Ravenswood Leather kilt

[tundramanq]

Has anyone bought or checked out the Raveswood Leather kilts? Am thinking of being the guinea pig if not.
The layout looks similar to the Utilikilt leather kilt. I shot them an e-mail full of questions for this $850 kilt.
All I have found out here is everyone likes their quality work - but no mention of the kilts other than seeing it on site.

[Zardoz]

I don't own one, but I've handled one and seen them worn at Ravenswoods shop at faire. They are of the same great quality I expect from Ravenswood's stuff.
If I had the desire for a leather kilt (and 800 bucks) I wouldn't hesitate getting one.

[tundramanq]

Does the backside have pockets or is it clean? Except for the lacing. They need a picture of the back on the site.
I assume there is a reverse box pleat center back?
And as this is a narrow apron kilt, does it have the multipleat type system under the aprons like Utilikilt?

Sizing - they don't mention the state of the lacing where they measure size other than adjustable 5 inches.
Like too many kilt sellers, the state of the adjustments goes unmentioned as regards to their waist sizes - min, max or in the middle. I know exactly what my waist size is throughout the year - 32 to 34.
Rocky measures in the middle and Jerry measures at the minimum waist adjustment. Jerrys 34" saffron wool will be falling off of me by the end of summer. Everyone needs to clarify on their website how the kilt is adjusted for their measurements.
This is the most critical measurement on a kilt. No way, will I drop $850 for a kilt that will only fit part of the year.

[Big Mikey]

If you seriously desire a leather kilt, before committing you should check and/or contact RKilts. Robert makes a top notch product (ask Riverkilt) that will be made to order so it will be sized to fit. It is also more "traditional" in design.

http://www.rkilts.com/Leather_Kilts.aspx

[Panache]

While not a leather kilt sort of fellow myself, I'd listen to Big Mikey!

Star and I like our Ravenswood stuff a lot (a leather dress for her and one of their "Ionar" kilt doublets for me), but their leather kilt is a relatively new sideline for them. Since there doesn't seem to be much of a cost savings (and we are talking a lot of money here!) between Ravenswood and R Kilts I would go with the guy who is a regular kilt wearer (modern and traditional) and knows KILTS! I strongly suspect that you will do better by going with someone who has been doing this for a while.

Cheers

Jamie

[Riverkilt]

I have a leather Utilikilt with only one back pocket. It was a sideline for them too. Don't think they sell them anymore. I have two leather RKilts and want a third. Its a main line for Robert. I paid less for each of these quality leather kilts than what the Ravenswood price is. You are wise to investigate thoroughly before purchase.

You may also wanna check on if its made in house or farmed out to someone else to assemble.

Thread is the most important part of a kilt. Lose the thread and you lose the kilt. Be sure you investigate the type of thread used to hold the heavy leather kilt together.

Checking their website there are for sure not enough pictures - no pleat shots - yikes!!

You might ask them how many leather kilts they've made so far...don't recall seeing anyone showing theirs off on line.

And SEVEN pounds...come on....no way. My leather Utilikilt and leather RKilts weigh 4 1/2 pounds including the belt and hardware.

More investigation is in order. Keep us posted.

[Zardoz]

I started to take a bunch of photos of the kilts at Ravenswoods shop at faire, but never remembered to do it I wish I had now ! I can say that their stuff is top notch as far as detail, construction, materials etc.. Basically everone I know in the faire community would agree. But that advice is worth what you pay for it when you can't get a good picture of the thing! I know they recently overhauled their website and it still a work in progress. I'm friendly with one of their marketing folks, and I've comunicated these concerns. Hopefully they will get some more stuff online soon.

[Zardoz]

Well, as promised I passed along the questions and comments here to my friend that works in Ravenswood's marketing dept., here's the message I got back;

Mark,

Thank you so much for all that information! We used to have an image of the back but we altered the design slightly and I have yet to get a new image of the pleats. I will be sure to get detailed images of the hidden slash pockets as well as the additional cargo pockets. I will have to check as to the "multi-pleat" system. But when orders are placed with a size, the size ordered is placed in the "middle" of the adjustment that is allowed with the laces. So a 42 size will adjust down to about 39 and up to about 44. We want to be sure the kilts are as versatile as you are.

Thank you for all your help. I am always looking for ways to better our site, products, and make it simpler and more fun to shop with us! I did browse the forums to see what they are all about. It looks like an amazing community of kilt wearers! Thank again Mark and don't be shy to let me know of anything else you hear or think of!

Cassidy

So there you go, I gave her some ideas and examples about what we look for in kilt advertising, and I think they will make good use of them.

This is Cassidy, BTW- she also appears in a lot of Ravenswood's advertising.

[tundramanq]

Thanks Zardoz, I think I am pushed over the edge

[tundramanq]

On 5/6 I ordered the Ravenswood - about 8 weeks ago. Was informed in response to e-mail the it was currently in production 6/22. Pant Pant.

On 6/19 I ordered the new leather Utilikilt. Jenneviere e-mailed that they are making last minute adjustments to these first run kilts adding 1-2 weeks to delivery on 7/8 Pant Pant.

Twisting in the wind - Not really.

The three PV casuals on order from Rocky I could use in the heat. Real pant pant.