New York

Whether it's everyday wear and tear, or strain caused by the hording of Flashdancers free admission cards, even the finest wallet can quickly turn ragged. The obvious solution is a stainless steel wallet, from Stewart/Stand.

Founded by a Cooper Union grad, S/S is a DUMBO accessories/tchotske shop carrying everything from titanium cufflinks to 19th Century reprints like Full Revelations of a Professional Rat Catcher (or "Great Exterminations"). Most impressive, however, are their wallets, made from woven, industrial grade steel -- a critical component in petroleum refining, aerospace technology, and other applications far more grueling than withstanding your sweating buttocks. Besides being durable, the wallets are also flexible, and as soft as silk's cousin, Reginald VelJohnson. Aesthetic options include smooth or textured steel, and a steel/leather combo, all of which're available in driving, bifold, and, for the man who fears elevator stabbings, breast pocket versions.

One other curious advantage: the steel blocks radio frequencies, thereby preventing identity thieves from swiping your credit card's info via its RFID chip -- a high tech mugging that'd leave you with a bulge of "VIP" passes, and no money for a flashdance.