Belts, Sporrans and more.

**Galant** · 2nd March 05, 08:50 AM

Does anyone know anything about the belts sold here - Celtic Empire - quality, width etc.?

Also, how about the Knotwork Sporran?

Both of these are sold by Bear as well as at Celtic Empire?

I'm also wondering what width of belt most people use.

Cheers.

**Colin** · 2nd March 05, 09:28 AM

Yeah, I have had a lot of dealing with Rudi. I have purchased two belts off of him, a journal for my wife, and one as a gift for someone else. I also have a clan crest sporran (http://bearkilts.com/clancrests/clansporransm.jpg yep, that's mine) from Bear (made by Rudi). Celtic Empire makes quality stuff. While I don't have a knotwork sporran (mine is similar) and I have seen them often. The thing with these sporrans, is that they are quite roomy (cell, wallet, keys, matches), and they don't have a close on them, meaning that they just fold down.

In terms of the Belts, these are great for casual wear. I own a black in the St.Gall design, and a brown in the Lichfield design (I like this one better). They are thinner than a "kilt belt" but work great. Remember to get them a bit bigger if your kilt has straps and buckles.

I highly recommend Celtic Empire. http://www.celticempire.com/

**Galant** · 2nd March 05, 11:23 AM

Okay, maybe I'm limiting the subject by talking only of Celtic Empire stuff.

I'm looking to get my first sporran - recommendations or things I should avoid?

**Colin** · 2nd March 05, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Galant

Okay, maybe I'm limiting the subject by talking only of Celtic Empire stuff.

I'm looking to get my first sporran - recommendations or things I should avoid?

depends, what kind of kilt you are getting first, what purpose it will be used for, and what look you are going for.

If you have ordered a tartan kilt that can be used for casual and formal, you could order a plain black day sporran. Some people will tell you that this is not formal enough, but if it's the only sporran you have, it will do. You can get there from a number of places. Here's a nice one from Celtic Empire as an example: http://www.celticempire.com/Merchant...tegory_Code=SP you can also find a ton of nice looking sporrans in local Scottish shops and even on ebay http://www.xmarksthescot.com/xbay.php

If you are looking for more of a casual look (kilt hose down, boots, etc) go for something that looks more casual, and can carry more stuff. A Freelander Sporran http://home.c2i.net/kilted_1/public_html/ or a Celtic Empire knotwork sporran http://www.bearkilts.com/blacksporran.jpg would both work great for this.

And of course if you want it for formal, a fur sporran with cantle is always nice, but used very infrequently.

In terms of Belts, you don't necessarily need one with a kilt, but a nice black kilt belt and buckle looks nice when dressed up with no waistcoat. For casual, try and find a nice thick belt 2-3 inches at local clothing stores.

Hope that helps a bit.

**beerbecue** · 2nd March 05, 11:45 AM

I think a Freelander could easily be used for evening.

I think it is a much more attractive/stylish sporran than the day/leather sporrans with that 'typical' day shape.

The antler accoutrements are very nice, and I think it lends itself well to evening.....

**Geoduck** · 2nd March 05, 12:50 PM

I recently bought two day sporrans on e-bay for a total of $30. One basic leather black sporran and another with some knice knotwork and a thistle emblem. I definately felt like I was gambling on quality, and I feel like I got what I paid for, nothing really special.

David, I assure you that I will be putting in an order for a freelander sooner or later.

My advice would be to purchase something from either bear or Freelanders. More than likely you won't be disappointed,and if you are, it won't be for long.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 2nd March 05, 12:55 PM

Again... I can't stress enough teh quality for the price of the Buzz Kidder sporrans. With Freelander, they're the absolute BEST value in sporrans.

http://www.buzzkidder.com/