A cow whip

[Mark Elliott]

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.

[Rachel McCollough]

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!

[Mark Elliott]

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

[Ron May]

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

Ron

[Wolfgang Timm]

This looks great, I love the handle!
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.

[Robert Gage]

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! :P

[Mark Elliott]

Thanks, guys.

[Jyri Haveri]

Well done Mark! Colours are spot on!

[Mark Elliott]

Thank you, Jyri.

[Andrew Van Werkhoven]

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

[Mark Elliott]

Thank you Andrew, nice to hear from you again.