How good is SWK???

**Nighthawk** · 12th June 08, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Morris of Heathfield

I'll third that! A larger variety of tartans would be nice...as long as it doesn't have too much of an impact on the price of the kilts. My preference in universal tartans is Caledonia ("New", aka Wilson's No. 155), although it is a bit bright and busy. District tartans would also be nice, but there are still a lot of clan tartans not represented in the SWK lineup. Not that I expect them to offer kilts in all 7000+ tartans registered with the STA...but I can dream, can't I?

Some Irish district tartans would be nice. Sport Kilt offers a Clare County tartan kilt, which is where my great grandfather was from. I may be tempted to get another SK, although I wasn't really happy with the one I have.

**TheKiltedCoder** · 12th June 08, 01:00 PM

I've got 2 Nightstalkers now, and love them both. The quality is insanely good for the money (considering what $80 will buy you in a couple of other places), and Jerry will take very good care of you (cf this post. )

Is it a $800 tank? No, it isn't. But, as many on this thread have said, it's a kilt that is certainly classy enough to go out to dinner, to church, or even a semi-formal event, and you won't have to worry (too much) about spills or stains (where I don't think I'd even consider wearing an $800 tank ANYWHERE: I'd be paranoid of being targeted by birds, if nothing else - the little buggers know when you've washed your car. They may be able to tell about kilts.

)

**alikws** · 12th June 08, 01:29 PM

A SWK standard is solid enough to sleep in, compete in a highland games, swim across the river, be dried by wrapping in a towel, then spread on a canvas, then wear to a graduation and nicer restraunt. Jerry probably sold more tanks indirectly by getting more people started with a good inexpensive product and legendary shipping.

**Kilted Stuart** · 12th June 08, 07:04 PM

Lyrd,

I understand your passion and point of view but I also can't help but be offended myself and for our many kiltmakers we have right here on x-marks and beyond. They are in the business to provide great product, fit and finish custom kilts. I can't imagine there overly happy competing with a product (SWK acrylic) from Pakistan being sold at discount prices. I'm sure it has greatly cut into there market share in something that if you have the contacts (easy to obtain) you can purchase kilts for $15 dollars apiece in bulk and speed them off for $80.00. There is obviously a market for them but we all don't have to buy into it. I have a choice too and I don't choose to wear an offshore made acrylic $15.00 kilts.

My original post said that I would not ever wear one as a matter of principal and a willingness to wait and pay a few hundred dollars more for better quality. It makes me feel better supporting our local kiltmakers that work so hard learning and perfecting there craft, I didn't say you or anyone else can't buy them. It's obvious many people do.

I know what I like and I know what I don't like. I don't dislike the person but I don't have to like there kilt.That's my opinion.

Kilted Stuart

**cloves** · 12th June 08, 07:25 PM

argh...I feel this thread is getting a bit more heated than it needs to be.
Everybody is entitled to their opinions sure, but please don't slam the vendors products whose adds keep this page running.

mods, please keep an eye on this thread, lest it get way out of hand.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 13th June 08, 07:58 AM

Ok Rabble.

This thread has been off the live forum for a few hours now, so we could review it. We've decided to put it back on the forum. But, let's all take a step back, breath, and think about what we're saying here. Everyone has their own opinions. That's what keeps the forum so interesting. But, please be courteous to the other members and refrain from allowing those opinions to become insulting to others. If this thread veers any further down the road it was headed, it WILL be pulled for good.

**Ryan Ross** · 13th June 08, 09:35 AM

I can understand and respect both views, here. Both make sense to me. One point that I don't quite understand is the idea of worrying about the kiltmakers. As I understand it, kilts of all types are more popular than ever. Granted, I only personally know one active kilt maker, but he has as much business as he can possibly handle... I don't think he'd WANT more business than he has! Is this not the case with many other kiltmakers, aswell?

As for the Stillwater Kilts, and baring in mind that I only have limited experience with SWK, I'd say I agree with most who have posted in this thread- they are a great product for the money!

...boycotting SWK because their kilts are made in the middle east, not sewn by hand, and not made from Scottish wool seems much like boycotting Old Navy because they do not produce hand tailored silk suits.

This is only my humble opinion, presented in what I think is a respectful manner.

**Galb** · 13th June 08, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

I can understand and respect both views, here. Both make sense to me. One point that I don't quite understand is the idea of worrying about the kiltmakers. As I understand it, kilts of all types are more popular than ever. Granted, I only personally know one active kilt maker, but he has as much business as he can possibly handle... I don't think he's WANT more business than he has! Is this not the case with many other kiltmakers, aswell?

As for the Stillwater Kilts, and baring in mind that I only have limited experience with SWK, I'd say agree with most who have posted in this thread- they are a great product for the money!

...boycotting SWK because their kilts are made in the middle east, not sewn by hand, and not made from Scottish wool seems much like boycotting Old Navy because they do not produce hand tailored silk suits.

This is only my humble opinion, presented in what I think is a respectful manner.

I think you presented it perfectly. Some people will want only the truly authentic, and this is fine for them. But they shouldn't go around insulting other people's choices of less expensive clothing. It's almost like jeans in a way. You can go ahead and pay $350 for a pair if you like, but for the majority, Levis does just fine. Same thing for suits, cars, etc. The bottom line is most people cannot afford a hand sewn tank. They are too expensive for most budgets. And then, due to the cost, a lot of people will not want to wear it often out of fear of messing it up.

For me, I'll stick with Stillwater Kilts. They are a great product at a great price, and the customer service is second to none. Perhaps some day I'll save up enough coin to get myself a USA Kilt in my family tartan. Until it is economically possible, I will stick with what I can afford. After all, the most important thing is that I am kilted, am I right?

**Ryan Ross** · 13th June 08, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

After all, the most important thing is that I am kilted, am I right?

I think so. Absolutely.

**Ayin McFye** · 13th June 08, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Galb

After all, the most important thing is that I am kilted, am I right?

Actually the most important thing is that YOU are happy with what you wear and what you do.

I loved and agreed with your analogies on pants. Here in Arizona we have a town called Scotsdale (aka Snotsdale), which is pretty much full of BMW's, Lambogini's, Cadillac Escalades, etc. Not to mention the multi million dollar homes.

I will probably never live like that. I'm a frugal shopper when I can. If I'm at the grocery store and they have Hamburger Helper for $2.99, and the generic Hamburger Helper for $.99, I'm going to buy the generic.

Yes a 8yrd hand sewn kilt can be 10,000 times of a better product, but not always in the budget for everyone. I am currently saving for a tank, because I really want one, but I understand that not everyone can do that.

SWK is a good product for the price that you pay and is accompanied by great customer service.

I obviously respect and appreciate our Xmarks kilt makers, but competition is good.