So, I am having a custom Rkilt made, with the design ideas influenced by metal smithing and bench jewelry work.

As I progressed in my schoolwork, I realised I needed a tool belt, aprons, etc. And I knew that a kilt could in theory, fit that bill. The utilikilt workman was an option. I learned that I could treat canvas or hemp with oilskin treatment to make a lot of stuff roll off of it. In effect, make an oilskin kilt. But I realised I didn't know what the hardware on the UK was and I was advised to avoid nickle. Some of the stuff I'll be working with with strip the finish off of nickle and leave it pitted. Brass only becomes antiqued. I'll be dealing with acid, glass in liquid states, molten metals, solder, all kinds of stuff that would normally eat a kilt up. I also know that I will be working in both standing and sitting positions. So I needed something to catch stuff in my lap, both good and bad, like an acid dribble or a bit of filed off gold dust. I considered a Freedom Kilt and the oilskin rubdown finish... And then realised that I'd still need leather aprons, and a lot of custom work.

So, earlier this year, I approached Robert and asked him some questions... And he had very satisfactory answers. So I plotted and planned out the summer months and waited.

My idea was a hemp work kilt with a clip on leather work apron. Pockets and storage space on the underside of the apron with no pockets on the outer side to catch drips and allow them to pool. Brass hardware. Extra little pockets for pliers, and probes, and picks, and pen vices, and all those little things. Straps for holding rotory tools, drills, and electric screw drivers. In short, a full blown tool belt. Magnetic pockets.

And when I get it, it gets a rub down with some Drizabone oilskin rub to impregnate the hemp with a fine coat of oil and wax to keep it, and me, safe.

In my head, it is the sort of kilt that Batman would wear, complete with Batbelt, Batapron, Batpockets, and even Batpleats™.

I am gonna hate tearing it up later when working.