Buzz kidder sporran quality?

[MACKAY]

I have one of the newer models and LOVE it .... I did replace the chain with straps from www.usakilts.com

[Zardoz]

A Kidder fur sporran! I have not seen one of those! There goes next weeks lunch money!

[Raptor]

I dont have the model you linked, but I do wear a Buzz Kidder plain day sporran daily, & IMO it cant be beat. It's sturdy, functional, & a decent size. I'd buy another no problems. Mind you, I cant wait for my new Turpin!

[James MacMillan]

I've always been hesitant to get a casual, everyday fur sporran, as I don't think the fur would wear well.

I have a fur sporran, but it's for evening wear, and thus doesn't get much abuse.

How is yours holding out?

[MacWage]

I now have my hands on 3 different Buzz Kidder sporrans. The most recent acquisition is from a former poster here and it was falling apart at the seams. So, I make a trade and repaired it.

After looking at it in light of my other 2 (one several years old and the other from Rocky in the last sales before his price rise a year or so ago), I have made a few observations.
the newer ones look to have SIGNIFICANTLY better stitching and an altered design with reinforcements at key locations. Due to the age differences in the three sporrans, the progress is easily seen.

In the oldest one, the tassel tails are actually SEWN on the sporran body, with visible stitching on the outside. On the newest, the tassel tails have a rivet on the inside, so it won't easily slip out, but can be removed or replaced easily.

Inside the flap, the older one is just leather facing leather (suede to suede). The newest has a plastic plate in it to make it stiffer.

Now, the most SIGNIFICANT difference is the overall shape. The oldest has a narrower and longer front and back than the newest. The newest has a pronounced "bulge" outward to each side an inch or 2 under the mouth opening. The older one is a nice gentle outward curve.

Also, they have different gusset designs. The older has a 2-part gusset (2 leather strips sewn to make an expanding shape. The newest has only a one piece gusset.

The intermediary one has a double gusset and similar overall shape as the older one, but with a few reinforcements seen on the newer one. As the middle one is the medallion style with a flat front and the other 2 are 3 tasseled with a ribbed front, I am not sure if other differences on the third are design specific or part of the Buzz Kidder Sporran design's development over time and models.
All said, the LEATHER on even the oldest looks good and the repairs are due to "popped seams" and not bad leather.

I'd say that the Buzz kidder ones are good for the money and make a highly usable "day" sporran, but still not to the same level of utility, quality, or workmanship of those made by either Freelander or Turpin. Of course, that is like comparing a handsewn kilt to a Stillwater or USA Kilts product, different intents and excellent for what intended to be.

[MACKAY]

... I have a fur sporran, but it's for evening wear, and thus doesn't get much abuse. How is yours holding out?

It is holding up very well. The fur has a very thick leather backing that has held up to much abuse. I am very pleased with it's construction and durability. I generally wear it as an everyday sporran when I want to dress up a little bit. I also have a plain black BK Rob Roy which is my primary knock around sporran.

I have to say that the fur BK does have a smaller carry capacity as the fur/leather front is somewhat stiff and is not designed to allow for expansion as does my other BK.

Overall I would not hesitiate to purchase this sporran again.

[Edward Teach]

When I got home today there was a package from Buzz containing a Rob Roy sporran, which appears to be almost the same as their ribbed sporran, but without the medallion and with tassels. Anyway it appears to be a well made piece and worth the $.

If anyone's interested it measures about 8" high and about 8.5" wide.

I still want a Freelander, but I'm happy with the Buzz and will definitely wear it!

[high-gear]

Having been impressed with vertually everything that I have purchased from SWK, I recently bought that sporran. It is a very fine piece!

The only downside that I see is the chain included with it. I will never use that chain, but the two oblong loops meant for the chain, fit my leather sporran belt just fine.

It is not an evening sporran, but will/could look well with a coat and tie. It is roomier than most sporrans that I have seen at that price.

The ribbing give it a sort-of expansion quality. The only draw back, as with most basic sporrans, is that it is just a leather pocket. Were I to try and improve it, I would put a couple of sub-pockets in it for change or other small stuff that sink to the bottom.

Below are some self explanitory flix. It is well worth the price.

Is that a Sinn timepiece on your wrist? Possibly a GSG9?

[James MacMillan]

Is that a Sinn timepiece on your wrist? Possibly a GSG9?

Nope - It's a twice refurbished, Seiko stainless steel Divers Automatic that I got in the early '70's. I really like it. It runs for around $250 to $350 now, but I paid 60 some for it. Seiko has re-built it twice, more for cosmetics than anything else. The case and crystal get scratched and the re-build only cost $45 the last time. Nice heavy no batteries, no wind watch.

[high-gear]

Nope - It's a twice refurbished, Seiko stainless steel Divers Automatic that I got in the early '70's. I really like it. It runs for around $250 to $350 now, but I paid 60 some for it. Seiko has re-built it twice, more for cosmetics than anything else. The case and crystal get scratched and the re-build only cost $45 the last time. Nice heavy no batteries, no wind watch.

The 12 o'clock batons look like the Sinn style. The Seiko divers have quite a cult following. I've been blessed to be able to afford a Seadweller. Not a fashion-esq Subby, but a rugged tool watch. In a day of high technology it is nice to see others who appreciate rugged automatic timepieces.

Hijack over, back to your regularly scheduled sporran thread.