Sporran Review: L&M Hunting Sporran, Black w/ Brass Cantle

[Clockwork]

Hello fellow XMTS members! As someone relatively new to the wonderful world of kilting, I want to contribute something to the forum which welcomed me to it all.

Today, I'm contributing a review of my first (and relatively new) sporran. I think it will be a good contribution because I haven't found any detailed reviews of L&M hunting sporrans, and none of this particular one. Aside from that, it should provide useful information to fellow newbies beyond the obvious "it's a pouch suspended by a chain/strap". This will actually be more aimed at those new to kilting, as most of the more experienced kilties will already know most of this stuff. But, regardless of prior experience, I hope everyone can enjoy this all the same!

(LOTS of pictures ahead!)

Why Black Paired With Brass?



Why not? Usually, we see black paired with chrome, or brown paired with brass. There are no real rules on this, it's just a matter of personal preference. I personally find the combination of black and brass/gold to be very appealing; it has a sort of robust richness to it. Like what you like and wear what you like with pride - that's the key to enjoying your kilt.

"Hunting" Sporran?



Some people may be wondering what exactly defines a sporran as a "hunting" sporran. You can get various answers from various people. As far as I can tell, the only trait which defines a "hunting" sporran is that it has 5 flat, oblong tassels which are either rounded or pointed on the outer tips, and are secured against a hard, flat sporran body by stitching, riveting, adhesive, or any combination of those three things. The tops of these tassels are connected by a robust piece of leather or other material in a "W" kind of pattern. That's pretty much it; they may or may not have a cantle; they may or may not have a targe (the round design seen in the center of this one); they may open from the top, or have a flap.

The Jonesing And My Initial Thoughts

I ordered my sporran from the Scottish Trading Company website (http://www.Scottishtradingcompany.com). They offered a great price and their customer service is top notch. I did have to wait 4 weeks due to both the STC and L&M being out of stock of that particular sporran, which resulted in L&M having to make one. But finally.....it arrived!



As I opened the box, I was welcomed by the wonderful fragrance of the leather and the brilliant shine of the brass cantle. Along with the sporran came the leather straps w/ chain, and a slip with information about L&M. I examined the sporran and was immediately impressed with the amount of craftsmanship and attention to detail put into its construction.

The Details

The brass cantle is just beautiful. It has Celtic designs incorporated into the front, with a solid smooth surface on top. All of the cantle has a mirror finish shine. There is also a stationary knob on the top, which actually does serve a convenient function (I'll explain that a little later in this review). An interesting sidenote is that the cantle says 'Made In Scotland', although L&M is located in Nova Scotia. This indicates that the cantles are not made by L&M; this is not a bad thing, but if anyone was wondering if they make their own, this should answer that question.



I must say, L&M made a good choice with the targe pattern and its execution; the knotwork design is highlighted in the leather with a sheen, as opposed to the rest of the matte black colour. They had some options here - they could have made the pattern solid brass, they could have added more rivets on each of the points, or maybe used a textured leather. I like the smooth higher-sheen black though because it is noticeable at first glance without being loud and announcing its presence, or giving the rest of the sporran a cluttered appearance. Kudos to you, L&M. I also find the perforated leather accents surrounding the cantle and targe a tasteful touch.

The body of the sporran is composed of very soft and smooth leather bound to a hard, flat base to give it its shape. The stitching detail is good for the most part; my only complaint is that it looks like the person who was sewing let it go off track a bit on the side of the center tassel. Its not really noticeable unless you look closely, so I'm not really too worried about it. It shouldn't affect the life of the sporran and does not affect its functionality, but it's there. This is my one and only complaint about the entire sporran.

[Clockwork]

The back of the sporran is as well crafted as the rest, which is noteworthy in my book. It is covered in a durable pebbled leather with black leather piping around the edge. The strap mount in the center features a knotwork design along with the company name and website, and (what I assume to be steel) D rings to which the strap chains are secured.



Above the mount is the snap button closure. Now, remember that knob atop the cantle I mentioned earlier?



This is where it comes in handy; by placing your thumb on the back of that knob whilst releasing the snap button with your index finger, you can open the sporran with one hand - very convenient. Closing it back is even easier. Now, for a peak inside....



It's pretty straightforward; the inside is lined with what feels like a thin layer of red leather, but I could be wrong. The gusset only expands about two inches, so pack lightly.



If you do plan on putting multiple things in it and want to have any hopes of being able to close it, I would suggest putting the bulkiest thing(s) on bottom and smallest on top, instead of just cramming stuff in there in any random order. Do take notice though - the more the gusset is expanded, the easier it is for water to get in through the top.



As this is a dressier kind of sporran, it really shouldn't see much foul weather. If you happen to be wearing a coat, this probably won't be much of an issue. Of course, having a sporran with a flap is good for those kinds of conditions. Diversity is your friend.

On we move to the straps w/ chains:



The leather used for the straps doesn't seem to be of the same quality as the sporran itself; they are much more rigid compared to supple leather of the sporran. But, they do seem like they will wear hard, which is ideal because the buckle seems a bit rough around the edges, literally.



Of course, I can just blame Robert Pel for spoiling me with the unparalleled straps and buckles he uses on his kilts. But I digress....the buckle used does at least have a roller to help ease the strap though, and a wear-friendly shape which doesn't put too much stress on the leather when secured in place.



The chain is of good quality and has absolutely no lumps, bumps, or rough spots. Those kinds of imperfections are a concern when wearing a chain against an expensive wool kilt, but rest assured, the L&M chains are very good. The clip on the end of each chain then secures to the D-rings on the back of the sporran, and hopefully these will hold up well.



Whew.....now I can breathe. Overall, I'm very pleased with this sporran, and I find it goes quite well with my black hemp Rkilt of the same colour scheme. It's received a few compliments already in the short time I've had it.



And before I get criticized for it, I know the sporran chain/strap is supposed to ONLY go through the two rear belt loops, but I'm a pretty thin guy and this was the only way to get it to hang at a proper length below the belt. I had even modified the straps by creating a hole to make it as small as possible, but that wasn't enough either. But it's okay - this keeps the chain out of the way of the straps and other stuff on the kilt.

Hope everyone enjoyed the review!

-Jake

[MacMillans son]

Nice thorough review Jake.
If you do choose to wear this with a more expensive kilt, be sure to point those chain clips away from the material and towards the sporran so as to avoid snags on the clips.

Congratulations on your new purchase!

[Clockwork]

Excellent point, I had not taken that into consideration. I do plan (at some point in the future) to get a nice traditional wool kilt; when that day comes, I will certainly be mindful of this. This is yet another example of the never-ending learning (whether intentional or otherwise) which happens here at XMTS Thanks for checking out the review!

Cheers,
-Jake

[Downunder Kilt]

Jake you might also like to consider just a plain black leather sporran belt, that also allows you to slide the sporran to one side very easily, should you need to. Most members here tend to prefer the leather sporran belt for everday wear leaving the chain belt to formal occasions, if at all
BTW very smart looking sporran. I like brass better on any sporran except for formal outings

[Clockwork]

Jake you might also like to consider just a plain black leather sporran belt, that also allows you to slide the sporran to one side very easily, should you need to. Most members here tend to prefer the leather sporran belt for everday wear leaving the chain belt to formal occasions, if at all
BTW very smart looking sporran. I like brass better on any sporran except for formal outings

This is something I have considered and will probably end up doing; I've seen and heard great things about the braided ones Robert Pel makes, so that will probably be my go-to source for one.
Thanks for reading!

Cheers,
-Jake

[JohntheBiker]

Since you already have a kilt from R-Kilt, you should know that Robert makes both a sporran belt as well as a braided sporran belt. Either would go well with your sporran and would be easier on the kilt, although the hemp kilt stands up well.

I wish L&M sold directly to the public.

[creagdhubh]

Nice review, and congratulations on your purchase of a lovely, "hunting" style sporran. L&M Highland Outfitters (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) do produce well-made sporrans of very high quality and skilled craftsmanship. I once owned several L&M sporrans for day wear, as well as a bespoke, L&M horsehair sporran for evening wear. I have since sold all of them off and have moved onto another sporran-maker; however, I did enjoy wearing my L&M sporrans for many years.

Well done,

[creagdhubh]

Jake you might also like to consider just a plain black leather sporran belt, that also allows you to slide the sporran to one side very easily, should you need to. Most members here tend to prefer the leather sporran belt for everday wear leaving the chain belt to formal occasions, if at all
BTW very smart looking sporran. I like brass better on any sporran except for formal outings

***

[Riverkilt]

Have a self-designed L&M sporran that I pretty much save for fancy occasions - workmanship as you've said, top notch. Proud to strap it on when I do. I ditched the metal chain stuff for an all leather sporran strap too.

For sure agree on the limited storage space. Wish there was a way they could make a sporran with the same frontal appearance but a LOT more storage space. But, a vest, or bomber jacket, or additional belt thingie will have to do because I doubt L&M can/will....

And, for sure, an excellent review with great pics.