Belts

[Chas]

The only concerns I have recommending a 'thrift' belt are these:

Check the edges and back of any belt you are going to be placing against your kilt.
Make sure that the edges are rounded and properly finished. The back should be burnished smooth or lined with a soft leather.

A 'hard' or square edge, especially the kind found on very cheap belts, will chew into your kilt just as fast as a chain, possibly faster.

A rough back can do the same.

ith:

I agree totally. Unfortunately, buying from a supposed reputable retailer is no guarantee of quality. I was given a sporran belt as a gift that was bought at, well, shall we say they are supposed to be the best in Scotland. It was just as you describe. The kilt apron was ruined after six wearings. I was told that the cost was £75 - not inexpensive, but certainly cheap.

The only safe way is to hold the thing in your hands and decide for yourself.

Regards

Chas

[artificer]

I agree totally. Unfortunately, buying from a supposed reputable retailer is no guarantee of quality. I was given a sporran belt as a gift that was bought at, well, shall we say they are supposed to be the best in Scotland. It was just as you describe. The kilt apron was ruined after six wearings. I was told that the cost was £75 - not inexpensive, but certainly cheap.

The only safe way is to hold the thing in your hands and decide for yourself.

Regards

Chas

YOW! £75 is not to be sneezed at for a sporran strap! Sorry to hear about your 'belt malfunction' Chas.


This is the reason I bevel and slick ALL edges on both waist and sporran belts.

Beveling removes the 'square' corner from the strap. Slicking rounds the beveled edge into a smooth half-circle. Then I burnish the backs and edges with wax for a smooth finish.

[Ryan Ross]

YOW! £75 is not to be sneezed at for a sporran strap! Sorry to hear about your 'belt malfunction' Chas.


This is the reason I bevel and slick ALL edges on both waist and sporran belts.

Beveling removes the 'square' corner from the strap. Slicking rounds the beveled edge into a smooth half-circle. Then I burnish the backs and edges with wax for a smooth finish.

Here here! And that work really does make all the difference, not only in terms of how the belt wears on the kilt, but how it looks and feels, as well. A beveled edge looks better, because it allows the edge of the belt to blend into the kilt, rather than standing proud of it and creating the look of a thick piece of leather sitting on top of your kilt. Also, that rounded edge doesn't cut into the wearer either, resulting in more comfort.