Custom Kilt Pins

[Cinnabar]

Thanks for the input everyone. Although I like the idea of doing things myself I can see this easily turning into the most expensive kilt pin ever sort of thing. I have enough hobbies and not a lot of free time, unfortunately.

Tattoobradley - I like the erlenmeyer flask pin. In fact it's not too far off from one design I was thinking of; the "unofficial" symbol for geochemistry is a test tube crossed with a rock hammer.

Tartan Hiker - ceramics might work for some people but I am always smacking my kilts pins into things and I'd hate to break one. That may be a good lead for other though.

Riverkilt - I might be interested depending on what they charge. I can PM you if you need more info. Thanks!

[Belegnole]

I have been considering making a pin or two. As I am a Metalsmith aka Goldsmith/ Silversmith your thread made me curious. What were you thinking about making ....pictures would be nice.... size etc.

Silver items don't have to be expensive....unless your selling to the public

feel free to PM

[cavscout]

I'm looking at doing one of the strawberry blossom from the Fraser heraldry



I've got a CAD version of the blossom that I'm about to finish. I'm putting the final leaf detail on and it will be ready.

[Warlock]

Cavscout, that is gorgeous! If ya get any extra, I know a Fraser that would love to have one or two.

[cavscout]

I'll let you know for sure. With the origins of the name I think it would be a very neat kilt pin.

I'm really surprised there isn't one out there already, but as I'm finding out, the guys here tend to be on the leading edge of what is needed in the Scottish wear market and typically have to resort to doing it ourselves to get what we want.

[Warlock]

Very true! I am glad that Dirkskene introduced me to this site.

[Belegnole]

For those interested in complicated pins ie Clan Crests. These would have to be done with a cadcam program and then have the waxes done by a special machine. One that I do not have....this process also does increase the price unless your doing quite a few pins. I work at a bench and do my work by hand...though I will check to see what types of prices these guys charge.....Bel

[cavscout]

I've been pursuing this effort and have a couple of pin manufacturers working on bids for it.

I'm not sure the deal worked out with the company that makes the X-marks pins but so far I'm seeing that there is a several hundred dollar expense to do something like this with a minimum order of 100 pieces. That budget includes the 100 pins. The real cost is in the mold casting process.

One company has submitted a preliminary image and it looks great. Two of the companies are sending me physical samples to look at before going further.

So far they have both been very accommodating to get the business.

[Kilted KT]

I am having custom "Brotherhood of the Kilt" kilt pins made, and they are being made by one of the folks at www.scotmall.com . They can make small-batches if needed, are very easy to work with, and seem very good on the price.

I'll post a pic of their work once I recieve the sample pin they are making.

[Belegnole]

thanks KT..

I have decided to try a little something...I'm going to start by carving just the belt from a Clan Crest and see how that turns out. My only problem is how big to make it. Anyone have a Crest pin that can give me measurements?