Kiltmart Purchase

[Casey_in_Carolina]

I recently purchased a Sgian Dubh from the Kiltmart website. I've seen several threads regarding Kiltmart merchandise, and went into this with my eyes wide open.

I made the purchase last Saturday night, the purchase was processed Monday morning, and shipped out Monday afternoon via DHL. I would like to mention here that the DHL shipping was quite nice, they provided a tracking number with which I was able to track the item on it's journey. I saw it leave Arizona, arrive in Waco, Texas, leave there and arrive in Atlanta, Georgia, leave there and arrive at the Hub in Greenville, SC, and from there dispatched to a local delivery driver, and arrive at my home. Tracking the item was kind of fun, but then again, it doesn't take much to have fun The item arrived at my house on Friday morning, not bad for shipping out of Arizona on Monday afternoon, and going most of the way across the country.

As to the Sgian Dubh itself, it's about what you might expect, and I had no illusions about getting some priceless masterpiece for for under $20. It has some sort of polymer handle with a diamond pattern on it, a wooden sheath that is either painted black to match the handle, or has some sort of thin layer of polymer over it. The pommel, bolster(?), and the end caps of the sheath are a sort of chromed metal, not sure if they're steel or not, and the 'blade' itself also appears to be chromed. As such, it doesn't appear to be able to be sharpened, and currently has no edge on it.

As I said, about what you'd expect for under $20, much like something you might find at a flea market, were Sgian Dubh prolific in the local flee markets, for about the same price. It's nothing to pass on as an heirloom, and would probably not stand up to the rigors of daily use as a utility knife, but it was exactly what I expected, processed and delivered quickly.

I fully intend to get a 'real' Sgian Dubh in the future, this is just a placeholder of sorts, something to stuff in the top of my hose until I can arrange for the real thing.

Overall, I was quite pleased with the experience with Kiltmart, and keeping in mind the level of quality to expect for the price being paid, would certainly consider purchasing something from them again if it fit my needs.


Casey

PS- Now, if I can just get my kilt from Rocky & Kelley, I'll be able to start kilting

[turpin]

In the meantime, feed the jones with an accessory purchase here and there. and don't forget to check ebay for kilts as well. good bargains can b found.

[Carolina Kiltman]

I did something similar on E-Bay whilst waiting for my kilt. . . got three for $9.95, and $5.00 or so shipping. They were as expected, rather cheap, chrome blade marked "stainless steel - China" , plastic "stone" in the handle. Since I figured I had nothing to lose, I tried sharpening one. It took a nice edge, and holds it fairly well. Not as well as a quality blade, but fine for general use. (letter opener, twine cutting at the CFVSC tent, cutting an apple, and the like). You might give it a try. Also good advice about feeding the Joneses, int::soda:
Been there,

[Howard Clark]

The best knife, is the one you have when you need one, whatever it is.
Our species got by all right for most of our existence with rocks and shells, then bronze, then iron, for a looong time. The hair splitting differences in bladed hardware that is available at present is a very recent development.

[Casey_in_Carolina]

I looked on eBay, but didn't like the ones with the ones the with fake stones on the pommel. They just look a little odd to me. This one I've received has just a plain 'silver' flat pommel. I like the simplicity of it. I could wish it was a mastercrafted blade, but then, I can't afford a master blade, so I'll take an inexpensive one that I like the looks of.

I'm definitely looking for 'accessory' purchases to feed the jones while I wait on my USA Kilt. It should be coming soon, but I'm looking for some things that don't come with the package deal. I'd like to find a full size kilt belt, I'm fairly sure the one that comes with the Casual package is a standard belt. I'd also like to find a leather sporran strap, as I think the package comes with a chain strap, and I hear stories about those damaging the kilts over time if worn frequently. I've been toying with the idea of the sporran hanger strap things that dangle it right from the belt, but I don't know how that would look on me. The descriptions all say that they're designed for the man of 'ample girth', and I don't think I fall into that category. I've seen no review on what they look like on the man of normal girth

I'm also toying with hat ideas. I like the look of the unchecked GlenGarry, but the Balmoral doesn't do anything for me. I've even considered getting a flat cap I think there called, as I understand you can get them in your tartan, though that'll probably be a save up for kind of purchase.

Back to the knife, I've actually been thinking of using this one I have as a placeholder until I can make one of my own. I know nothing about knifemaking, but seeing some of the stuff these guys turn out in the DIY forum makes me want to take a stab at it.. I just need to find a book or something with step by step instructions, and maybe a pre-made Sgian Dubh blade.

Oh well, back to surfing the forums, and longing after my as yet un-arrived kilt

Take care all,

Casey