Contemporary Kilts question.

**dutchy kilted** · 5th February 13, 10:43 PM

I know there are several threads about both manufacturers.

I have owned several Amerikilts and was very happy with them. For the price point, they are great "starter" kilts. The back pocket is kind of nice, since I found the detachable sporran kind of small.

**Alan H** · 6th February 13, 12:32 PM

Both companies have long-standing and solid reputations 'round these parts.

**llyd** · 6th February 13, 05:45 PM

Or could get dumb like me amd start out making an x kilt...it is like crack though...you cannot make just one.

**Riverkilt** · 6th February 13, 10:07 PM

Have had AmeriKilts. Owner Mike Butler(?) is a great guy. Good starter kilt. Cotton though so tends to wrinkle. Never bought a Buzz Kidder kilt because I never saw one for sale at a highland games that wasn't wrinkled up. Guessing from these two choices you're looking to buy an inexpensive kilt. In the kilt world its worth saving up and buying quality and value. Take a look at RKilts, and Utilikilts, and Freedom Kilts too.

**tundramanq** · 7th February 13, 07:33 AM

Rich, have you thought of half way - The USA Casuals are velcro waist, no straps, quality PV and made to measure - add beltloops. $120 Look traditional with the advantage of easy care. Good pleat action.

For "bush whacking" and dirty work, I go back to my Utilikilts. Originals and Mockers are poly/cotton and less wrinkle prone. Cotton duck and denim Workmans are warm, wear like iron and look great. Down side is price.
The cotton ducks are the only kilts I have that have won the rose bush thorn contest.

If you will be in the train yards, 100% cotton is easiest to get grease out of. Stuff seems to be everywhere.

**Richrail** · 7th February 13, 08:56 AM

I'm kinda leaning towards the USAkilts casual kilt. I have a USAkilt semi-traditional now and love it but I am looking to have something to just work around the yard in and what not.

**tundramanq** · 7th February 13, 09:20 AM

Rich, number 9 and 10 casuals on order and have spotted two more awesome tartans. I wear these with a wide leather belt and sporran hangers for gardening, mowing and other yard work. I have yet to have mud or dust settle in and not wash out and be ready for "on the town" just by adding the sporran.
It's the same PV as your semi-traditional. I do avoid greasy and oily as it bonds to synthetics and never comes out. I actually wear an apron in the kitchen.

**Woodsman** · 8th February 13, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Have had AmeriKilts. Owner Mike Butler(?) is a great guy. Good starter kilt. Cotton though so tends to wrinkle. Never bought a Buzz Kidder kilt because I never saw one for sale at a highland games that wasn't wrinkled up. Guessing from these two choices you're looking to buy an inexpensive kilt. In the kilt world its worth saving up and buying quality and value. Take a look at RKilts, and Utilikilts, and Freedom Kilts too.

Ron,
Yes Mike Butler. And he still proudly displays the poster of you and your turtle tat at all of his festival tents.

**RockyR** · 9th February 13, 05:07 PM

It seems like you're looking for something about $100 (based on the BK and AK questions). If you're looking for a solid in that price range, I'd probably lean toward the AK (yes, Mike Butler is the owner and a very nice guy) AND/OR check out RKilts' new "Festival Model" which Robert just designed and is in the same price range. I've seen the RK and it's well put together for that price and he has slash pocket upgrade available for an extra $20.

Not sure if Steve (Freedom Kilts) still has any models in the $100 range, but he's another to look at for contemporary kilts. If memory serves, he DID a few year ago ("Industrial Model" was it?)... not sure about now.