often rely on for entertainment and information: Gentleman’s Gazette.
I have always found their content incredibly helpful. Their videos on dressing well for various occasions have guided me in the past, and it turns out the channel’s name perfectly reflects their mission. Now, seeing them branch into leather goods with Fort Belvedere is exciting, and I was eager to see how their products hold up.
DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
Is Fort Belvedere’s Togo leather passport wallet truly worth the price?
How well does Fort Belvedere execute British seams and other advanced construction techniques?
Does the RFID protection in this wallet actually work, and is it necessary for travelers today?
How does Fort Belvedere’s craftsmanship compare to other brands featured in the Rip My Bag program?
What makes Togo leather stand out in a compact travel wallet, and how does it perform over time?
First Impressions: Packaging and Feel
The package arrived through a regular U.S. order, forwarded to me by our “spy network.” Opening the box, I immediately noticed its substantial and well-crafted nature. The first touch of the wallet gave me a familiar thrill—this is Togo leather, one of my absolute favorites. Its luxurious dry, slightly papery feel is unmistakable.
The wallet itself features a black shrunken calf exterior with a red interior, cleverly reversing the thread colors to create contrast—red stitching on the exterior and black inside. It’s fully lined with leather, except for the small pockets that use fabric for structure, and the edges are finished with a British seam, a complex, craftsman-style technique that ensures durability.
Even at first glance, the stitching impressed me. Double stitches, clean stitch ends, and internal stitching reflect a careful, skilled hand.
Design and Functionality
The design is straightforward but effective. This travel wallet is built with purpose in mind. It also incorporates RFID-blocking technology, using a specialized fabric to create an electronic cage that protects your documents and cards from wireless theft.
While design may not be revolutionary, it’s practical and well-thought-out. On my scoring system, I would give the design a solid four out of five. Interestingly, one of my five pillars for evaluating bags—hardware—does not apply here, so it’s marked as N/A.
The construction reveals thoughtful layering. The wallet’s panels are stitched together with precision, and the outer leather wraps around, creating both a visually pleasing and highly durable finish. Togo leather is thinned to about 0.4 mm, backed with a non-stretch fabric to preserve shape, preventing the wallet from becoming bulky while maintaining softness.
Structure and Support
Inside, the wallet has more structure than expected. Multiple support layers provide rigidity, and the RFID fabric adds additional protection. These elements are used judiciously, demonstrating masterful assembly and expert craftsmanship. From a structural standpoint, I would also award a four out of five.
Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship is clean and precise throughout. While the wallet isn’t extremely complex, the attention to detail is clear. Stitches, folded edges, and internal finishing all show care. This makes craftsmanship a four out of five in my evaluation system.
Leather Quality
The leather is undoubtedly authentic Togo. Testing with acetone reveals almost no finish removal, indicating a semi-aniline finish. This provides the perfect balance between natural hide beauty, durability, and consistency in touch and appearance.
As I explain in my Leatherverse Matrix, each pillar of leather quality includes sub-pillars like raw hides, tanning, and finish. For this wallet, all elements are top-tier: one of the best raw hides, an artisanal tanning process, and a flawless finish. The leather earns a full five out of five.
Value Assessment
Constructing this wallet requires about three square feet of Togo leather, multiple support layers, and precise craftsmanship. My estimate for materials and assembly in Europe would be around €75 ($87 USD). Considering the buyer paid $295, the price multiplier is 3.4x, which I consider excellent value for a product of this quality.
The combination of leather choice, construction quality, and pricing makes this wallet an exceptional offer for leather enthusiasts. I could easily see this product fitting into my own collection.
Final Thoughts
The Fort Belvedere passport wallet is a thoughtfully designed, well-crafted, and exceptionally finished product. From leather to structure, and even to the integration of RFID-blocking technology, this wallet represents excellent value and a deep understanding of leather craftsmanship.
I hope Fort Belvedere continues to expand its leather offerings and the Gentleman's Gazette team keeps sharing content that teaches us how to become better gentlemen.
Let me know in the comments which brands we should explore next, and until then—stay leathertained
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Thank you for your interest in our "Rip My Bag/Chopping Block - Incognito" review program! This initiative offers leather brands a chance to be featured in front of a highly engaged audience.
- Limited Spots: We are only accepting 25 brands this year (2025), so space is limited.
- How to Apply: Submit your brand via the link below to join the waitlist. We will assess your products against our program’s standards. Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
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About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
