Just ordered a 2006 SWK Blackwatch

[Jerry]

Well, I placed my order for a 2006 Stillwater Blackwatch kilt. My old blackwatch seems to have shrunken ;) and won't fit comfortably around my waist anymore so I decided to try out one of these new kilts. Actually had a nice chat with Jerry over the phone this morning about it. Can't wait till it arrives. I'll post comments here and on KiltReview when it arrives. One more thing to jones about.

So since Christmas I've placed orders for 2 USAK Premiers and 1 Stillwater Standard. My spouse is gonna kill me!

Are they open for business again? I've sure been thinking about 1 or 2, or maybe 3 Stillwaters. I'd like an economy for around the house wear and to be sure on sizing, Then I love the new standards and can't wait for the new heavyweights,

[GlassMan]

They are definitely open for business. In fact I've already gotten email confirmation that my kilt has been shipped.

Soon the jonesing will be over. Ahhhh.

[pdcorlis]

Well done Glassman!

[Mike S]

I don't recall that picture; do you have the link?

I posted the photos for Freedom lover in this post:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...3&postcount=24
Iolaus, you should remember the photos, you posted in this thread.;)

[Iolaus]

I posted the photos for Freedom lover in this post:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...3&postcount=24
Iolaus, you should remember the photos, you posted in this thread.;)

Yeah, but I look at sooo many pictures, and I didn't remember an "electric blue" jumping out at me. It does seem to be a bit brighter than the HW SWK that I sent back last year ('fraid it'd be too hot for SoCal).

[MACKAY]

I had an original SWK Standard in Black Watch and it was so dark it was almost black. I never saw the HW, but in the pictures I have seen it seemed to have the same dark colors, verses the current HW picture posted earlier. The picture does seem to show that the colors are indeed very bright on the 2006 BW HW.

To go back to 'auld argonian's' original question, "is the blue as 'electric' as it looks in the photo that Freedomlover posted ?

Brian Mackay

[GlassMan]

I'll be certain to post a picture when it arrives. Sadly, the mail came with no kilt today.

[Mike S]

My Stillwater Merino wool Black Watch 2006 kilt arrived today, and I will say that (even for picky me) I'm surprised and impressed. The material is quite nice, especially for the VERY low price paid. I don't know how Jerry is able to offer this material and construction for such a bargain basement price, but more power to him. Much of it is machine sewn, but done very well. So much so that although I initially intended to take out much of the stitching and hand sew it, after getting the kilt, I see that isn't necessary.

The fit is remarkable for a non bespoke item (granted, at 44", I'm like fitting a beer barrel ;)). The new Leather straps and cast buckles are good quality, sturdy, and look nice. The pleats are nice and straight, consistant, and nicely sewn down (machine). The outer apron has just the right degree of flare out and a vast improvement over the earlier generation Stillwaters.

The only two quips one might have with the kilt is: One, the fact that the Black Watch Tartan is in a wee bit lighter color scheme than the almost dead black colors we are used to seeking. I view this as a plus because it comes closer to the color specifications to be found in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders tartan (Or so it is supposed to be. My collection of MOD A&S Kilts and Trews look every bit as dark as Black Watch!)
The other is that the excess material of the inside back waist pleat area isn't cut out on each pleat as it would be on a handmade kilt. This can be done by the purchaser to thin out the kidney area of the pleated back, but isn't too bulky and doesn't make much of a difference with my flab (actually works like a girdle on me!)

In short, I'd say that this Traditional Kilt is very likely the best deal on the market for the price and a lot more. Also, I don't think I'd be exaggerating when I say it might be all the kilt many would-be kilt wearers will ever need to buy.

Not quite the hand tailored item from a master kilt maker, but, it's MORE than good enough to make you wonder just how much more you are getting for $500.00 to $600.00 (or more)! My $500.00+ Kilts are wonderful and I wouldn't part with them for the world, but I have to ask myself, even for only a moment, are they $400.00 nicer?..............hmmmm.

[GlassMan]

For some reason, all SWKs have that thicker waistband. It can be a bit of an annoyance, but for the price I'm not going to complain.

I did forget to post my pic though.

[Blu (Ontario)]

... In short, I'd say that this Traditional Kilt is very likely the best deal on the market for the price and a lot more...

Hey Mike... is the selvedge nice and straight or does it wander?

blu