[TheForge] Blacksmiths and UtiliKilts

[John Husvar]

On Friday, June 10, 2005, at 07:25  PM, Daniel Crowther wrote:

> Hehe, you should try pricing "Traditional" kilt.  Think $350-$700 
> depending on tartan and pleat type.
>
> Dan

Yes, I know.

And none of those are really kilts as in "Great Kilt." They are mostly 
"wee kilts" or dress kilts and aren't all that historically accurate 
before the 18th century, IIRC.

You should try getting into a real great kilt sometime: It's a trip! 
(Start by laying a belt on the ground/bed/whatever, then laying out 
8-10 yards of 60" wool, pleating it correctly, etc, lay yourself atop 
the whole mess. Then apply contortions, magic, and a lot of luck.:)

There are a lot of people making a lot of money from Scots, other 
Celtic folks and wannabees.

Bagpipers, too, pay a premium for their uniforms, especially if they 
join a pipe band.

It's a specialty market and vendors are taking full advantage, which is 
not necessarily objectionable. They aren't in business for the mere fun 
of it like blacksmiths. :)

I just think Utilikilts are overpriced for their intended use. If the 
guy makes a $million, more power to him: He won't miss my $185 much. :)