Sporran Chains

**azwildcat96** · 2nd December 12, 08:07 AM

I know there is some controversy regarding the use of chains vs leather straps with a sporran...but for those of you interested in a hand-made chain-maille sporran chain, I can whole-heartedly recommend a friend that makes them. PM me for contact info.

Here is a picture of mine. He makes many other patterns of weave as well.

Note that he did not make the small chain holding the pin on the sporran...He will be making me one of those next.

**unixken** · 2nd December 12, 09:25 AM

My concern is with any jagged or sharp edges on any link, and the damage they could quickly do to a kilt. Especially where the chain would be mashed and ground into the kilt under the belt, or where the chain would have a tendency to chafe due to movement of the sporran. Is every link in the chain ground and polished to avoid any such damaging sharp points, on the chain?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 2nd December 12, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by unixken

My concern is with any jagged or sharp edges on any link, and the damage they could quickly do to a kilt. Especially where the chain would be mashed and ground into the kilt under the belt, or where the chain would have a tendency to chafe due to movement of the sporran. Is every link in the chain ground and polished to avoid any such damaging sharp points, on the chain?

In the 50+ years I've been wearing the kilt, I've never suffered any "sporran chain" damage. True, I've never had a sporran chain that was re-purposed from a chain saw or bicycle chain, and because sporran chains don't seem to wear out I haven't had the need to buy a new one since probably 1969, so I suppose it is possible that there are chains out there that might damage a kilt.

From what Ken has posted, I'd suggest that, if one is going to wear a dirk belt with their kilt, the sporran be put on after the dirk belt as this will allow it to move more freely and thus reduce any likelihood of the chain links damaging the kilt.

**unixken** · 2nd December 12, 11:42 AM

I'd just be afraid of something like this happening, if the chain were not polished smooth at every link...
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...an-clip-66538/

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd December 12, 02:15 PM

Cool chain. As pointed out by unixken, however, I would be concerned about damaging my kilt.

By the way, that is a handsome kilt. The tartan is similar to my clan's (Shaw).

**azwildcat96** · 2nd December 12, 09:42 PM

The artist actuall does insure that each link is aligned perfectly, and then ground and polished, so that there is a very limited possibility of snagging and ultimately ripping a fine kilt. I made sure of this before placing it near any of my kilts.

Interesting note, is that the chain that this one replaced had clips similar to those shown in the referenced thread. I remember reading that thread, and then sanding/polishing my clips so that damage wouldn't happen to my kilts form those offensive clips.

Bren, the tartan in this kilt is Morrison Green Modern in 16oz Strome from Lochcarron of Scotland. The kilt is a 5-yd box-pleat by Matt Newsome...and I love wearing it. It is much lighter and cooler that my tank.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 2nd December 12, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by unixken

I'd just be afraid of something like this happening, if the chain were not polished smooth at every link...
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...an-clip-66538/

It looks like the damage was caused by the clip, not the chain...

**unixken** · 3rd December 12, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

It looks like the damage was caused by the clip, not the chain...

In the particular thread I referenced, yes, it was the clip. But the point is this... any metalic object with a sharp edge or chip in it, can cause this kind of damage to fabric. That's the point I'm trying to make. It would only take one messed up link to ruin an expensive kilt.

**RogerWS76** · 3rd December 12, 10:45 AM

I believe I have seen some of this artists work in person and I can tell you its as smooth as a baby's bum! In fact I would venture to say that there would be MUCH less "wear and tear" than an average leather and buckle!

**JSFMACLJR** · 3rd December 12, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by unixken

In the particular thread I referenced, yes, it was the clip. But the point is this... any metalic object with a sharp edge or chip in it, can cause this kind of damage to fabric. That's the point I'm trying to make. It would only take one messed up link to ruin an expensive kilt.

Just like MacMillan of Rathdown, I have never seen any damage to a kilt due to a sporran chain. Of course the few chains I have are not re-purposed chains but chains intended for use with a sporran. The clips on my chains are all of the "lobster claw" variety, which have no sharp edges whatsoever. I just can't imagine how all of this damage occurs! I have kilts that are now well into their eighth decade and show absolutely no wear from a strap-- leather or chain.