New Tank for an Old Tanker.

[Sir Robert]

Well it has arrived, my Stillwater Wool Heavyweight Black Watch tartan kilt.

Let us start with the weight, up close you can see that the wool is the same weight as the old Army Winter weight uniform material and is heavier that the wool in a set of dress blues.
I would have to rate it as medium-heavy. You guys were right and I was wrong. This is not a tank by any streach of the imaginiation. The wool is ultra soft and the hang is just right, thus it looks and feels great. I am happy with the compromise, best of both worlds. The look of the wool is rich in color with a soft flat finish.

The leather straps are of fair quality as are the buckles. When I move the buckles because of my constantly up and down sizing belly I will replace them untill then, they will do.

The size is dead on the size marked 46" adjustable out to 48". With Winter clothes on I will not have to move the straps. I ordered the kilt 3" oversize but neglected to figure in t-shirt and a heavy shirt so by a happy accident it fits perfectly out of the box.

The Kilt is pleated to the Sett and is just gorgeous.

The bottom edge of the material is perfect.

I bought some other stuff to go with the kilt because my other accessories are in storage.

The black leather sporran is okay for the price of $16.50.

The "Economy Sword Kilt Pin" is actually very nice for the price of $5.75. Try buying one at a "Celtic Gift Shop" and you will see what I mean.

I bought a Leather sporran strap and it is very nice for the $10.95 price and it goes well with the kilt buckles. It is adveritized at 45 inches, I would say 46" actually.

The kilt hose have a fancy top are a pale cream color that is pleasing to the eye. I just wish there were more colors available. The material is 25% wool,25% acrylic, 20% nylon, 30% polyester and feel like cotton to the touch.

The Black Watch flashes are just right, not too stiff nor too flimsy and they look good.

Total damages: $189.05

[ChattanCat]

If you guys wish to set the definition of tank at 16oz or greater wool that is just fine with me but hand sewn is inferior to machine stiching and has been for 150 years.

Sigh...
The biggest difference between hand sewn and machine is that hand sewing can be hidden. Machined sewing is visible. Not to metion the fit.

I for one am quite unwilling to pay the labor for hand stiching..

I too, cannot afford the prices. So, I am learning to make them myself.

machines can do it better and faster thus less expensively..

I disagree, I would rather have a good (not the best) hand sewn than the best machine made.

[Chef]

Well it has arrived, my Stillwater Wool Heavyweight Black Watch tartan kilt.

Total damages: $189.05

I'm very glad your pleased with it. Jerry really does have a good quality product for the price. No put it on and post some pics!

[ccga3359]

Okay, I'll start the title of the thread is "A Tank for a Tanker" I thing it was meant as tounge in cheek, enough has already been said so I'll my bit there. I'll admit that my forth coming 4yard box pleat Newsome is no 'Tank' for the sheer fact that it will be short about 3-4 yards. I feel hand sewing is far superior as machine stitches cannot be pulled home with proper and consistant tension that the feel by experienced hands. Sir robert you mention that this is your first Heavy Weight SWK yet in your first post you mention:

Stillwater black Shadow Tartan "standard"

I believe the standard black kilt is the Night Stalker that you may have. As the Black shadow is wool in the Heavy Weight range. If this indeed the case that is good news as you now have another kilt to jones for. Congratulations on your newest kilt. It sounds as if this will be your first choice kilt for some time. Please post pics and review of your modifications as they sound quite interesting.

[DireStraitsFan]

What makes a tank a tank? And how did they come to be called that?

[ccga3359]

What makes a tank a tank? And how did they come to be called that?

From the FAQ's

[Sir Robert]

A "tank" is a very heavy and well made kilt.

[Howard Clark]

Better to be happy than right, anyway.