Review: Sporran Straps for the larger chap

[Joshua]

I believe these straps are the same ones that L&M sells on their site, they look the same with the same buckles, and the price is the same. Additionally, they are offered in exactly the same lengths.

I picked up two of them, and it's better than my former kludge of riveting two child belts together (and the price was almost the same!).

I got the XL, which turns out is *almost* too big for me at my new weight (I'm one notch away from the tightest one), but I have punches and edge tools so I can always shorten as needed. It is 3/4" wide, and quite comfy although the leather seems a bit "elastic" - but I'm chalking that up to the width and the fact that the belt is a single ply without edge stitching (although edge cuts have been made in the leather, I'm assuming for decoration). Because of this elasticity, the belts are very supple and resist flipping really well, something I wasn't able to prevent when trying to make my own 3/4" sporran strap.

I know there have been some looking for a sporran strap for the larger gentleman, and settling for making them, or lamenting that certain sporran makers like Oconnee are no longer in the biz. These are affordable ($23/each), look great, and held up my sporran with a wallet, keys, pipes and tobacco, 10oz flask, and cellphone... throughout the course of a two-day St. Pats party. As most of my gear is brown leather I haven't gotten much use of the black strap yet, but I am working on a black dress sporran soon enough.

I picked them up from The Scottish Trading Company.

[Cowher]

It's too bad that I don't like the look of them for myself.

[Grizzly]

thanks Joshua another excellent recommendation for us GOS

[Chas]

For those who want to be a bit more hands-on, I would highly recommend Tandy Leather Factory. Easily half their range is designed for the DIYer.

They sell a whole series of belt blanks in different widths and lengths. They come tanned, but un-dyed and without the holes. But with the buckle slot and press studs.

All that is required is for you to punch the holes, dye it the colour of your choice and add the buckle. Charity shops are a good source for buckles.

Here is a (bad) picture of two separate projects - a kilt belt and a sporran strap. Both done at different times. Each was accomplished in the space of one afternoon,



Both these buckles are brass, but I have another set in nickel-steel - a bit more ornate. To change them is a matter of moments - pop the clip, pop the clip, buckle off, buckle on, clip the clip, clip the clip - job done. Do the same with the next belt.

I have another two sets of belts waiting in the wings for attention. I am thinking of ox-blood for one and very dark grey but not black for the other.

The satisfaction of creating something yourself far outweighs mere possession.

Regards

Chas

[David Thorpe]

For those who want to be a bit more hands-on, I would highly recommend Tandy Leather Factory. Easily half their range is designed for the DIYer.

***
I did my brown leather sporran strap in about an hour with a scrap piece of oil tan and $8 in parts from Joann Fabrics (swivel snaps and a buckle).

[creagdhubh]

McRostie's of Glasgow can make any size sporran strap in your choice of buckle, a nice selection of colours, made of high-quality bridle leather and all for a pretty good price and fast delivery.

They also make superb bridle leather day sporrans.

Cheers,

[ForresterModern]

Living in horse country has its advantages (except when a passing car forces me to ride my bike through a fresh pile of horse manure in the road) as there are several saddle and bridle makers in the immediate area, one only a couple miles down the road. I have yet to need to frequent any of them although I have stopped in to verify what they can do so I can know what to ask for. But they have some of the finest quality leather out there, and even just walking into the shop the smells carry me off to great grand-mother's farm and tackhouse of my youth. Nothing like fine leather.

[creagdhubh]

Living in horse country has its advantages (except when a passing car forces me to ride my bike through a fresh pile of horse manure in the road) as there are several saddle and bridle makers in the immediate area, one only a couple miles down the road. I have yet to need to frequent any of them although I have stopped in to verify what they can do so I can know what to ask for. But they have some of the finest quality leather out there, and even just walking into the shop the smells carry me off to great grand-mother's farm and tackhouse of my youth. Nothing like fine leather.

Well said, Jeff! My McRostie's sporran straps came with small storage boxes and every time I open the box to retrieve my strap, a rich, wonderful aroma of fine, bridle leather fills the room - a splendid occassion indeed! Their sporrans smell the same way, and often when I am wearing one of my McRostie sporrans or sporran straps, or perhaps both at the same time, I can smell the leather (even whilst outdoors) and it always brings a smile to my face.

Cheers,

Cheers,

[MizzouScotsman]

I believe these straps are the same ones that L&M sells on their site, they look the same with the same buckles, and the price is the same. Additionally, they are offered in exactly the same lengths.

I picked up two of them, and it's better than my former kludge of riveting two child belts together (and the price was almost the same!).

I got the XL, which turns out is *almost* too big for me at my new weight (I'm one notch away from the tightest one), but I have punches and edge tools so I can always shorten as needed. It is 3/4" wide, and quite comfy although the leather seems a bit "elastic" - but I'm chalking that up to the width and the fact that the belt is a single ply without edge stitching (although edge cuts have been made in the leather, I'm assuming for decoration). Because of this elasticity, the belts are very supple and resist flipping really well, something I wasn't able to prevent when trying to make my own 3/4" sporran strap.

I know there have been some looking for a sporran strap for the larger gentleman, and settling for making them, or lamenting that certain sporran makers like Oconnee are no longer in the biz. These are affordable ($23/each), look great, and held up my sporran with a wallet, keys, pipes and tobacco, 10oz flask, and cellphone... throughout the course of a two-day St. Pats party. As most of my gear is brown leather I haven't gotten much use of the black strap yet, but I am working on a black dress sporran soon enough.

I picked them up from The Scottish Trading Company.

What does everyone think about sporran hangers instead of straps or chains? I have a pair of hangers and it makes life so much easier.

[ScotFree]

McRostie's of Glasgow can make any size sporran strap in your choice of buckle, a nice selection of colours, made of high-quality bridle leather and all for a pretty good price and fast delivery.

They also make superb bridle leather day sporrans.

Cheers,

Thank you for the tip on McRosties. I've been keeping my eye open for a plain serviceable sporran of good quality leather. This fits the bill perfectly. And you are right about the reasonable prices. You've probably mentioned them in previous posts. If so I missed it. If not, shame on you for keeping it a secret this long LOL.