A_Hay Sporran Review

[Panache]

I have had a sporran from A_Hay on my wish list for a while. Specifically his Irish Harp on a brown leather sporran. About a month ago Tom (A_Hay) made me an offer I just couldn’t refuse, the trade of a sporran for a sgian dubh. After thinking about this for about three seconds I readily agreed. But instead of the Irish Harp I was taken with a new design he had come up with for Tattoo Bradley which he reviewed here:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/b...x.html?t=31820


Specifically this piece of leather he included with Bradley’s Black sporran, a sample with the boar in brown and natural leather (picture taken from Tattoo Bradley's thread)







Now at every Highland Game I’ve gone to I always take a look at the Clan Crest badges in the hope of seeing a nice one featuring the Galbraith Boar. I am always disappointed because the boar is a sort of indistinct blob. It could be a boar, could be a chipmunk, or a Horta for that matter. So I thought that this handsome Pictish Boar could be a nod to the Galbraiths as well as simply a handsome design.

I received the sporran today in the mail along with my khaki hose from What Price Glory and a nice Christmas Card from an X Marker in England. Today’s mail felt a bit like an X Marks the Scot jackpot!

I couldn’t be happier with this piece. As I took it from the packaging my less-than-kilt-enthused Mother happened to be over and gushed over how nice it was. I immediately changed outfits and put it on.

But the discerning membership of our fair forum requires pictures so here they are!



Front





Back





Inside





Ron I am terribly sorry but I haven’t measured it. I can safely state that it is bigger than a vole and smaller than a sperm whale.

The stitching hidden inside the front flap hidden is neat and even as is the braiding on the back. The stiff leather for the front and back flaps and supple leather for the sides isn’t the thick sort used in Buzz Kidder or Freelander Sporrans. The quality is good and it seems quite durable but it is lighter materials than those two kinds of sporrans. If your plan is to stuff everything and the kitchen sink in a sporran I wouldn’t get this one. Get that Freelander or Buzz Kidder and a back brace! Just kidding I love my Freelander and like my Buzz Kidder sporrans a lot (though the Buzz Kidder is no longer my second favorite sporran, this one is). But I think this will comfortably carry my wallet, keys, cell phone, pocket knife, and mints. It may not look it but it is fairly deep (2” There Ron you got a measurement! )

I just love the leather carving in the front flap. Looking closely at it you can see some individual marks of Tom’s stylus or knife. It’s obvious that this design wasn't stamped into the leather by some big press, but was carefully shaped by someone who loved what he was doing. The shading of the leather dye is wonderfully striking and I think will allow this sporran to blend with a wide range of brown shades.


Here is a picture of me with my new acquisition along with my WPG hose:







My only complaint as that as I sit down to fashion his knife I am a bit intimidated at the prospect of creating something worthy of this trade. In conclusion I highly recommend Tom’s works. If you are interested send him a PM, you will be glad you did.

Tom, to you my appreciation and thanks on a job very well done. I raise my glass to you!

Cheers

Jamie