Kilt Damage From Cheap Sporran Clip

[RussellSm]

Sporran belt makers have been using these piece of "crap" clasps for years. I have a dress sporran that I purchased nearly forty years ago that has what is call a lobster clasp that is correct. You can purchase a proper clasp at at least two craft stores. They are Michaels and JoAnns. I have several chain sporran belts and have replaced all of the clasps with the lobster type and have never had a problem.

[robbiethepiper]

You may not care about such things, but a strap is much more sartorially "correct" for daywear than chain, apart from the practicalities. Using a chain when hiking is just "loud" and inappropriate. There is nothing to stop you wearing swimming trunks to the supermarket or a tuxedo to a rodeo, but few do.
I believe the kilt should be worn with dignity and apprpriate accessories. There is a difference and a distinct line between expressing your individuality and shouting "I am an exhibitionist" ......

[artificer]

Thanks for the warning about the edges though - that's important too!

You're welcome.
Belts not made for the purpose frequently have square edges on the back (inside). I find this to be especially true with very inexpensive (plastic-y) ones

Here's a recent thread highlighting the problem.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...my-kilt-62286/

ith:

[Tobus]

I hate to think what would have happened if this would have been a day long hike.

Why on Earth would you do a day long hike using a sporran chain?

[MacMillans son]

I prefer a leather strap with swivels and trigger claps on the ends. It allows for rotational movement of the sporran without any binding while bending, sitting, getting in and out of a car etc, and is fastened in the front so no need to spin the sporran around and adjust for center each time I put it on. Just personal preference I guess.

I find it the best of both worlds.

[Mickey]

Why on Earth would you do a day long hike using a sporran chain?

I wouldn't, but all of my leather sporran hangers also have clips, which is what caused the damage in the first place.

[Dale Seago]

I prefer a leather strap with swivels and trigger claps on the ends. It allows for rotational movement of the sporran without any binding while bending, sitting, getting in and out of a car etc, and is fastened in the front so no need to spin the sporran around and adjust for center each time I put it on. Just personal preference I guess.

I find it the best of both worlds.

Oconee makes sporran straps of that type, with beveled/burnished leather edges:

http://oconeeleatherworks.com/SporranStraps.htm

Mojo Leather has 'em with non-swiveling clips, or a basic "belt" type sporran strap. Again, both have beveled/burnished edges:

http://www.mojoleather.com

[seanachie]

I prefer a leather strap with swivels and trigger claps on the ends. It allows for rotational movement of the sporran without any binding while bending, sitting, getting in and out of a car etc, and is fastened in the front so no need to spin the sporran around and adjust for center each time I put it on. Just personal preference I guess.

I find it the best of both worlds.

I heartily agree with these comments, the trigger snaps work very well and while it may seem small the rotational movement issue is a big plus. I believe that this is one of those areas where the old saying "you can pay me now or pay me later" applies. I payed more for a nice sporran belt but with things like trigger snaps and the beveled edges Dale mentions I know it is quality, won't cause damage and will last a long time.

[NeoDruid]

My cure was RKilt braided leather straps with lobster claw clasps. I'm very pleased with the results.

[MacBean]

Here's a recent thread highlighting the problem.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...my-kilt-62286/

and here's the esential solution for belts from cavscout:

Assuming your belt edges are essentially squared off, you wold first want to bevel the edge. Tandy sells edge bevelers of various sizes. This begins the rounding process by slicing off the sharp corner edge. We're not talking a drastic rounding. This is a very subtle radius, just enough to blunt the edge. The beveler will only take off a thin sliver of leather.

If the belt edges are not dyed to match the belt, you may want to dye the edges.

Then Burnish the edges which is a fancy way of saying rub them smooth. There are many ways to do this but essentially you want it to be a smooth rounded edge when your done. Essentially all your doing is getting the short edge fibers to lay down smooth. Using bees wax or other edge treatments will help and somewhat seal the edge but some will just use hot water and elbow grease. A piece of burlap or denim is often used to do the rubbing. You'll spend a lot of time and effort on this phase and this step is why the price of a none-edge treated belt and an edge treated belt are so different.

Once the edge is round and smooth, you can coat the edge with one of several edge seals or coats.