First try at a bull

[Ron May]

Rachel, I don't think they can send it to a collection agency but what if they send the check back?
I am sending it back to them and convey that if they send it back I will understand that they don't want my money and that my bill has been reconciled and my debt is forgiven.
We'll see what that produces.

Ron

[Roy Partin]

That is looking good Rachel. I applaud you for trying new things. Can't wait to see finished product

[Rachel McCollough]

I sure don't know, but I hope it straightens out for you.

[Rachel McCollough]

Well it doesn't look like much yet but Ron since you asked about the whip here's a picture of it currently.
It's not real pretty as I was adding one at a time- next one I do (which I already made a core for- but not a bull whip...) will be from the tip with added as doubles and we will see the difference.

I think this'll roll out (with a good heavy rolling) just fine not hardly twisted, but have I ever mentioned I hate 5 plait.

Show of hands from those that Love 5 plait? Anybody???!

There ya go:

[Ron May]

Rachel, thank you so much for the update and photo.
I too hate 5 plait or any uneven plait seems to fall in that "Can I drop / add one yet" category just to get to an even count again.

It looks super.

Ron

[Roy Partin]

Agree, 5 plait straight up stinks, but you did a great job Rachel.

[Tyler Blake]

It looks really good Rachel! I have never done a 5 plait, but when I was working with paracord I hated 6 plait. It curled really bad for me.

[Rachel McCollough]

Thanks, Ron, I kinda goofed it but it'll be a lesson learned for the next one! I'm at 16 plait now.... About 18" to go....

Roy, I appreciate it, thank you. I hope the knots turn out.

[Rachel McCollough]

Overlay done, next, heel knot foundation and heel knot. Where strands are cut off they are epoxied down very well for about two inches.

[Tyler Blake]

That looks great Rachel!

[Ron May]

Rachel, that looks super.
I really like the birds eyes (?) .

Ron

[Rachel McCollough]

Thanks very much, Tyler! I certainly trust your eye!
Now for knot...

Ron thanks! Yessir that is birds eye, then a u4o4-u2o2u2o2-u2o2u2o2-u4o4 then diamond plait.

[Craig Frank]

Your transition looks great. I wish you luck on the knots.

[Rachel McCollough]

Thank you, Craig, I will need all the luck I can find on the knots- I think I will just do a heel knot. If I can't get it right I can always put a wood heel knob on there.

[Robert Gage]

That's coming along very nicely, Racherl!

[Efren de Gala]

Rachel that looks superb! I think as long as you don't mind taking some time the knot(s) will turn out great. I like doing TH but I still can't do them fast.

[Rachel McCollough]

Thank you Mr. Robert, and thank you Efren! I will take my time on the knot and get it as right as possible. I need to learn those things... Those TH's.

[Ben Varsek]

@ Rachel McCollough:

Looking at the finished overlay of your english eye whip blows my mind Mrs. McCollough !!!
The entire plaiting looks fantastic and it's just as hard for me to belive that this has been your first attempt of plaiting backwards as it is that you are making your wooden handles by hand !!!

Again - my greatest compliments to your work Mrs. McCollough !!!

All the best
Ben

[Tyler Blake]

Turk's heads are good to know- but Roy has spoiled me on knobs :P

[Rachel McCollough]

Ben, thank you! I have several small mistakes and one big one by the 5 plait but the next time will be better! I think it's a bit thick at the tip, feels like it should be a foot or two longer- but a good heavy fall may remedy that.

Tyler, I can only say I'm extremely tempted to go make a knob for this... It is really hard NOT to!!!
Roy's going to put TH's on the endangered list at this rate!