Sporrans, how stiff are they?

**Phicong** · 21st January 07, 01:54 PM

I attended the Highland Games in Orlando, Fl on Saturday and for the first time, had a chance to "fondle" (?) the available for sale sporrans, priced from 75$ to nearly 200$ and I discovered something strange. The covers for all but the Rob Roy type sporrans were all very stiff, and most were as stiff as the 15$ sporran i purchased from Stillwater kilts. I thought that the reason the 15$ sporran was so cheap was because it was so stiff, but I guess that is the case with many sporrans. For me, anyway, I want a sporran I can use to carry and access things i carry without looking like I am playing with myself.
I am in process of making a Rob Roy/ Inverness soft sack type sporran but is there any way to soften the flex point of my standard sporran to make it more usable?
Thanks for any information.

Gordon of Clan MacHardy origin

**neo71665** · 21st January 07, 03:15 PM

I use the nightstalker from stillwater for day to day wear. As for softening leather I suggest using any of the many products made to soften baseball gloves.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 21st January 07, 03:27 PM

The thing with the $15 SWK sporran (I have one and use it rather regularly) is that the leather is low grade. I don't believe "softening" is an option. But, I could be wrong as I am no leather worker.

**thescot** · 21st January 07, 04:41 PM

Just because someone wants to charge $75 for a sporann doesn't necessarily make it worth more than the $15 item. I have found a vast array of prices for similar and/or identical products when it comes to Scottish attire and accessories.

But then, the really top quality stuff is never cheap.

Neo is right, leather softening items will probably do the trick, but be careful not to put some kind of oil in it that will rub off on your kilt! And some sporrans are not supposed to be soft in the front. I have one of the type the regiments once wore for "undress" wear (don't know what they wear these days), and while it's not too stiff, it'll never be as soft as the elk-hide Rob Roy style I bought from Craigie. It's not supposed to be; would probably look funny and lose shape.

Good luck. NOthing like experience of looking, "fondling," etc. to help you learn about the nature of things. . . . It's fun, too.

**McMurdo** · 21st January 07, 04:48 PM

Sporran softness all depends on the style of sporran, I have a day sporran that is over 50 yrs old and it will never be soft, however it is worn in, it all depends on what style you are after.

**Phicong** · 21st January 07, 05:08 PM

Whe I mean was the flex point needs softening. To close it, I have to push real hard and also fish around to make sure the snap is aligned with the snap catch. If the flex point is softer at least, I would be able to align the snap to snap catch with some degree of repetative nature and the "pre-loaded" out-spring of the cover would not resis the snap closing. This is a bit har5d to explain but I hope you all know what I mean.

Gordon

**thescot** · 21st January 07, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Phicong

Whe I mean was the flex point needs softening. To close it, I have to push real hard and also fish around to make sure the snap is aligned with the snap catch. If the flex point is softer at least, I would be able to align the snap to snap catch with some degree of repetative nature and the "pre-loaded" out-spring of the cover would not resis the snap closing. This is a bit har5d to explain but I hope you all know what I mean.

Gordon

I would try using neat's foot oil on the inside of the flap. Rub it in with your fingers, but avoid geting it on the outside so as to protect your kilt. Rub it in, work the flap, and tub it some more. Let it dry while snapped shut.

Might help. My older "stiff" sporran just kind of falls to where it's supposed to be.

**ccga3359** · 21st January 07, 05:39 PM

Phicong I think I know what you mean. I have a day sporran I got on ebay and is stiff as a board. I to have a problem closing the snap and am afraid of cushing my cigs in the process. I will be purchasing some rare earth magnets soon to put in the snap. With the pull on these babies it should overcome the stiffness of the flap and keep it closed (although not locked). I will report any findings.
Grant

**Dreadbelly** · 21st January 07, 05:41 PM

I love my standard issue Buzz Kidder Rob Roy. Soft.

I really didn't like the hard leather sporrans... I fear it would rub against my abdomen the wrong way.

**beowulf67** · 22nd January 07, 07:35 AM

I have one that's stiff too and hard to snap shut, so I usually just leave it unsnapped. I was thinking about trying to put some kind of leather tie on it, but the magnet idea sounds really good. How would you go about attaching those to the sporran?