where to buy sporran

**Nathan** · 20th June 14, 04:19 AM

I am currently in the process of commissioning a sporran from the Artificer. Scott's work is the best I've seen past or present. He has a bit of a waiting list (that is a good thing) and will make you a one of a kind sporran that will outlive you.

Nothing against Scotweb - they sell a variety of products at different quality and price point but if you are thinking of buying a custom sporran from Artificer, all I can say is you will not be disappointed.

**Tobus** · 20th June 14, 05:09 AM

You can't go wrong with a sporran from Artificer. I've seen his work in person, and his craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none. These are truly hand-made pieces of art which are highly sought after. He has quickly established himself as one of the best sporran makers of our times, and I believe his work will stand the test of time to become real heirloom items which may be enjoyed for generations to come. I've got two sporrans on order with him and am looking forward to being part of the club.

This, of course, isn't meant to disparage any other makers. There are many good sporran makers out there. But I think there's a real distinction between an individual craftsman who makes custom pieces and a large shop, high-volume sporran maker. I don't know where Scotweb get their sporrans, but I would encourage you to think about buying from an individual artisan. In the long run, I think you'll be happier with a custom piece made just for you, rather than a generic store-bought sporran.

**Calgacus** · 20th June 14, 05:30 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

You can't go wrong with a sporran from Artificer. I've seen his work in person, and his craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none. These are truly hand-made pieces of art which are highly sought after. He has quickly established himself as one of the best sporran makers of our times, and I believe his work will stand the test of time to become real heirloom items which may be enjoyed for generations to come. I've got two sporrans on order with him and am looking forward to being part of the club.

This, of course, isn't meant to disparage any other makers. There are many good sporran makers out there. But I think there's a real distinction between an individual craftsman who makes custom pieces and a large shop, high-volume sporran maker. I don't know where Scotweb get their sporrans, but I would encourage you to think about buying from an individual artisan. In the long run, I think you'll be happier with a custom piece made just for you, rather than a generic store-bought sporran.

Whilst I totally agree with the sentiment, I doubt that the OP will get a custom piece in the price range that he has stated.

**chasem** · 20th June 14, 05:47 AM

Originally Posted by Kylahullu

Really interesting site!
Are they still in business? The latest update on the pages is from 2009.

They are. I recently touched base with them via the facebook page McMurdo linked. The response was that they currently have a lot going on, both in the sporran business and their personal lives, but that yes, they are still making sporrans.

**McMurdo** · 20th June 14, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by chasem

They are. I recently touched base with them via the facebook page McMurdo linked. The response was that they currently have a lot going on, both in the sporran business and their personal lives, but that yes, they are still making sporrans.

I sent a message to David from Freelander Sporrans about this thread on facebook, hopefully he will pop in at some point.

**Carlo** · 20th June 14, 06:35 AM

In your position I would think about buyakilt.
Obviously you won't get something as nice as artificer makes, but you still get some choices and it's in your price range.

And an added bonus is, that shipping with buyakilt seems to be quite competitiv.

**Tobus** · 20th June 14, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by Calgacus

Whilst I totally agree with the sentiment, I doubt that the OP will get a custom piece in the price range that he has stated.

He stated 150-200 GBP was his budget. That's a range of $255-$340 US, per today's exchange rates. According to Artificer's webpage, fur sporrans start at $300 US and dress sporrans (fur) start at $325. So it appears that he's in the ballpark, price-wise. I'm sure he could talk to Scott and come up with a full dress sporran that meets his needs, within his price range.

**Carlo** · 20th June 14, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

He stated 150-200 GBP was his budget. That's a range of $255-$340 US, per today's exchange rates. According to Artificer's webpage, fur sporrans start at $300 US and dress sporrans (fur) start at $325. So it appears that he's in the ballpark, price-wise. I'm sure he could talk to Scott and come up with a full dress sporran that meets his needs, within his price range.

You are quite right there (I always thought that those beautiful sporrans are more expensive) on the other hand you have to think about shipping and import tax / VAT...

**Calgacus** · 20th June 14, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

He stated 150-200 GBP was his budget. That's a range of $255-$340 US, per today's exchange rates. According to Artificer's webpage, fur sporrans start at $300 US and dress sporrans (fur) start at $325. So it appears that he's in the ballpark, price-wise. I'm sure he could talk to Scott and come up with a full dress sporran that meets his needs, within his price range.

Oh, that's more reasonable than I expected! It would seem to be a wise choice indeed for him to speak to Artificer.

**gwynng** · 20th June 14, 10:04 AM

Another alternative is L&M Highland in Canada.

http://www.landmhighland.com/

They have very nice sporrans in your price range. And the quality is very good. Yes, of course it won't match that of a custom made sporran, but certainly better than anything you will find from most inexpensive sporrans which are made by South Asian companies. If you have the time and patience, Ebay can be a great resource. This is a sealie sporran I got on Ebay for $52.00. It is in perfect condition and is Scottish made. I saw the identical sporran in Edinburgh for £245.

Compare that to the sporran (also Scottish made) I got with my original kilt kit about 10 years ago. It is good, but a little "shiny" for my taste.

The thing about Ebay is that you are probably better off in actual auctions than you are with Buy It Now. 90% of the buy it now sporrans are bad Pakistani ones. Look for real auctions. Also Tartan4Less on Ebay has had some decent looking ex-hire sporrans at very good prices. You do need to look at the pics very carefully and there is a good bit of going on faith that the pics are accurate. The good thing is you can grab an amazing bargain there.