Craig Frank (Page 2 of 6)

Pokkis, that's about the neatest summary of good plaiting practice I think I've seen!

But 'Fiskars scissors'? They just look, to me, like the scissors found in most British kitchens - or am I missing something? 

Craig, it's coming on well. As to the lump, I think - as a general rule when making almost anything - it's good to make a virtue of 'whatever happens' - unless, of course, it's so awkward that one wants to undo everything and start again. I certainly don't think that's necessary here....

Progress

From what I can see in the photo, the binding is doing what it's supposed to be doing. Having a bulge over the transition area is pretty much unavoidable and isn't actually a bad look after all when there's a transition knot separating it from the handle. Even the original Indy whip has that sort of shape , just for other reasons.

Robert, Fiskars is a Finnish company whose most iconic product is those scissors. They're pretty damn good scissors too

- Pokkis

They are indeed. That, no doubt, is why they're so standard here....

Oh, and Fiskars owns Gerber nowadays.

- Pokkis

As you've no doubt found out, lumps at the transition are a pain and sometimes unavoidable.  It can be helped with cutting the tip of your handle to accommodate the core attachment.  Another suggestion here is you are using hockey tape at a bolster.  Don't cover the bump!  A bolster is supposed to fill in gaps and helps define the shape of a whip.  Bind tightly with sinew also to stiffen the transition.

Overall looking pretty good.

Fiskars makes some pretty good scissors and shears.  Personally though I bought a pair of Wiss industrial shears model 29.  9' and as sharp as can be.  They cut through leather like butter.  For other whipmaking tasks I have a small pair of Fiskars 3' sewing scissors.  Almost as sharp and hard to lose.  That bright orange sticks out!

Wahoo!! Is that... Camo????!!  Wow that's looking good!!! That's going to be really nice!

Craig, I love the colours!

It looks as if the thong tapers quite suddenly about a quarter of the way from the handle, but that may just be the photo - and it may not matter. That old saying, 'the proof of the pudding is in  the eating' applies here: if the taper feels smooth in use, then - you've got it!

I'm keen to see the finished product - and to hear how you think it behaves!

Craig, your whip looks very nice...thing is, if you touched my scissors from my sewing kit I would kill you.  You never touch a woman's scissors if you value any part of yourself.  What in the hell are you thinking???  I can only assume your wife adores you.  I'm not sure my love for my husband is as strong to even fathom sharing scissors. Maybe if he was dying or on fire or something...I might consider...

I hate knots. Two down, one to go.