Sporran chain question

**ironband** · 11th June 12, 09:13 AM

Hi all,

Glad to find this forum! Someday I hope to be wearin' the kilt (and I know my wife hopes for that as well). For now I am totally ignorant, and appreciate the experience of you fine folk.

I am a chainmail artist who will be vending at a local Highland Games come September, and I am thinking of making sporran chains to sell. I've searched around and I see that typically sporran chains consist of a leather belt portion (typically with but sometimes without a buckle for adjustment) which is then connected to two lengths of chain which connect to the sporran.

My first question is this: Would it be improper to have the sporran chain made entirely of chain (without the leather portion?) Or would that be a kilt "dinnae"?

My second question is: In the case where leather strapping is used, is there a traditional length of the chain portion from the strapping to the sporran?

Thank you in advance for enlightening me!

Andre

**Paul Henry** · 11th June 12, 10:10 AM

Firstly Welcome to the forum Andre.

Sporran chains are often discussed on kilt forums and the advice generally is to be very cautious about wearing them, unless all the links are very smooth there is a chance that it will catch or abrade the kilt, so often chains are only used for special events where they can add a little sparkle or bling to an outfit, and it's not unheard of for the chains to be silver!
For general use a thin leather strap with adjustment buckle is advised, and it is certain my preferred option.

The sporran strap needs to be adjustable as well, as they may serve different sporrans or be used on different kilts, and the leather strap buckle is a very easy way to adjust.

This isn't to say that that chains are not used, they are the staple in many hire shops, and many kilt wearers start off with a chain strap, but generally most move on to a softer (leather) one when the addiction or funds permit!

Sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear, but it is just the way it seems to be.

Paul

**ironband** · 11th June 12, 10:49 AM

Thanks for the response, Paul! Feel free to tell it like it is, there is no sense in deluding myself.

Still, I do saw cut all my links and deburr them to ensure that my handwoven chains are smooth to the touch, so it is good to know about the wear factor, as that could serve as a selling point. Sounds like I might need to dust off my leatherworking tools, though, to make the adjustable straps...I know I have some belt blanks hanging around somewhere! Any suggestions as to the width of the belt portion?

Andre

**cable scot** · 11th June 12, 11:04 AM

***
I will add that a I do like the look for formal wear.

**creagdhubh** · 11th June 12, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by paulhenry

Firstly Welcome to the forum Andre.

Sporran chains are often discussed on kilt forums and the advice generally is to be very cautious about wearing them, unless all the links are very smooth there is a chance that it will catch or abrade the kilt, so often chains are only used for special events where they can add a little sparkle or bling to an outfit, and it's not unheard of for the chains to be silver!
For general use a thin leather strap with adjustment buckle is advised, and it is certain my preferred option.

The sporran strap needs to be adjustable as well, as they may serve different sporrans or be used on different kilts, and the leather strap buckle is a very easy way to adjust.

This isn't to say that that chains are not used, they are the staple in many hire shops, and many kilt wearers start off with a chain strap, but generally most move on to a softer (leather) one when the addiction or funds permit!

Sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear, but it is just the way it seems to be.

Paul

***

**Father Bill** · 11th June 12, 12:34 PM

No more than 7/8" in my opinion - 3/4" is even a shade better. I prefer a strap, but I know that the bling effect attracts many.

**creagdhubh** · 12th June 12, 06:38 AM

3/4" is definitely my preference - not too thin, not too wide, but just right!

Cheers,

**Riverkilt** · 12th June 12, 07:04 AM

Welcome. What part of the World are you in?

Maybe a hook up at a kilt night or highland games would help.

Know that whether metal or leather you're entering a market already well covered by long time suppliers - from high quality to crap.

Maybe a niche market like gold plated sporran chains....?

**tulloch** · 12th June 12, 10:17 AM

Chains have a better lay on the belly but they have to be smooth. The proportions of the leather portion depends on the leather work. The attaching clasps for the leather bit that goes through the sporran back need to be smooth and easy to work while not coming open by accident.

**sydnie7** · 12th June 12, 11:17 AM

There was a chainmail vendor at the last Games we attended (Costa Mesa CA) but I didn't stop to see precisely what they had on display -- never thought of sporran hardware. I do think some of the intricately intertwined ring-work I've seen could look good as a sporran chain, but as others have mentioned it needs to be smooth as the proverbial baby's bottom -- I've personally seen the damage done to a kilt by one of the "decorative" sporran chains!