Sporran straps

[ScottInNewHampshire]

Have always thought that old purse straps from the second hand store could easily by converted into sporran straps. Then, I was in Target (department store) recently, walked by the women's accessories and what do I see, lots and lots of thin belts that in a large or extra large make EXCELLENT and very attractive straps. I bought a chrome mesh type chain belt to replace the cheap chains that came with the sporran; a reversable (cordovan/black) with a chrome buckle; and a brown with beautiful brass rectangles that fall right on my hips. Each belt was between $10 and $15 (US). Not kidding. It's worth a look.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I believe it's Panache that often swears by this. I forked up the (not much more mind you) cash for brown and black sporran straps from Cavscout...

[Dirka Skene]

Duh! What do you think we have those for? They're of no practical use. Perfect sporran belt!

[Bob C]

I use a strap from one of my wife's old purses with my black day sporran.

[Hamish]

That is a perfect solution and, let's face it, anything is better than having a metallic chain constantly rubbing against your expensive woollen kilt. Over the years, I have seen examples of horrendous wear-and-tear done to good kilts - one, I remember, was so bad that the aprons had to be completely replaced by the original kiltmaker.

Chain straps on day sporrans are a fairly recent innovation, and one which should be stamped out again! Not so many years ago, chains were worn only on dress sporrans which, being worn much less frequently, were unlikely to cause the damage that daily wear will surely do in time. When buying a new sporran, I insist on having a plain leather strap rather than the chain strap which seems to come by default thesedays.

[Nanook]

That is a perfect solution and, let's face it, anything is better than having a metallic chain constantly rubbing against your expensive woollen kilt.

The acute problem is less, I think, the use of metal in chains but the use of cheaper grade chains. A well designed chain should not have any edges to catch fibres and should be quite smooth. Leather, and especially the "buff" rear, by contrast is less than slick. Relatively smooth leather belts are used to polish (sharpen) knife edges. In theory, at least, it seems a properly made chain should rub less than a belt.
So what can wrong with chains for daily use? The problem is really abrasion from having a sporran (held on by whatever means). Its the same effect that wears out the seat of our finest woolen pants, the edges of the cuffs of coats and shirts and in overcoats the edges of hand pockets (used to warm one's hands). The key to the claimed effectiveness of a sporran strap in showing less wear I would suspect is more derived from its restricted movement (less swing, tighter) than from the use of leather. Regimental straps are, in fact, made of a rough woven (to imitate from a distance buff leather) but very rugged thermoplastic polymer: Courlene. Its the tassels (and, in the case of horse hair, long hair) that swing. Even for ceremonial use one uses straps since the whole sporran must sometimes (often) be moved to the hip.
Chains are typically a bit looser and the sporran is let to swing a bit. It allows, I think, for more freedom of movement as well as centered placement. That's the advantage in a formal setting. Great for standing with a glass in hand or sitting but not the ideal for "marching".

[cavscout]

Leather, and especially the "buff" rear, by contrast is less than slick. Relatively smooth leather belts are used to polish (sharpen) knife edges. In theory, at least, it seems a properly made chain should rub less than a belt.

I very seldom see belts with a "buff" back side. As I understand this term it implies an almost suede texture. The leather I us for belts and straps are slicked on the back so you will not feel any "buff" texture.

[sorcererdale]

I found an old belt that I had that was really narrow, and now makes an almost perfect sporran strap. The only problem I have is how to make it hook to the sporran. One end of the belt, where the buckle was, has snaps so that works for hooking and un hooking it. The other end needed to be formed into a loop to hook on the sporran.

So far I used a bolt and nut, filed smooth on the inside so as not to rub or catch on my kilt. Isn't there a fastener that would work like I have on my 2 1/2 inch kilt belt - actually had that made. Hmmm, that just gave me an idea. I should contact that belt maker and see if he has some more snap screws so I can make my sporran belt adjustable. Thanks, brain.

How do some of you attach these purse straps to your sporran?

DALE.

[Panache]

... The only problem I have is how to make it hook to the sporran...

All the sporrans I have gotten come with this little strap with two metal rings where one hooks of the sporran belt attach to it. This little strap sits into a leather sleeve attached to the belt. I simply slide out the little strap thingee and put the thin woman's 1/2" belt through it. Voila'. I have found the after a few uses the leather belt molds to a bit of a dip where the sporran hangs, making it fit even better.

Simple but it works!

By the by, SINH - Good on you for thinking outside of the box!

Cheers

Panache

[Hamish]

All the sporrans I have gotten come with this little strap with two metal rings where one hooks of the sporran belt attach to it. This little strap sits into a leather sleeve attached to the belt. I simply slide out the little strap thingee and put the thin woman's 1/2" belt through it. Voila'. I have found the after a few uses the leather belt molds to a bit of a dip where the sporran hangs, making it fit even better.

Simple but it works!

By the by, SINH - Good on you for thinking outside of the box!

Cheers

Panache

James, that is precisely how day sporrans have been attached to their all-leather straps for many years - until recently! Dress sporrans always had the little strap thingee with D rings at either end slotted through the 'sleeve' on the back of the sporran itself, but day sporrans no, never.

Apart from being simple,uncluttered and kind to one's kilts this system means that the sporran can simply be slid along the strap, to one side or the other, whenever required - and there ARE times when that is so useful.