1 Topic by Mark Elliott

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Topic: A cow whip

I was contacted about 2 weeks ago by a fellow that works a ranch in the Big Bend area of Texas asking if I could make a whip similar to one I had made about a year ago. He has been using leather whips (I don't think they were kangaroo hide) but wanted to try a nylon cow whip to see how it held up in the harsh West Texas environment. The entire time I was working on the whip it was over 100F and dry, dusty, and windy, so the whip is already acclimated to the desert environment.

It's an 8 ft. cow whip with a 14-inch Bocota handle, chocolate brown thong, weighted twisted-tapered core, 2 bellies.

https://i.imgur.com/djz1yA1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/v89GghD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YokhClD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2CWEeU4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TiQXI7I.jpg

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." -E. B. White

2 Reply by Rachel McCollough

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Re: A cow whip

Mark, this whip is a true beauty, and really showcases your quality, ethic, and talent!  I love it!  You really have come into your own, what a masterpiece.  Well done, sir.  Elegance!

Inch by inch.

3 Reply by Mark Elliott

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Re: A cow whip

Thank you, Rachel, I've had good teachers here, especially you.

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." -E. B. White

4 Reply by Ron May

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Re: A cow whip

Great looking whip Mark.
He's going to be pleased by how it looks and blown away by how it performs.

Ron

It's ok if you disagree with me.
I can't force you to be right.

5 Reply by Wolfgang Timm

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Re: A cow whip

This looks great, I love the handle! smile
Eventually I’ll have to order a cow whip - the other types of whips (bull-, stock-, snake-, performance hybrid) are common all around the world but these seem to be a very local thing.

6 Reply by Robert Gage

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Re: A cow whip

Really great work, Mark!  And I can understand how nylon holds up a lot better than (expensive) roohide in that harsh climate!

Wolfgang, cow whips do seem to be a fairly local thing - but perhaps not 'very' local.  They were first used (as far as I know) in Florida, about 2,500 km away from where Mark lives!  tongue

'Less is often more!'

7 Reply by Mark Elliott

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Re: A cow whip

Thanks, guys.

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." -E. B. White

8 Reply by Jyri Haveri

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Re: A cow whip

Well done Mark! Colours are spot on!

9 Reply by Mark Elliott

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Re: A cow whip

Thank you, Jyri.

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." -E. B. White

10 Reply by Andrew Van Werkhoven

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Re: A cow whip

I do love the chocolate brown as a whip colour, it really shows the fancy plait patterns up well, amazing job Mark, as usual.

Practice does not actually make perfect; Perfect practice makes perfect.

11 Reply by Mark Elliott

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Re: A cow whip

Thank you Andrew, nice to hear from you again.

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." -E. B. White