Quality of sporrans

[Steve Barclay]

I'm a new kilt wearer compared to most on here, i.e. last two years or so, and I have to say that I'm very disappointed with the quality of the dress and semi-dress sporrans I've owned- both what you may call "starter" sporrans, i.e. less than £25 each from ebay (though the day sporrans I have are fine plus I also own two lovely vintage hair ones). I think it's now time to upgrade seeing as my 2 main tanks (a made to measure 8 yard wool Barclay Hunting and a vintage Royal Stewart) are fine quality and the cheap sporrans do not do them justice, but I'm concerned as the pics on the websites of expensive sporrans such as Kinloch Anderson do not show them as being particularly fine quality to me (the main problem I've had is tassel chains breaking easily and lack of symmetry in the build quality of the sporrans,) and I'm worried about wasting my money if pretty much anywhere you go it's the same story (i.e. knocked out on a production line with little regard for quality). Can anyone offer me some opinions please? Thanks.

[T-Bone]

"i.e. knocked out on a production line with little regard for quality"

I completely agree with you. When I started wearing the kilt in the mid 90's, the internet was still in it's infancy. The only place I seen sporrans for sale was at Highland games. They were cheaply made, mass produced junk, but they wanted a premium price for them. Ridiculous, says I. So I taught myself how to do leatherwork. Now I make my own out of quality materials. They are not quite on par as some of the custom makers here on Xmarks, but they are good enough for me and better than the junk I've seen. If you want something special or of high quality, I would have you concider contacting a custom sporran maker and have one commisioned.
T

[ShaunMaxwell]

In sporrans, as in kilts, you tend to get what you pay for...

If you're looking for something commercially available, you might consider a sporran by L&M. They manufacture what are reputed to be high-quality sporrans. While I have never purchased anything from this retailer, the best prices I've seen for L&Ms are at: http://www.licensetokilt.com/Sporran..._Sporrans.html

If you want something a bit more interesting, you might consider commissioning one of the fine sporran makers who are members of this forum to make something for you. I have personal experience with both Artificer (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...al-commission/) and Turpin (http://www.thorfinnsporrans.com/) and would highly recommend either. Many on this forum also have sporrans created by Donnie at Wyvern Leatherworks (http://www.wyvernleatherworks.com/).

Also, check out the Ferguson Britt sporrans available through the Scottish Tartans Museum gift shop (http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/sporran_fb.html).

And on your side of the pond, perhaps Kate MacPherson sporrans (http://www.katemacphersonsporrans.co.uk/).

Also, consider the advice of MacMillan of Rathdown (one of the traditionalists on this forum whose counsel on Highland dress is sound) who says: "Probably the most versatile sporran is the traditional full-mask muskrat sporran, which is appropriate for all levels of dress with the exception of white tie."

No doubt that others will chime in with other interesting options as well. Hope you find what you're after!

[Spartan Tartan]

"i.e. knocked out on a production line with little regard for quality"

I completely agree with you. When I started wearing the kilt in the mid 90's, the internet was still in it's infancy. The only place I seen sporrans for sale was at Highland games. They were cheaply made, mass produced junk, but they wanted a premium price for them. Ridiculous, says I. So I taught myself how to do leatherwork. Now I make my own out of quality materials. They are not quite on par as some of the custom makers here on Xmarks, but they are good enough for me and better than the junk I've seen. If you want something special or of high quality, I would have you concider contacting a custom sporran maker and have one commisioned.
T

Agreed. If what you want is top quality (like your Kilts) then you should be prepared to pay for it. But definitely a commissioned sporran would be able to meet your needs.

[Steve Barclay]

Very sound advice, just what I was after, thank you gents!

[Steve Barclay]

Two points- I'm afraid I dislike full mask, though I feel I may be in the minority there. The second is more a question than a point- does anyone else experience tassel chains breaking easily, even on expensive sporrans, or does price equal quality here, even with the "thin-ness" of the chains?

[Mark Stephenson]

I agree 100% with Shaun M. I replaced both my day and dress sporans this year. I am fortunate in that a friend of mine is a custom sporan maker. The quality of my black leather day sporan and my silver fox dress sporan is superb. I haven't had them long enough to know how the chains will hold up, but I would be most surprised if I had any problems. However, I know that if I did have a problem, I could go directly to the person who made the sporan to have it fixed.

[artificer]

Two points- I'm afraid I dislike full mask, though I feel I may be in the minority there. The second is more a question than a point- does anyone else experience tassel chains breaking easily, even on expensive sporrans, or does price equal quality here, even with the "thin-ness" of the chains?

Chains are always "the weak link" (sorry). Unless a chain is VERY solid, or brazed, the tassel is a snag/break risk. Ask anyone in a pipe band.

ith:

[Steve Barclay]

Just a wee update- I managed to get myself a nice handmade number, and very pleased with it I am
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...#ht_500wt_1156

[English Bloke]

Eh up? Where abouts in Birmunum are you? I was in Coventry for three days, three weeks ago. Wish I'd thought ahead, we could have hooked up. Nice sporran by the way, good score. Show us some pictures when it rocks up.

EDIT: I'm with you on the full mask thing by the way...