Looking for a Plain Leather Sporran

**ShaunMaxwell** · 23rd May 13, 09:27 AM

I got this one from an ebay seller (Canadian, I think...) some time ago. I can't remember the name of the seller, but it was something along the lines of "armyoutfitters" or some such. I think it was around $30, and is a decent little sporran. If time is not of the essence, you might wait and see if another crops up.

**Spartan Tartan** · 23rd May 13, 09:41 AM

I have a black economy sporran from STM. It couldn't be more simple in design. It has a different closure that greatly prefer. It allows easy open amd cloaure with one hand. I am on my phone and not skilled and inserting links, but I am sure you can navigate there quickly from the advert tab.

**CMcG** · 23rd May 13, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

I have a black economy sporran from STM. It couldn't be more simple in design. It has a different closure that greatly prefer. It allows easy open amd cloaure with one hand. I am on my phone and not skilled and inserting links, but I am sure you can navigate there quickly from the advert tab.

That does look interesting as well, thanks. As you say, the closure is a bit different... it could be a more acceptable bit of bling because it is functional, but the $35 shipping fee to Canada, however, is a total drag

**Stephan** · 23rd May 13, 10:00 AM

CMcG,

I know, I know, you don't want a button or a clasp showing but I thought I'd just send this along as a possibility. You can purchase a seemingly simple and nice looking sporran from the Scottish Tartans Museum. Here is the link: http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/...s_economy.html. It's described as the 'Country Squire' in the Economy sporran section. Compared to anything else I've seen out there, these look rather nice for the price ($ 79.95 US). As for the clasp, it's a little unusual but attractive (I think!). Anything costing less, you may have to compromise on the quality of the leather. I hope you find what you're looking for!

Cheers,

Stephan

**CMcG** · 23rd May 13, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

I got this one from an ebay seller (Canadian, I think...) some time ago. I can't remember the name of the seller, but it was something along the lines of "armyoutfitters" or some such. I think it was around $30, and is a decent little sporran. If time is not of the essence, you might wait and see if another crops up.

Now we're talking! The price is very attractive and the style is as minimal as one could desire, but how is the leather?

I can stand to wait, so we'll see. There was a similar one listed on eBay last week, but the seller told me that it was made in Pakistan and that the leather was very stiff... I didn't bid because I'm leery of getting stuck with one of those "leather board" things, though I could live with it if it was just stiff leather that will soften a bit over time.

**knotty** · 23rd May 13, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Perhaps if I could convince Robert to leave that metal button off the front, which I hear is not part of the closure system?

I asked Buzz Kidder is they could leave their medallion off and they can, but told me there would still be holes where is used to be

Robert uses a magnetic closure. You would have to ask if the medallion can be left off. I believe they are riveted.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 23rd May 13, 10:38 AM

CMcG:

The leather was a little stiff, but doesn't seem to be the "leatherboard" stuff. I spent a little time working the leather (as I do with all new belts, etc.) to soften it up a bit and it's very functional. Now, it's not in the same league as my Artificer, Thorfinn, McRostie or MOD sporrans, but for the money, I'm certainly satisfied.

Hope that helps!

Cheers,

SM

**tulloch** · 23rd May 13, 10:38 AM

Lots of good suggestions here. I would recommend without reservation both Wyvern and McRostie. Wyvern is at the bottom of this page and McRostie is here:
https://www.said.net/secure/mcrostie/index-shop.asp

I have one of Donnie's sporrans and have seen others in passing. Great stuff. McRostie is in Glasgow. If you buy by mail from here in the Americas, you don't pay vat. If you were to walk in the store it costs a little more.

I have one of the WPG sporrans purchased perhaps two years ago. It is not as nice as the one pictured in syd's review. Works well though and is wicked cheap.

**creagdhubh** · 23rd May 13, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by tulloch

Lots of good suggestions here. I would recommend without reservation both Wyvern and McRostie. Wyvern is at the bottom of this page and McRostie is here:
https://www.said.net/secure/mcrostie/index-shop.asp

I have one of Donnie's sporrans and have seen others in passing. Great stuff. McRostie is in Glasgow. If you buy by mail from here in the Americas, you don't pay vat. If you were to walk in the store it costs a little more.

I can certainly vouch for McRostie's quality. I have several of their day sporrans (with tassels) in different coloured leathers (havana, chestnut, and conker), as well as matching (bespoke - altered the width and length) sporran straps. They (Colin and Kareen Campbell) are so easy to work with and are very professional. Their leather is just superb.

L&M Highland Outfitters may be another good resource too.

Cheers,

**CMcG** · 23rd May 13, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

CMcG:

The leather was a little stiff, but doesn't seem to be the "leatherboard" stuff. I spent a little time working the leather (as I do with all new belts, etc.) to soften it up a bit and it's very functional. Now, it's not in the same league as my Artificer, Thorfinn, McRostie or MOD sporrans, but for the money, I'm certainly satisfied.

Hope that helps!

That does help, thanks! I certainly don't expect top quality in the value/economy price range, but I'd definitely like a step up from the ol' leather board.