The "Freelander" Sporran (MkII) - An Appraisal

**Hamish** · 29th January 05, 12:11 PM

A couple of weeks ago, David and Sten Rune kindly invited me to 'test drive' their modified Sporran. It is a slightly different version of their splendid original model but has had a few minor alterations made to it following comments from some of the initial investors in this unique kilt accessory.

Since I was about to set off for a few days in Edinburgh, I thought THAT was the place to give it a run for its money.

On Princes Street, near The Scott Monument

To all intents and purposes the new sporran looks much as the original did. The cutting out of the leather and the stitching are of the same high quality - although there is actually an improvement in the finishing of the stitching on the one I have, if that is possible! The genuine 'sliced' antler material is still there for the decorative fittings, the quality of the leather is still absolutely first class, and there is still room inside for everything but the kitchen sink!

There are two modifications which I believe are improvements to be applauded: firstly, the flap or lid of the sporran now folds back over the top and down inside the bag to form the stiff backing section, rather than running over the top and down the outside of the bag. This seems to help in keeping a more slender profile to the sporran. Secondly, and I think most importantly - especially when the sporran is fully laden, the stiff leather backing (now inside the bag) is circular and twice the width of the original backing. This gives much greater support to the bag and its contents, and helps to present a less intimidating full-frontal aspect to those one meets!

This is as capacious a day sporran as you'll find anywhere, in my opinion. The novel drawstring closure beneath the flap is effective and secure, whilst the leather of the bag remains among the softest I have yet encountered in a sporran ...... and I have met a few!

It really was barely possible to improve on the original "Freelander" Sporran, but those boys in Norway have done it again so, order with confidence - you'll not be disappointed.

A final word: Whilst in Edinburgh, I was 'investigating' the numerous Highland Dress suppliers (as you do) and, whilst in Hector Russell on Princes Street, the four sales staff were totally besotted with the black Freelander Sporran I was wearing. They were intrigued with the design and were more than impressed when I told them of its origins. These people sell sporrans every day and know good workmanship when they see it so, well done David and Sten Rune! Another feather in your cap!

The "Freelander" Sporran browsing in Waterstones' Bookshop

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 29th January 05, 01:50 PM

Nice assessment and review, Hamish. I, too, have one of the "originals" and find it high in quality, spacious beyond a suitcase, and comfortable in design and materials. I don't load-down my sporran with too many items, so my "Freelander" with less "bracing" is great. I DO understand the new modifications for those who use their sporrans to hold everything. It's nice to hear that it's available.

I can see myself getting a few colors (over time) to go with every kilt that I have. I'm almost afraid to swoon over their sporrans as it might jeopardize availability!

**Riverkilt** · 29th January 05, 02:00 PM

I have two of the original Freelander sporrans, very happy with them, but don't load them up much.

My adventures trying to score kilt belts for them led me to Robert at RKilt who came through in a week.

Ham, was wondering where you got the kilt belt in the photos...??

I just don't like the chain belts, prefer the solid leather, but other than RKilt haven't had much luck beyond a crazy attempt to improvise with a plain belt from WalMart worn backwards.

And, thought I'd seen posts that Freelander was maybe gonna (PULEEEZE, PLEASE, PLEASE) make some solid leather kilt belts to go with their sporrans...???

Ron

**Hamish** · 29th January 05, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

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Ham, was wondering where you got the kilt belt in the photos...??

The kilt belt, like most of the nine that I have, cost £13.00 from a permanent leather stall in Covent Garden Market, London. The joy of their belts is that all their buckles (brass and chrome) are interchangeable, so I can mix them with my black or brown leather belts and according to my colour co-ordination requirements! 8)

I just don't like the chain belts, prefer the solid leather, but other than RKilt haven't had much luck beyond a crazy attempt to improvise with a plain belt from WalMart worn backwards.

Ah, I guess you are talking about the sporran strap now? Yes, I wear a chain strap only for Evening Dress purposes thesedays. I dislike intensly the current trend for chain straps to be worn with casual and day sporrans. I've had several straps, black and brown, for a number of years and interchange them with my sporrans. I recently had a local saddler make me one of each black and brown, but since he charged over £25.00 for the two, I'll not be following that avenue again! In Edinburgh, I found that Hector Russell had plenty of black ones (in a rather poor quality leather) for £6.85 each.

And, thought I'd seen posts that Freelander was maybe gonna (PULEEEZE, PLEASE, PLEASE) make some solid leather kilt belts to go with their sporrans...???

Ron

Ron, do we need to distinguish between kilt belts and sporran straps here? They are different bits of kit!

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 29th January 05, 06:16 PM

Can someone post a link to these Freelander sporrans? I'd love to see more info.
Aye,
Matt

**bear** · 29th January 05, 06:17 PM

I've brought in some of Rudi's sporran belts in black or brown but with all the Robbie Burns Day rush, haven't had time to put them on my site. I sell them for $25.00 each.
These are the kind of buckles that only need to be sized once, then they fit every time with a quick tug.

**Hamish** · 29th January 05, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

Can someone post a link to these Freelander sporrans? I'd love to see more info.
Aye,
Matt

Matt,
There is (as far as I know) no website link to them. These are a relatively new item being constructed by our own "Freelander Sporrano" and his pal, Sten Rune, in Norway and utilising local materials. They are an evolving product and are best seen in photos in Freelander's personal gallery here, or when he posts photos of them. At the moment, it's a hobby for both of them, I think you'll find.

**Riverkilt** · 29th January 05, 06:31 PM

Sorry Ham...I know the terminology, was just in a hurry to get out hiking I suppose, and I did really drink away most of my brain cells...sporran strap sporran strap sporran strap...
50 lashes with a wet sporran strap...no, no, not the chains

Ron

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 29th January 05, 06:34 PM

Thanks, Ham. I'll look for the gallery.
M

**Freelander Sporrano** · 30th January 05, 02:48 AM

Well What can I say

Thank-you Hamish for your apraisal of our product. As you have said it is an evolving product.Our aim,if you like has been to improve all the time and to supply a sporran which is above all practical and at a price that won't cause wallet strain.

The new "improved" version was a result of feedback from our first paying customers.

As some of you know the whole Sporran making thing started when I purchased a sporran to over £100 pounds from a Scotish company only to find it very nice to look at but totally usless in the practicality department. I had to fish with my fingers all the time.Sten Rune had I had already thought about making a sporran for ourselves so we joined forces and the first two sporrans where made.

Many of you here at "X" have one of our sporrans.For that Sten Rune and I thank you. We have a lot of fun with this hobby of ours and don't feel much like stopping yet.

As for you looking for sporran belts.We are working on it ..you'll have to wait until Febuary...sorry.