Reviews x 4

**lukeyrobertson** · 23rd November 11, 04:48 PM

Just recently I received my 4th kilt and I thought, OK what have I learned and what have all the purchasing experiences been like. Since we're all about learning from experience on this Forum, here goes.

Kilt #1: 13oz HoE 8 yard. This kilt was purchased before I knew about xmarks. I went to my local kilt shop in Calgary. They use a local kilt maker who does a fine job. The experience was OK. It's not a warm sales environmnet, but very helpful and to the point. They are about "traditional" and define the term to "8 yards". This was my first experience in purchasing a kilt. I paid more than usual... this is a "shoppe". But they offered lots of very good advice and lots of help. I guess that's worth the premium. My learning: kilt shops offer good service, but you will pay for that and their overhead. Great kilt. Well done. Fine value, if a little overpriced.

Kilt #2: Still in a pre-xmarks epoch. This on is Dalgliesh 15oz custom weave box pleat by Matt Newsome. I've never met Matt, except by email and briefly on the phone. Ordered this kilt by sending measurements which felt like a real leap in faith. Matt field numerous (I mean NUMEROUS!) emails. He was gracious, patient and responded to all my questions and concerns. It was a long, long jones with Matt (about 8 months)... partly due to waiting for the custom weave. It is a fabulous kilt. Beautifully done on all fronts. It is lined with off-white raw silk. I went custom weave for the colouring and I don't regret that choice. But, would I custom weave again? I don't know... probably not. Overall, a beautiful garment and a dream to wear. Matt's website is a great source of information.

Kilt #3: Black Isle 5 yard MM PV casual by Canadian Casual Kilts. This is a very servicable kilt, comfortable and fits well. I went this way in order to shop Canadian. Peter answered all my questions pretty quick. This is a casual kilt, I remind myself. Machine sewn. The black shadow tartan is very shadowy and not easy to see except in certain light conditions. I think the workmanship on this kilt is a little off... unsnipped threads, the cloth itself although it has a kilting selvage is pretty rough around the edges. I think it's good value, but I also think the quality control department needs to set the bar higher.

Kilt #4: An Rkilt Green Army machine sewn 6.5 yard hemp. Robert is right, this is a kilt with "attitude". I found Rkilts on the web. This ppurchasing and research experience has been great fun. Robert is terrific to work with. I have skyped with him and talked on the phone and sent lots of messages. He sent me photos of my kilt in various stages of production. Robert is very helpful and a fine sales guy. This is a contemporary kilt based on tradition, built for today. This kilt sits at the hips, not at the natural waist. Hence a different but very comfortable feel. I was surprised how sturdy and heavy this kilt is. The cargo pockets are easy to access. It has traditionally styled front aprons and three buckle enclosures. The D ring and dog clip are very handy and the leather work on the straps and Ranger Belt is very fine. This is not a cheaply made garment. The extra cost is reflected in the quality of the product. It is fun to wear and has a "don't mess with me" look and feel. Again, Robert has a great website where you can see the various kilts he makes. His Tweed kilts are not on the site...yet.

You know, I feel very lucky to have these kilts. I wanted to try different kiltmakers and I have to say, I have learned a great deal from each of them. And I have learned lots more since becoming part of this Forum. I have a better feel for what works for me, and what different styles appeal to me. I don't know what I would do differently. But, I would certainly say to those who are looking a purchasing a kilt, "do your home work and do your research". For the most part, kiltmakers love to talk about their craft and share their knowledge and experience (and opinions!).

I hope this helps in some way.

**pugcasso** · 23rd November 11, 05:15 PM

Thanks for your post.... I just bought my first kilt from a local shop ... there wasn't much varied selection but I just got the National Scottish one anyway... I'm sure my next (second) one will be something more specific after I've learned some more and perhaps something from an online source (an 'Anderson' variation, a 'Maple Leaf' Canada tartan or a Newfoundland provincial tartan perhaps).

This site and the posts such as this help in making those later decisions.

**Riverkilt** · 23rd November 11, 05:38 PM

We only have one kiltmaker in common - Robert Pel at RKilts. He is for sure top notch in quality, value, and service. My usual warning about Robert though...be extremely cautious about asking him for a leather kilt swatch. Something about the aroma of leather has a way of prying open your wallet, dialing the phone, and mumbling measurements for a leather kilt to him.....

Thanks for the other info - that's what makes this board so strong, sharing the good and the not so good.

**CMcG** · 23rd November 11, 06:35 PM

Knowledge is empowering, thanks for sharing!

**RockyR** · 23rd November 11, 06:58 PM

If you don't mind, could you share the price of each model?

**lukeyrobertson** · 23rd November 11, 09:59 PM

OK Rocky, here's a go at the kilts. They will give you an idea. For the rabble, I'm not really interested in any critiques. Not the point. Just a sense of each of the kilts.

Newsome Box Pleat

CCK Black Isle

Rkilt Hemp

David Honguisto 8 yard