Sporran chain vs. Sporran leather strap

[al' Sporrano]

I've had a similar reaction. I was in Geoffrey (tailor) in Edinburgh recently and brought up the subject. Staff dismissed the problem as a myth.

Having said that, I'm inclined to trust Hamish's view and now alternate between a strap and a chain according to function. No problem with either as it happens, though I prefer the chain.

Al

Al,

Remember that most men who buy a kilt and sporran will only wear it a couple of times a year, so the wear on the kilt due to the chain will be negligible. People like Ham, who wear kilts every day, are much more likely to suffer wear.

Rob

The guy I spoke to was a regular kilt wearer. He'd had no problems with the chain himself.

Al

[bubba]

I imagine the quality of the chain really makes the difference. If it's properly welded and smoothed links with good plating it shouldn't be much of a problem. If it's a cheap one chances are there'll be rough spots to snag the fabric.

[Bill]

Hello Everyone!

I've been away for a while (b-u-s-y! ).
I have a sporran that is made so one may pass a belt though. By doing that I find that I can dispense with the chain strap but I wonder if this is kosher as I have never seen a real sporran stap .
Comments -- suggestions -- ?

Thanks!
Bill

[bubba]

Seems to me that's how the originals were made a century or more ago. I think the strap is relatively modern in origin.

[Freelander Sporrano]

I would think the Strap came first....Or was that the egg ........ Sorry.

I've always thought that the strap came first because hide was readely available...Can anyone give another reason why this isn't so.

[bubba]

Originally the sporran was little more than a belt pouch worn to the side I believe. It wasn't til the Victorians that it had a separate strap and was worn as it is now, mostly to hide the "male attributes" and the gallant reflex.

[The Kilted Chef]

Anyone have one of these from Craigie?
http://sporrans.com/sling.html

The products he makes are exquisite! (although a little to $$$ for me right now!)

Larry

[dowofbuchanan]

well im not sure of the link ill find it but i saw someplace selling sporran loops that drop off the kilt belt the were advertised for a larger gentleman whom conventional chains dont fit but it looks likeit would solve the problem of the phantom strap

[TheMacfie]

I currently only own a black leather strap for my sporran, but know people who mainly wear chains. I personally haven't noticed wear on the chain wearer's kilts, but can imagine that the movement of the links may cause some fraying of the materials. On the same note, the underside of my black leather sporran strap is unfinished and pretty rough, and im thinking that may wear on my material as well.

I could probably go on and on about individual situations, but depending on the frequency of kilting as well as the material and cost paid for the kilt, the concern will vary as well. In the case that you wear it infrequently, you may go with whatever you think looks better regardless of wear and tear. On the other hand, if you've paid $800+ for your kilt and plan to wear it often, you will most likely have other concerns.

since i frequent less expensive kilts i will wear whatever suits the occasion regardless of kilt durability. but again, like most other things, it depends on your personal situation. kthx

[berserkbishop]

I have only chains for my sporrans. I've checked them both for rough edges and couldn't find any. But because I find sporrans a bit of a nuisance, I only wear them occasionally so the risk of damage is minimal. I'm sporranless 95% of the time. I have a fanny pack which works better for casual if needed. Thanx to Graham for the idea.

In my experience doing much amateur leather work, I would NEVER use contact cement in place of a rivet. It simply wont due. All of my pieces are riveted and handsewn. If you are interested in a good quality sporran strap talk to our very own cavscout. He does great leatherwork. I could also make you a strap if you so desired.

BB