Sporran Chains vs. Sporran Straps

**Rex_Tremende** · 8th June 09, 08:56 AM

Uh, well Rathdown kicked things off here. I was just adding my two bits, but thanks.

R.

**Geoff Withnell** · 10th June 09, 05:06 PM

On thoase rare occasions when I do not use sporran hangers, I use an old narrow trouser belt that is now to big.

Geoff Withnell

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 10th June 09, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Mender of Weasels

At present I do not even own a chain..........I am kinda-sorta thinking I may need one for formal. How say you?

Weasel :ootd:

I think it really depends on how you choose to dress. I personally think a white leather strap looks the biz with a horsehair sporran, and I'm looking into having a red Moroccan strap made for wear with my seal skin. If you are wearing a full mask sporran, then a very dark brown or black strap is totally okay, even with black tie. If you want something with a bit more flash, you can have your sporran strap tack-decorated.

Several members have suggested sporran hangers, but these only work if you wear a belt-- which I eschew, unless I need to wear a dirk.

**JSFMACLJR** · 10th June 09, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

Harnesses and harness makers/leather workers are a dime a dozen around Louisville here in horse country where I live. Actually saw one with items for sale and display at a local crafts festival in the little burg down the pike a couple miles this weekend. Now I wished I had grabbed a card.

Great ideas Rex.

j :ootd:

The chap from Skylight? He does a great job!

**David Dubh** · 10th June 09, 10:30 PM

I have a brilliant leather strap that is embossed with the thistle all around

**Bob C** · 11th June 09, 12:42 PM

I bought a narrow black belt in the ladies section at Target to use as a sporran strap. It looks and works great. I use a chain strap when dressed formally and I think those sporran hangers look god-awful.

**Kerr the Walker** · 12th June 09, 07:33 AM

I think this is an outstanding idea! The prospect of being able to sit and chat with the craftsman as he's working has great appeal to me. I'm also huge fan of supporting local merchants.

Thanks for the heads up!

......now to find a local shop.....

**Carolina Kiltman** · 12th June 09, 07:09 PM

My experience has been that the chains supplied with most sporrans are of very poor quality and will catch in the fabric of the kilt. If you feel that a chain is necessary for dress, then go the pet shop, and buy a couple of chains of the right length there. They are welded links, polished smooth so they will not tear the fur out of the animal. Personally, I prefer leather straps only.

**heilanner** · 15th June 09, 11:29 AM

i prefer a strap - i just wish i could get one. i have asked all the local kilt shops and have been unsuccessful. only one of them could source me one and wanted to charge me £40!!! i found a sporran maker at one of the highland games who agreed to make one for me. he measured me and said it would be ready for me in a week. i paid upfront (£10) and collected it the next time i saw him. when i got home and changed into my kilt i went to put the strap on with my sporran and it was 4" too short. the guy said it was the longest he could make and if i wanted something longer i had to have a chain.

so i now use a normal belt which i bought from Big N Tall (i wanted to make sure it'd be long enough!!) for most occasions and only have a chain for more formal ones.

i think the 'hangers' look pretty cool, but not one single kilt shop in my area had even heard of them and refused to try to source them for me.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 15th June 09, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by heilanner

i prefer a strap - i just wish i could get one. i have asked all the local kilt shops and have been unsuccessful. only one of them could source me one and wanted to charge me £40!!! i found a sporran maker at one of the highland games who agreed to make one for me. he measured me and said it would be ready for me in a week. i paid upfront (£10) and collected it the next time i saw him. when i got home and changed into my kilt i went to put the strap on with my sporran and it was 4" too short. the guy said it was the longest he could make and if i wanted something longer i had to have a chain.

so i now use a normal belt which i bought from Big N Tall (i wanted to make sure it'd be long enough!!) for most occasions and only have a chain for more formal ones.

i think the 'hangers' look pretty cool, but not one single kilt shop in my area had even heard of them and refused to try to source them for me.

Forget kilt shops and sporran makers. Go to a harness maker. A sporran strap is no different than making a set of reins.