My THIRD Leather RKilt Arrives Soon...

[Clockwork]

Oh man, I feel like a kid in a candy store when I see Robert's leather kilts - my pupils dilate and I have to fight back the urge to drool. I believe a leather Rkilt will be up next for me, but it may be a few months before I commit to it.

I was wondering though, how do the leather kilts fair as a 'go-to for most daily activities' choice? I'm under the impression that they hold pleats well and they're extremely easy to care for. Also, is the British Rebel Tan you have the same as the British Tan Tundramaq has? I ask because in the pics he has, it seems to have a sort of velvety texture to it, whereas yours seems to have a smoother texture to it.

Congrats on the kilt my friend, it's a beautiful one!

Cheers,
-Jake

[Riverkilt]

Remember, Robert does that two payment plan that so many other kiltmakers do too. About half down, balance on completion. Seems to make it easier to afford somehow.

Guessing the match is similar - its a perfect match for the old swatch...who ever dyes them seems consistant, so probably.

Hope for some pics tomorrow.

I've found leather kilts work in any weather - cool in hot weather, warm in cold weather. Saddleback Leather who makes brief cases etc touts the insulation power of leather. The leather kilt is great in foul weather too - rain, snow, sleat. And it dresses up well too.

Pleats hold well - but obviously depend on how you sit on it if you do sit on it. I find them easy to straighten...seems weird but a steamer helps - very light steam, then weighted clips from each pleat. Or you can just lay it out and arrange the pleats the way you want them and they seem to hold.

One caution is that leather makes a great sail so if you get an updraft it flies well. I wear those underkilt things which cuts back on the force of the updraft and leaves me some modesty if the kilt flies up while still retaining freedom.

Basically, they're bulletproof and fun to wear, and look great.

[Clockwork]

You should be a sales rep for Robert because you're one of the people who motivated me to aim for a leather kilt in this and your other posts on here. I would go ahead now and contact Robert about making one if it weren't for the fact that I have a a number of things coming up in the next two months that must take priority. I'm thinking tax time will be when I can finally do it.

I do know that leather does well in cool weather; I have a leather welding jacket which I use as an insulating layer to my regular jacket during the winter months, and it performs superbly as such. I am little leery about water though; doesn't water dry out leather and harden it? If I remember correctly, I believe it can also shrink and darken it as well. Maybe I'm wrong though. What have your experiences been in regards to this? Would steaming have a similar effect? Maybe the quality and finish of the leather make a difference too?

I've heard about the sail issue; I'm alright with it though. I have a loincloth I made to wear underneath for occasions where modesty might be compromised.

Thanks again for the info Ron, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the pics!

Cheers,
-Jake

[Riverkilt]

Not sure how the leather is finished but when it gets wet it doesn't soak right in...sort of beads up...if you're standing up in the rain/sleet its gonna run off more than soak in. If it does get soaked just drys like you'd dry other leather. Never an issue for me in the rain or sleet. Kind of like playing in the rain with a baseball glove...not a big issue.

The steam (very light touch) doesn't soak in, but seems to relax the leather enough for the weighted clips to pull the pleats straight.

[Clockwork]

That makes me feel better about getting one then. I know that with leather being a dead organic substance, the key to longevity is minimizing decay by keeping a healthy amount of the oil retained in the hide. It would make sense then that a light steaming won't affect that, and it sounds like it has an ideal finish for being exposed to the elements.

Thanks for the info Ron!

Cheers,
-Jake

[Riverkilt]

You're welcome. I haven't had to use any on my RKilts leather yet but I use Buffalo Butter on most of my other leather goods.

Just posted pics on the Show Me Your Pics forum.

[Canuck]

I haven't treated any of my leather kilts either. I have found that the oils from ones skin seem to keep the kilt supple. (As well as all the hands from the gals who immediatly grasp the kilt for a feel as they exclaim "Is That Leather!!!! "Oooh so soft!")
The British Tan is an oil finish tan. When water hits it, it does darken but the spots usually rub out. This is a kilt that has to be worn and a patina gets developed for a rich antique look. In other words they just get better with age.

[Clockwork]

I haven't treated any of my leather kilts either. I have found that the oils from ones skin seem to keep the kilt supple. (As well as all the hands from the gals who immediatly grasp the kilt for a feel as they exclaim "Is That Leather!!!! "Oooh so soft!")
The British Tan is an oil finish tan. When water hits it, it does darken but the spots usually rub out. This is a kilt that has to be worn and a patina gets developed for a rich antique look. In other words they just get better with age.

That is an interesting point I hadn't thought of; as being worn against the skin, it'll naturally pick up the oil from there. But what you're saying makes sense, and experience speaks loudest.

In the mean time, I'll have to rely on Ron's photos for holding off my Jonesing until I can get my own (or maybe making it worse)!

Cheers,
-Jake

[crash]

Ron,
I saw your kilt being built on Robert's site but didn't mention it here as I didn't want to spoil your surprise. I'm glad to hear your wait is over. I think there's a leather Rkilt in my near future. In the mean time I have to get a new hemp Rkilt to replace the one I shrank out of.
Congratulations on the new kilt.

[Riverkilt]

Hey crash, what size is your old hemp kilt? Kilts retain their value. When we outgrow them we can sell them to another kiltie and apply the funds to the new "larger" kilt.

Just a warning on Robert's leather kilts...they can be most addicting...