Kilt Damage From Cheap Sporran Clip

[MacBean]

Here's a recent thread highlighting the problem.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...my-kilt-62286/

and here's the esential solution for belts from cavscout:

Assuming your belt edges are essentially squared off, you wold first want to bevel the edge. Tandy sells edge bevelers of various sizes. This begins the rounding process by slicing off the sharp corner edge. We're not talking a drastic rounding. This is a very subtle radius, just enough to blunt the edge. The beveler will only take off a thin sliver of leather.

If the belt edges are not dyed to match the belt, you may want to dye the edges.

Then Burnish the edges which is a fancy way of saying rub them smooth. There are many ways to do this but essentially you want it to be a smooth rounded edge when your done. Essentially all your doing is getting the short edge fibers to lay down smooth. Using bees wax or other edge treatments will help and somewhat seal the edge but some will just use hot water and elbow grease. A piece of burlap or denim is often used to do the rubbing. You'll spend a lot of time and effort on this phase and this step is why the price of a none-edge treated belt and an edge treated belt are so different.

Once the edge is round and smooth, you can coat the edge with one of several edge seals or coats.

[artificer]

and here's the esential solution for belts from cavscout:

Assuming your belt edges are essentially squared off, you wold first want to bevel the edge. Tandy sells edge bevelers of various sizes. This begins the rounding process by slicing off the sharp corner edge. We're not talking a drastic rounding. This is a very subtle radius, just enough to blunt the edge. The beveler will only take off a thin sliver of leather.

If the belt edges are not dyed to match the belt, you may want to dye the edges.

Then Burnish the edges which is a fancy way of saying rub them smooth. There are many ways to do this but essentially you want it to be a smooth rounded edge when your done. Essentially all your doing is getting the short edge fibers to lay down smooth. Using bees wax or other edge treatments will help and somewhat seal the edge but some will just use hot water and elbow grease. A piece of burlap or denim is often used to do the rubbing. You'll spend a lot of time and effort on this phase and this step is why the price of a none-edge treated belt and an edge treated belt are so different.

Once the edge is round and smooth, you can coat the edge with one of several edge seals or coats.

It should be noted that this only works on "Real" leather. Stuff with a plasticized finish or that's made from leatherboard will NOT survive this process.

[CopperNGold]

Buying quality items will make a difference in the long run. It make take longer for you to buy a good leather sporran strap, but it will last forever with good care and maintenance.

Buying quality items does not necessarily mean that the item will not cause damage to your kilt. Even high end retailers like Gucci, LV, or Ferragamo have flaws. I've bought shoes and handbags from both retailers with flaws that have caused problems. Leather edges that have scraped my ankle, or a handbag clasp that has rough edges that catch on a scarf or coat. However, especially with Ferragamo, which puts out a much better product in my opinion, with good polishing, regular repairs, etc., those shoes and handbags will outlast me!

Why not try wearing your new straps or chains over an old woolen shirt for a few days while around the house? That way, you can look for any rough edges and find any flaws in the leather finish or metal clasps before you try them with your kilts and make any necessary repairs. Also, a good quality house like those listed above will do the repairs for you.

[Piobair]

I picked up an Oconee strap a month or two ago - best sporran belt I've had in the last 20 years. Can't say enough good things about the customer service, either.

[Dale Seago]

I picked up an Oconee strap a month or two ago - best sporran belt I've had in the last 20 years. Can't say enough good things about the customer service, either.

I don't think there's much to choose from (having purchased stuff from both) between Oconee and Mojo Leather. Each has some styles the other doesn't, but the leather quality, workmanship, and customer service are all absolutely top-notch with each of them. So it really comes down to "what you like the look of best" with a particular type of item.

[BCAC]

The problem being that Steve at Oconne leather works is not accepting orders for the moment. He's put his leather working aside for the moment and hopefully he will come back to it one day. I have a belt and a sporran strap from him and they are of an outstanding quality. His customer service is second to none, also.