Historical Curiosity question

**davedove** · 28th August 08, 05:09 AM

If there was a blacksmith wearing a great kilt, and there were probably a few that did, I could see him taking it off if he were worried about it catching sparks. Traditionally, a long tailed shirt was worn under it and that would be enough to preserve modesty. The leather apron would have been worn over that. Since he's working at the forge, I doubt if he would be too concerned about being cold. When he was ready to leave the forge, he could put the great kilt back on.

After the era of the great kilt, the blacksmith probably wore trousers.

**English Bloke** · 28th August 08, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

The Kilt, as we know it today, was only developed in the late 1700's, about the time of the American Revolution....

As soon as the Kilt was adopted as a part of a Military uniform It was found only there.

I do believe, the Wizard has hit the nail on the head... see what I did there? see that?? Blacksmith joke, see? See it??

Never mind...

Far too much malt flowing under my bridge..
(Hic!)

**Bugbear** · 28th August 08, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

I do believe, the Wizard has hit the nail on the head... see what I did there? see that?? Blacksmith joke, see? See it??

Never mind...

Far too much malt flowing under my bridge..
(Hic!)

Um, that sounds more like a carpenter joke... So cut it out.

**Nighthawk** · 29th August 08, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Um, that sounds more like a carpenter joke... So cut it out.

Ouch!! My brain! It hurts!

That was great and terrible all at the same time.

**Casey_in_Carolina** · 28th August 08, 05:11 AM

Well thanks for the informative responses.

I guess I had the romanticized vision in my head, and was picturing everyone in kilts. Good to know that it is workable though, and kind of funny to think that the kilt was hill-billy clothing of the time

Casey

**Detroitpete** · 28th August 08, 08:14 AM

I have NO idea about the historical correctness of any of this. I do metal sculpture, Raku and wood fire ceramics and very often wear kilts while doing this. I DO however use a leather apron 'kilt' that I tie around my clth kilt--I'm not totally daft ;-)

**TheKiltedWonder** · 28th August 08, 02:25 PM

[QUOTE=Detroitpete;590063]I do metal sculpture, Raku and wood fire ceramics and very often wear kilts while doing this.[QUOTE]

Wow, I've watched a few kilns and helped a friend doing raku and I wouldn't wear a kilt to do either. Maybe it's the layer of dust at the ceramics studio or the fact that I was sure I was going to melt and/or burst into flames when helping with the raku.

I will say that I wouldn't be surprised if some Scottish hillbilly blacksmith wore a great kilt, though perhaps not in the smithy. Surely there was enough need of horseshoes, tools, etc to sustain a smith somewhere in the highlands!

**An t-Ileach** · 28th August 08, 02:41 PM

Well, for what it's worth, farriers of my acquaintance wear a leather apron (about 2mm thick leather I'd guess) that comes way down below the knee and wraps round the sides of the leg - I'd guess that that would be more than adequate to protect whatever one was wearing underneath from sparks, flames, and horses.

**Bugbear** · 28th August 08, 09:10 AM

I wasn't just thinking of fire issues with the belted plaid. It just seems like it would be too bulky, loose, and getting caught on things to be practical in that situation. I don't like getting my clothing caught on hooks and edges when I'm working on things.

**beloitpiper** · 28th August 08, 05:13 PM

I always thought the old kilts were worn by shepherds or crofters; people that couldn't afford (or need) other, more expensive clothes. I would think that a blacksmith would've worn pants due to necessity. What reason would he have to wear a kilt?