I have a better best friend than you.

[Cassidy]

Probably.

I just found out that my best friend is saving up right now, hell or high water, to buy me just about the best sgian dubh money can buy.

This is great, fantastic, and a wonderful thing. There's one problem- the best kilt I have right now is an SWK Standard, and I have zero formal accessories. So right now, I need to start saving up, because a blade (and sheath) like this deserves a truly special outfit around it.

So my question, rabble, is this. Starting with the kilt, which will need to be wool, how would you start building an outfit around a really special heirloom like this?

I'm thinking a Newsome, but maybe an 8 yard knife pleated thing would be more formal and traditional...


Lord, I don't know where to start!

[MacKay71]

You need to start with a good kilt!

[Joseph McLaren]

I'd say a good sporran would be an important purchase~ it's front and centre, and every penny spent on it shows.

[Highlander31]

Personally, I would get a hand sewn 8yd. 16oz or 18oz kilt (your basic tank) first. My reasoning is simple, it's the most expensive item. Once it's ordered and paid for, you can start on the sporran, belt, and jacket/waistcoat while you're waiting on the kilt. Just my opinion.

[Cassidy]

Right... I'm thinking my order as of now would be kilt, sporran, hose, shirt, and then work on the vest and jacket.

Also, feedback on WHERE to get things like these would be helpful... I've never really spent much time thinking about kilting and accessories beyond what I wear to wrestle and run around town in.

[Bugbear]

Ok, you're going to have to figure out what tartan is right for you.
Make sure it is the tartan that you will feel comfortable spending lots of money on, then worry about the pleat style.

You will need a plain sporran for day wear, so you won't be dammaging the very nice formal sporran that you might buy later on; that is what will go with the skein dubh.

You will also need a pair of Lewis kilt hose and garter ties all from the Scottish Tartans Museum, but decide the tartan first.

[Cassidy]

My biological father's surname is Harper, so I'd imagine it's only proper my first "real" kilt be in the Buchanan tartan.

I did have the STM's hose in mind.

[Bugbear]

I guess you could get everything through the STM, including the kilt.

They carry the Buzz Kidder sporrans. Can't go wrong with one of those for daywear.

You could get a cheapo sporran from StillWater and save up for a very nice sporran from the STM

I do like the Lewis hose though.

Perhaps you might want a big hairry, full mask sporran. All depends on what you like the most

Just take your time and get exactly what you want.

[BEEDEE]

Having both a tank and a Newsome box pleat, either would be perfectly suitable as a first 'proper' kilt. The box pleat has a longer history than the knife pleat so that gives you another talking point. Get either in a 16oz wool. It really comes down to what you are prepared to spend.

Brian

[McMurdo]

Very nice remember to save some of that money for a little something for your friend in return. I'd go through the 10 looks 1 kilt thread, for ideas of you need.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/1...888/index.html

So on to your list:

Kilt
The kilt I wore for that was hand sewn by Barb Tewksbury, I can recommend her without any hesitation, she is wonderful to work with. Remember that a lot of kilt makers will take 50% up front and 50% when the kilt is finished.

Sporran
As for a good sporran, my Dress sporran is from L&M and will last me a lifetime, a Ferguson Britt would work as well, I have two Ferguson Britt sporrans and think they are wonderful. Both are available from the Scottish Tartan Museum.

Hose
I can recommend Hawick hose, Lewis line again from the Scottish Tartan Museum. These hose look great and wear beautifully, they may be a bit expensive but they will last. also look into the traditional garter ties while you are at it, I find them much more comfortable than elastic flashes, they are at least worth a try.

Shirt
As my brother owns a menswear store that is where I get my shirts, I'd think there are many stores in your area that would have suitable dress shirts.

Ties
Shirts naturally bring to mind ties, for me anyway. I always go for a solid wool tie with my day wear outfits I get them from local tartan shops but they are again available through the Scottish Tartan Museum. If you are looking for a bow tie, they can be hard to come by, I've bought a few from ebay, again if you are going for a bow tie, please at least consider a self tie they look so much better in my opinion. here is a youtube video showing how to tie a bow tie.



Jackets
Jackets and waistcoats can run on the high side money wise, however I have been able to find some excellent bargains on ebay, and sometimes my local tartan shop. I've found a few jackets on consignment sale or ex rental jackets. If you have a local tartan shop you might want to look around.

Again you are be lucky to have such a thoughtful friend, once you get the sgian, and the outfit to go around it, please be sure to post photos, good luck.