Unique...chain maille sporran hanger/straps

[Alan H]

The Kilted Wookie, aka "Jose" aka Naamu Vakot was my judge at the Costa Mesa Games this weekend. He mentioned that he made sporran straps and chain mail, and I looked closely at his sporran strap. He took it off so that I could inspect it.

Wow. Just wow.

I knew you lot would want to see this...

http://kiltedwookie.drupalgardens.co...t/chain-maille





I looked over his smooth maille "rope" that he'd made as a sporran chain for himself, and it's smooth enough that I think it won't "catch' a wool kilt.

I suspect I will be buying one of these, soon! IMHO this would make a seriously sweet dress sporran chain!

[Tobus]

I like the looks of it! But it seems like it might be pretty heavy. What did you think of the weight?

[ASinclair]

I like the look of it as well. I didn't see a description on the website. Is it stainless steel?

[uncle remus]

the rings can be made out of just about any metal. they are generally made out of aluminum. copper or stainless steel. the rings can be colored. they could also be silver or gold plate or filled. you might check out this site for ideas, there are many ring sites on the web. http://weavegotmaille.com/
the patterns of linking the rings can be very ornate or plain there is a site and I don't remember the address that tells how to make the different patterns of linked rings. if you chose to do the rings yourself be sure to get jewlers pliers for closing the rings as they have no serated edges and won't leave marks on your rings.

[artificer]

the rings can be made out of just about any metal. they are generally made out of aluminum. copper or stainless steel. the rings can be colored. they could also be silver or gold plate or filled. you might check out this site for ideas, there are many ring sites on the web. http://weavegotmaille.com/
the patterns of linking the rings can be very ornate or plain there is a site and I don't remember the address that tells how to make the different patterns of linked rings. if you chose to do the rings yourself be sure to get jewlers pliers for closing the rings as they have no serated edges and won't leave marks on your rings.

If they were a reactive metal like aluminum or copper I'd be worried about the oxidation buffing off on the kilt. Stainless would be a LOT heavier, but much more stable.

They are quite attractive though.

ith:

[TheOfficialBren]

Scott, could these be done in a metal that won't be too heavy or harm our kilts?

They're different but look nice enough for formal events with a twist.

[artificer]

Scott, could these be done in a metal that won't be too heavy or harm our kilts?

They're different but look nice enough for formal events with a twist.

I'm NOT saying that these would harm kilts, as I have no idea what Kilted Wookie is making these out of, they could easily be anodized aluminum which would take care of most/all of the oxidization issues.
They could also be stainless, which would be heavier than aluminum but safe for long term wear against the kilt as well.
I was just replying to the comment uncle remus made regarding copper or aluminum (untreated) as a chain material. One reason you frequently see a leather liner between metal sporran cantles and hair/fur is that brass (and silver)
will oxidize over time and can tint the hair green or black. Reactive metals WILL cause corrosion/oxidation stains over time.

I don't see any info as to the link material on the website- but they are quite attractive and I'm sure will find an appreciative audience amongst the Rabble. I hope someone emails the Wookie in question to find out what he's making these from.

ith:

[GrainReaper]

I think I need to drop him an email on pricing, those look very very nice....

[Alan H]

I've let Naamu know about this thread, I bet he'll respond pretty soon.

I handled the chain and I did not find it to be excessively heavy at all. He also wears a similar chain with some metalwork attached, around his neck.

The hardware is seriously beefy. Naamu says that when set up with stout clips, this sporran chain/strap will hold a Highland Athletics 56 pound weight without breaking. So I *think* it's strong enough for anything you might load in your sporran!

I'm guessing that the rings are S.S. but I'll let him answer that.

[Kilted Wookie]

Lay them on me.

I first started making these because I kept hearing how this or that sporran hanger would bust yet another ring and how most would just try and replace it. I figured I would want a nicer looking hanger and why not put my 10 plus years of weaving to work.

So Q and A time:

Weight and material?

I figured these can be answered at the same time.
I use Stainless Steal due to the durability, the fact that it doesn't rust, it's strong, and clean. It also comes at a great price so more bang for your buck.

It is heavy. I will need to weigh them to make sure the exact weights but no as far as i can tell it does have some weight but i wear it with everything from my wool dress kilt to my light competition sports kilt. and the easiest thing i would recommend for a light weight and strong chain would be perhaps a barrel weave. The picture below is a 28 inch belt wallet and key chain.

Barrel Weave.jpg

Harmful to kilts?

That is a tough question. I have 6 kilts and so far no snags. main reason is due that I am an OCD perfectionist. I close and crimp every link till there are no jagged edges. Now it I snag the hanger on something and it can pull hard enough to stretch the ring then yes it will snag. but please before does either re close the ring of replace it. Every now and then inspect it and feel around for anything that might snag.

Other Material that can be used?

http://theringlord.com/cart/shopDisp...id=1&cat=Rings

This is a fun site.

Weaving Maille to me is meditation and each piece carries an energy and will of it's own.