A TOTALLY unfair comparisson..and some advice

**ozone** · 20th April 07, 10:44 AM

Having been initiated about 2 years ago into kilt wearing, I now have some advice for those out there considering buying a kilt for the first time. I have posted pics here comparing my first kilt purchase from the celtic craft center to my second kilt from sportkilts. I call it a totally unfair comparison because the ccc kilt is miles above the sk kilt in terms of quality. They also serve different purposes. If someone is considering a first purchase, consider a casual and inexpensive kilt...BUT dont think that this kilt represents a real kilt whatsoever.

Here's the cc kilt flat:

here's some ccc kilt details such as the depth of the pleats and buckle/strap size :

Here's the apron size on the ccc kilt:

Here's the inside of the ccc kilt:

ON THE OTHER HAND:

SK flat, notice it's more wrinklely (if that's a word)

SK buckle and pleats..a paucity of both:

SK apron...a wee bit skimpy. I feel uncovered by the narrowness:

SK inside...they have GOT to get rid of the elastic ( or make it optional) in my opinion:

As I said at the beginning, this is an unfair comparison. I will most likely just use the SK kilt for hiking and my ccc kilt for most other things.

**cavscout** · 20th April 07, 10:58 AM

Wow! I'm honestly shocked by the details on the SK. Thank you for posting those pics. I had no idea that with the leather straps you still had to deal with the elastic! To get rid of the elastic is the ONLY reason I would bother upgrading an SK to sewn pleats and straps. I'm really shocked at how thin the leather straps are as well and it appears the buckles are lightweight fashion buckles. I know now why we don't see such detailed pics on the SK web site so you could compare before you buy. Honestly, if I had bought a SK w/ sewn down pleats and straps and received what is in your photo's it would have gone back. The upgrades are not worth the cost.

Your base statement though is very correct, it is not a fair comparison and SK's do fill a certain niche as a reasonable entry point into kilt wearing (just without the upgrades).

**DrewO** · 20th April 07, 11:22 AM

That really is an unfair comparison, like comparing gym shorts to dress trousers.

My first kilt was a tank and I have a few SK's. They are in no way interchangeable. I wouldn't wear an SK on a night out and I wouldn't wear my tank after a game or working in the yard.

I wouldn't recommend an SK as a first kilt, there's plenty of economically priced casual kilts out there, but they do serve a purpose.

**Mumbles** · 20th April 07, 11:13 AM

yeah, you can't compare the ccc kilt to anything else really. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the only kilt I have so far is a CCC. Unmatched quality, unfortunately, I have to purchase cheaper kilts from now on because of a lack of funds, so every kilt I get wont seem as great. I really dont like the idea of the elastic, it almost detracts (IMO) from the kilt. But, I guess it has its ups as maybe something better used for hiking. Again, to each his own. Thanks for posting. One last thing about the ccc, on the leather of my belt, the edges seem to be wearing and almost "fraying". Is there a special way to take care of the leather so it doesn't do that? I scrapped and saved for quite some time to buy the thing, and Id hate to have it go to ruin because I didn't know how to properly take care of it. Thanks.

**Abax** · 20th April 07, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Mumbles

One last thing about the ccc, on the leather of my belt, the edges seem to be wearing and almost "fraying". Is there a special way to take care of the leather so it doesn't do that?

I think some minor fraying of the edges where a leather strap passes though a buckle is normal. But if your leather needs maintenance, try some Fiebing's neutral Tan Kote. Look for this product at local craft or hobby shop - it's very common. You can rub a thin coat of the product onto all sides of the strap (front, back and edges) with a rag. It will seal the leather and prevent the fuzzy surface you describe. Let the Tan Kote dry a day or two (depending on your realtive humidity), then seal that with a coat of neutral leather polish.

Don't get the Tan Kote on your kilt fabric. The product is casein-based (same base as white glue), so cleaning it off could be a real pain. I'd mask the surrounding area with some painter's tape or by pulling the strap through a slit in a plastic bag before applying the Tan Kote. The product dries to the touch in just a few minutes.

I'd avoid applying solutions for fabric to your leather straps (like Fray Check). I think they'd tend to make the leather too hard and brittle, plus it's likely to leave a white deposit where ever you apply it on a dark-colored material.

Abax

**davidlpope** · 20th April 07, 03:04 PM

Does the "CCC" kilt that you've shown have a hem? If so, why?

Cordially,
David

**Rampant Lion** · 20th April 07, 11:40 AM

The fact that my CCC kilt is so well made has made me leery about buying an inexpensive kilt; I'm not sure I could be happy enough with one.

ozone, what tartan is that CCC kilt?