I'm wondering who makes highland xpress' (HX) buckles? SWK's are made by L&M (hallmarked). I just comparred the buckles on my Barb T. (on the premise they came from HX) kilt with the ones I got from SWK. The cast buckles are very similar in shape and heft. The thorn on the L&M buckle is a little more finished. The L&M leather is good quality yet thinner with a definite suede side. The HX leather is embossed on the suede side. I'd rate the L&M (SWK) straps and buckles on par or winning by a nose over the HX straps. I would rate them both as better than most you find on a majority of kilts.