A TOTALLY unfair comparisson..and some advice

**ozone** · 20th April 07, 12:55 PM

Mumbles,

I have not had to worry about my leather straps on the ccc kilt. But, my wife has a good idea: go by a shoe store and see if they have some type of glue or sealant to stop the fraying. Also, as many other people have pointed out on this website, CCC kilts has excellent customer service.

The tartan on the the CCC kilt is one that only came into existence after I requested that it be woven. It's the Madoc welsh tartan and until this kilt, had never, ever been woven before. Given that it took the mill in Wales about 9 months to weave it, it may never be woven again...oh well.

My only real complaints about the sportkilt are that the elastic should be optional and that the front apron needs to be wider...perhaps somewhere in the neighborhood of 17-20 inches depending on waist size. I did have a nice purchasing experience with both companies and I think Seamus at Sportkilts should be proud to have come up with a practical garment for sport activities that is really easy to care for and looks good too.

**Mumbles** · 20th April 07, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by ozone

Mumbles,

I have not had to worry about my leather straps on the ccc kilt. But, my wife has a good idea: go by a shoe store and see if they have some type of glue or sealant to stop the fraying. Also, as many other people have pointed out on this website, CCC kilts has excellent customer service.

Awesome! I might just do that. One of the things I remember about my purchasing experience was the customer service. It was really smooth and they were REALLY, REALLY patient with Lord knows how many questions that I asked. I would recommend them to anyone. The kilt is of unmatched quality and will definitely last me my whole life, and possibly be handed down to my grandkids. Who knows?

**morrison** · 20th April 07, 01:40 PM

My SK is the perfect kilt for home and post activity wear. Great casual comfort and light as air. That's the way I want my post activity casual wear. I don't have a CCC But, my SWK Econs are a nice step up to get me out grocery shopping or for all day wear and sometimes post activity, dependent upon specific situation. My SK is a purchase made for exactly the kind of wear as described by the manufacturer. It's easy, convenient, light ,simple and fits the frugal pocket.

**Abax** · 20th April 07, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Mumbles

One last thing about the ccc, on the leather of my belt, the edges seem to be wearing and almost "fraying". Is there a special way to take care of the leather so it doesn't do that?

I think some minor fraying of the edges where a leather strap passes though a buckle is normal. But if your leather needs maintenance, try some Fiebing's neutral Tan Kote. Look for this product at local craft or hobby shop - it's very common. You can rub a thin coat of the product onto all sides of the strap (front, back and edges) with a rag. It will seal the leather and prevent the fuzzy surface you describe. Let the Tan Kote dry a day or two (depending on your realtive humidity), then seal that with a coat of neutral leather polish.

Don't get the Tan Kote on your kilt fabric. The product is casein-based (same base as white glue), so cleaning it off could be a real pain. I'd mask the surrounding area with some painter's tape or by pulling the strap through a slit in a plastic bag before applying the Tan Kote. The product dries to the touch in just a few minutes.

I'd avoid applying solutions for fabric to your leather straps (like Fray Check). I think they'd tend to make the leather too hard and brittle, plus it's likely to leave a white deposit where ever you apply it on a dark-colored material.

Abax

**davidlpope** · 20th April 07, 03:04 PM

Does the "CCC" kilt that you've shown have a hem? If so, why?

Cordially,
David

**ozone** · 20th April 07, 03:59 PM

Yes, my ccc kilt has a hem because the wool was woven in WALES not SCOTLAND. Apparently, the cloth from Wales can't be left alone and must be hemmed. This was according to both CCC Kilt and the Welsh Tartan centre. Apparently it has to do with weaving techniques that I am sure M.A.C. Newsome could explain in great detail :-)

**Dirka Skene** · 20th April 07, 04:12 PM

I love my Sport Kilt. I like the elastic too. But, I only have a Sport Kilt so I really have nothing to compare it too.

**Kiltman** · 20th April 07, 04:42 PM

I have several different qualities of kilts. Each has a place in my wardrobe. There are some that I just don't wear much, and some that I really like to wear. If you're wearing kilts all or much of the time, then you come to appreciate that different qualities are part of one's wardrobe.

**Colin** · 23rd April 07, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Kiltman

I have several different qualities of kilts. Each has a place in my wardrobe. There are some that I just don't wear much, and some that I really like to wear. If you're wearing kilts all or much of the time, then you come to appreciate that different qualities are part of one's wardrobe.

Great post kiltman, and good review ozone.

I think that each of these kilt companies has a market and a place in today's kilting. Obviously the CCC and the sportkilt are different beasts.

It was nice to see a review from someone that has tested all those waters and realized the differences and roles of each kilt. Too often we have seen casual kilt fans bashing the traditional kilt (and attitude) without ever knowing what they are missing. The same can be said about traditionalists that have not tried a utility kilt (guilty) or casual type kilt.

A very educated review in my opinion.

**Riverkilt** · 23rd April 07, 09:20 AM

Thanks Ozone,

I haven't seen the latest upgrade of SportKilts with "leather" straps. Appreciate that a lot...will keep me from doing anything rash.

You're sure right there is no comparison. I have a basic gathered SportKilt in Macdonald tartan...just because back when that was the least expensive way to get my clan tartan in a kilt. Tried their first upgrade to sewn down pleats and custom length in Black Stewart and its okay for what it is.

I like SportKilt for the few times I go to the local smoky bars to dance. When I get home I can just toss it into the washer and let it hang dry.

Would never wear a hand sewn kilt into a smoky environment. May not need the SportKilts now since voters in my state passed a couple clean air indoors ordinances that kick into effect in a few weeks.

Up to you of course, but first thing I do with my SportKilts is take off the emblem. Comes off with a seam ripper. Its only sewn down.

Thanks again for the pics...

Ron