LV or Paul Smith for a card holder?

I don't know if the Paul Smith one would be well received with your brother's military peers. Go more conservative. The LV one is alright.

not crazy about any of them.

 

+1  How about a Berluti or something, if you want something that still has a little character right off the bat (as opposed to developing character over time): http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Berluti-Amazing-Patina-Cardholder-/290773453121

 

The seller is an SF'er.

Agree.

The leather used on those PS ones is really soft.
It ends up looking pretty worn after just a few months of use.

No experience with PS but have never heard good things about the quality. LV seems well made, though I prefer the Taiga or Epi leather. The closest in terms of style would probably be:

http://www.louisvuitton.co.uk/front/#/eng_GB/Collections/Men/Small-Leather-Goods/products/Card-Holder-EPI-M60325

Good style but agree with Taiga. More understated.

Unfortunately I don't think they do a flat card case in Taiga. I don't find the Epi to be too loud and actually recently bought a new Epi fold-over card case. I do prefer the Taiga, but obviously was not dissuaded. That particular Epi case also comes in way more colors than anything else (probably because they make it for both men and women).

Saddleback leather for more of the rugged artisanal hand made thing. Patinas into a beautiful dark brown after a few months, which people really get a kick out of.