GOS - Sporran Strap Alternative Approach.

[Friday]

As a GOS I often experience difficulty finding kilt accessories that fit. I have also found that often only a few extra inches in length of belt or sporran straps can mean a significant increase in cost.

I under economy of scale and believe that the vendors that support this forum are charging reasonable price based on their costs. However, these costs are generally outside my kilt allowance. Therefore, I have found that I often have to adapt other items to kilt use.

Today I was returning home and passed one of the local Tack shops that supports the local horse crowd. My mind said, "Hey dummy, horse tack is leather goods, what can be used as kilt accessories?"

As I walked around the shop, I heard a family from Australia talking to the owner. The owner said that he had recently return from a trip to Scotland. The owner then saw me and asked if he could help. I told him I was looking for a sporran strap. Blank look, I explained a sporran is the purse a Scot wears with the kilt. Yes he saw those on his trip but we don't carry those.

I said but you do! Another blank look from the owner and the family. I pointed toward a set of reins on the wall. These reins were black, about 1/8 inch thick, 5/8 wide and about 7 feet long and were two to a set. The edges are rounded and smooth, so it will not cut the horse neck. Sporran straps in the wild. The pair of reins cost a little over $18 (US) and about $3 (US) in hardware.

14 feet of reins should give me three belts, depending on design. Two all leather straps and a third with chain. I purchased hardware for only one belt because I thought I have some at home that should work for a second belt. The clips seem to be smooth enough to not cut my kilt, but, I have some thin leather I will use to make kilt protectors for the snaps.

Once I have assembled the strap I will post pictures.