This is the Gallery of "Wolf Creek Whips" - Rachel McCollough

[Tyler Blake]

Definitely tension, which leads to efficient energy transference. And I should think, accuracy through point control. I'll give you an example: Compare a 4 foot length of chain, any standard chain, to a 4 foot whip. Kinetic energy transfers through contact. The chain links have fairly small surface contact areas with each other, and so it doesn't transfer energy very efficiently. It's not all that responsive. Bearing in mind it has no taper, but good luck performing something like a volley with a length of chain. Not even trying for cracks, just the motion. The whip does this because every layer is in complete surface contact with every other part, except the outside of the overlay, so it transfers energy easily. Another example would be a poorly made ebay whip with a fluffy paper core. There's a lot of room for air in there, so you have crappy transference. As an extreme example in the other direction, consider a stick (I mentioned accuracy and point control earlier). A stick, goes exactly where you point it. In that way it's extremely responsive. Consider that a stick is made from millions of linear fibers, and it's not necessarily all that different. So a very tight whip, that's flexible yet without a "squish" factor, like a flexible stick, gives you the best of both worlds

[Ron May]

Very well put Tyler.
The perfect illustration.
Also a good argument pro waxing.

Ron

[Rachel McCollough]

Thank you, Tyler! I had some of this in thought, but no way would I have been able to explain it in such clearness. A snake is the only example I could think of, it can go nearly anywhere, but it must follow its backbone. A good solid backbone pointed a certain way and that's where it's going. Take the backbone out of the snake and it's just over-cooked spaghetti. Thank you!

[Tyler Blake]

You bet And I hadn't considered Ron's point about waxing, but that makes sense.

[Ben Varsek]

@ Rachel McCollough:

The stiffness of your TT core is incredibly strong and the taper looks very even and precice !!!
Great job Mrs. McCollough !!!
After seeing this picture I must try using a TT-core for one of my next whips !!!


All the best
Ben

[Rachel McCollough]

Ron indeed does make a good point about waxing, Thank you, Ron!

Ben, thank you, a Twisted Taper is a good basis for a whip, I think, I look forward to seeing what you make!

Here's the belly, and like I said, just a simple one:

[Ron May]

You can see how the taper is definitely influenced through out the belly by the TT core.
I don't think any other core can produce one that smooth or consistent.
Well done.

Ron

[Craig Frank]

Rachel - it looks great so far. The loop you have at the end of the handle had me intrigued. I know most people here don't like the idea of a wrist loop, but what about a smaller loop used exclusively for coiling the whip when not in use?

[Rachel McCollough]

Ron I agree about the TT core, thanks!

Craig that could be a good thing, I like to be able to hang them up with a short loop. This one here is a cow whip so it will go into a handle and tie in, but you have a good idea there!

[Rachel McCollough]

Here's the overlay started on this in-progress simple 6' 12 plait.
It's neon turquoise and black.

[Tyler Blake]

Cool pattern Rachel! I always enjoy highly contrasting colors

[Rachel McCollough]

Thanks, Tyler!

[Ron May]

Yeah, I like the contrast. Cool pattern.

Ron

[Rachel McCollough]

Thanks, Ron

[Robert Gage]

Very cool colours, Rachel. I quite like those neon shades....

[Ron May]

Rachel, I am quite interested in how waxing it will affect the black cord.
I have heard that black can shrink or something like that.

Ron

[Rachel McCollough]

Howdy Ron, I've heard that too. This black should be ok, it is some of the last of a 1,000 ft roll I had and it hasn't done anything funny yet. Now, the turquoise, who knows! I don't, but will soon.

[Tyler Blake]

For any future concerns about shrinking, preshrinking will save you. When you get a new spool, cut off 10 inches, and soak it in hot water for 10 minutes. Measure it again, and if it shrank 1 inch, you know that spool will shrink 10 % and you can account for it when cutting your lace. Cut your lace long, pre shrink it, and you're all set

[Ron May]

Tyler, that's where I heard it, from you.
Thanks again for that information.

Ron

[Rachel McCollough]

Tyler you are full of whip tip gems. Thank you! I will remember and practice this.