This is the Gallery of "Gator Whips" - Roy Partin

[Roy Partin]

Thanks Tyler, that is Goncalo Alves wood. I'm ready whenever you are

[Roy Partin]

I was asked to make this latest whip as a prize for a rodeo queen. The Silvers Spurs Rodeo Club is awarding one of the pageant contestants the "Doug Partin Spirit Award" for their involvement in the community. Doug is a cousin of mine that passed away a few years ago. He was always involved with the rodeo and ranching community. I placed Doug's "U" brand on the handle, along with a silver spur rowel in the heel. The thong is 8' 16 plait in electric blue. This whip has the 4 plait core I am testing out.

[Rachel McCollough]

That's a special beauty right there, it fits so very well.
Another fine piece of art.
What do you think of the core?

[Roy Partin]

Thanks a bunch Rachel. The core appears to work just fine, but I still like the tapering of the twist better. The 4 plait will work great though for people that aren't comfortable with the twist. They both work well for a two belly whip without causing them to be overly heavy.

[Ron May]

Roy, I sure like the rowel in the heel.
Another special touch that makes it unique.

Ron

[Robert Gage]

Roy, I heartily agree with Ron: that rowel is very fine, and makes the whip very special.

[Philbert Lim]

That looks really unique, i love it. I think the twisted taper has a much more subtle taper to it then a plaited core, i'm still trying to figure out a way to get the plaited core to taper better on my whips too.

[Roy Partin]

Thank you Ron, Mr Robert and Philbert. Surprisingly, it required a lot of searching to find a silver rowel that would fit the heel. Philbert I agree on liking a subtle taper.

[Sir Roger Tuson]

That's a great prize for someone to win.

I've tried the four plait core but tapering is always the issue...

[Bobbi Holyoak]

Very cool! I love that you got to take pictures of it with the spurs.

[Mario Desgronte]

Wow, I like the idea with the spurs, this is an excellent piece of art. Great job, Roy.


All the best
Mario

[Tyler Blake]

That's awesome Roy! The spurs are the ideal prop for the photo too

[Guest]

That's gorgeous Roy, very stylish and - may I say - very American :DD!

[Roy Partin]

Thank you guys. My dirty and rusted spurs didn't look good in the pic, so I borrowed the girls shiny ones. I like how they turned out

[Ron May]

Roy, I think the dirty rusty spurs would have lent some authenticity to the photo.
The whips you make are tools after all just like the spurs.

Ron

[Ben Varsek]

@ Roy Partin:

I also love the spur at the end of the whip and how it underlines the rodeo-cowhand theme of this functional piece of art!!!

Very well done Sir!!!

All the best
Ben

[Roy Partin]

Thank you Ben. Ron, I agree that old and weathered suits me better.
I love making whips for charity and fundraisers. It gives me the opportunity to be creative. A few customers have requested a performance type of whip, so last night's FFA auction gave me the perfect opportunity to design something. This is the 5 ft 12 plait "Striker". The core is twisted with an 8 plait belly. What makes this whip different is the 16" fiberglass handle. The heel and cup are epoxied to the fiberglass. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it cracks for a short and light weight whip. I would not hesitate to hand this whip to a child or beginner.

[Philbert Lim]

Roy, amazing job on that, that's a really unique looking handle. Love the color combo too. Do you have a close up shot of the handle?

[Rachel McCollough]

I really like this- totally new and different, with your signature all over it. It looks great and appears to have multiple unlimited design options! Really awesome work, Roy.

[Ron May]

Roy, that looks great.
The wood makes it very unique.
How does the heel knob feel?
A person could even put a transition knot after the handle and before and after the ferrule.

Ron