Artificer Brass hinged cantle sporran review

[bodhran4me]

Yep, that's the problem with brass. Those of us with MOD cantles which have been polished are struggling with the same issue. You either have to polish it every time you want to use it, or just let it develop a patina. There is no in between. If I even lay one finger on it, my fingerprint immediately begins to turn a different colour. And you'll notice over time, too, that anywhere the brass touches the leather, it will discolour differently (more aggressively). Polishing it with those leather laces through the cantle looks like a headache. Good luck!

Could a clear lacquer be applied to prevent discolouration ? They are generally available in different sheens. Would it adhere properly or have any other reactions with the brass? I suppose it would depend on the type of lacquer. Any experiences amongst the rabble?


Of course it goes without saying that kudos to Artificer and congratulations to Panache are in order.

[artificer]

Matt,

I don't think it is a matter of weight. It is my gut reaction to having the metal clips linked to just on brass loop each. It seems to me that it would put more pressure at one particular point of the top of each of the brass loops that would over time weaken and break. Whereas the leather strap going through both of them distributes that pressure. But I am not an expert so I can't say for sure.

Hey is there a kilted metallurgist or structural engineer in the house? We need some help here!

Also giving the matter some thought, I think the clicking/scratching sound of a metal clip on those brass loops would be unpleasant!

Cheers

Jamie

Jamie, First off, thank you for the lovely review and action shots! There is little I enjoy more than actually getting to see my work out and about in the world.

Regarding the strap loops - these are made of the same gauge brass as on the ex-MoD cantles. It is annealed, bent to shape, fitted, silver soldered, then the ends are peened over and ground down. If you manage to rip one out or shear it off you will have been doing something that would probably do serious bodily harm to both you and your kilt as well. You can use a strap/chain with the standard small clasps, I'd probably avoid the larger lobster-claw "quick clips" as they'd show past the side and DEFINITELY scratch up the rear face as Tobus mentioned.

Congratulations Jamie on such a fine aquisition. From your photos above it is great to see the versiltility of the sporran with a range of dress styles. I have a brass cantled sporran on order from Artificer also and from your photos, I agree, it's worth it!

Keep an eye on your email inbox tomorrow. I've got some WIPs for you to look at...


As to lacquering, I would not recommend it. The primary problem is that the lacquer will eventually chip, and then tarnish spreads underneath it. You end up having to strip all the lacquer off and start over again. I've stripped the gunk of at least 3 ex-MoD sporrans over the past year or two, and it's not a lot of fun.

Thanks all for the very nice words.

ith:

[Tattoo Bradley]

I have man-bag envy. :crap:

[WARPIPER]

I have 3 sporrans from Artificer and one on order. They all are truly works of art, and the quality is unsurpassed. Worth the wait, worth the cost, simply the best.

[creagdhubh]

Congratulations again, Jamie! Scott's work is truly amazing and even more so in person. Enjoy your new sporran!

Cheers,

[Panache]

I have man-bag envy. :crap:

ith:




Cheers

Jamie

[artificer]

Thanks all!

I have man-bag envy. :crap:

That's easily solved, you know.

I have 3 sporrans from Artificer and one on order. They all are truly works of art, and the quality is unsurpassed. Worth the wait, worth the cost, simply the best.

The fourth one will push you over the top for the current record for most commissions (you're currently tied for first).

ith: