Working Kilt

[Willie]

I am a blacksmith. I want to wear a kilt when doing blacksmithing demonstrations.

I know there is a cargo kilt available. Other than that, what weight and material should I use? Also, should I use the national tartan or my clan tartan?

[Downunder Kilt]

I would suggest you contact one of our vendor advertisers Alt Kilt. I am sure Techdragon would be able to come up with something for you that is both smart and won't be ruined the first time you use it.

[Ryan Ross]

I bet that leather is about the only type of material that a kilt could be made from, which would stand up to the heat of such sparks as are produced in blacksmithing. If that is indeed the case, choices are lamentably limited.

[cavscout]

How about a leather apron over any kilt you want to wear? Any kilt inexpensive enough not to worry about ruining is probably made of acrylic or some other material that would not respond well to intense heat and flesh being melded into one.

If the apron idea is out, then I'd say a Stillwater Heavyweight wool would be your best bet. Only a bit over $100, won't melt or erupt into flames and can endure a few singes and still look pretty good.

[Willie]

Good ideas all.

Leather is kind of out of the question right now due to the expense.

An apron is an excellent idea as I use one quite often.

Any idea where I can get a kilt made with the Stillwater Heavyweigt?

[llyd]

Having played in the fire a bit..I would go with a denim box pleat with a leather over apron sewn in..along the lines of a farriers apron.....save the tartan for the pub afterwards...and an understanding that leg hair is not really necessary.

[llyd]

stillwater kilts is wjat they are talking about...one of the forum ads right above os the link..
really, of expense os the issue...you being a blacksmith are probably handy enough to make an xkilt out of denim or heavy jean weight twill with the over apron of leather...could pick up a piece of chap weight leather from a local saddlemaker or tack shop down there...

[cavscout]

Good ideas all.

Leather is kind of out of the question right now due to the expense.

An apron is an excellent idea as I use one quite often.

Any idea where I can get a kilt made with the Stillwater Heavyweigt?

Here's the Heavyweight Kilt page

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...eight%20Kilts/

Depending on needed price point, you can get into a deer hide for less than $50 and piece together an apron pretty easy.

[Steve Ashton]

Please think twice before choosing a Kilt made from synthetic fibers if you intend to work around hot stuff. Synthetics and in particular Acrylics are highly flammable. Once ignited will burn hotly and fiercly, leaving behind molten plastic stuck to your legs.

[xman]

I wonder why noone has yet mentioned carhart as a material.

Wool is very insulating so it should work well in the heat ... but worsted wool tartan is too expensive to wear without a good apron to protect it. SWK heavyweight and a leather apron sounds like a good choice.