Whip Basics. The Forum

That is tasty looking whip Rachel!

That's a very, very beautiful whip Rachel!
I love how the grain of the Gonçalo Alves handle looks. The darker grain tones are a pefrect match for the color of the thong and the way the grain of the handle gets brighter towards the heel creates a very harmonic look!

All the best
Ben

Thank you, friends, I appreciate it!

Absolutely beautiful! Brown cow whips are my favourite

Chocolate!!! I love that shade of cord. It takes to waxing so well.

Thank you, WS- I like it too!
Thank you, Matt!

I really like the handle of that whip, particularly how the grain seems to fade from dark near the thong to light near the heel of the handle. It's a neat visual effect and makes this whip truly unique. Very nice!

Rachel, that's terrific - as ever!

Scott I missed your post some how; sorry about that! Thank you, I really like that effect in the grain as well, its really different.

Thank you, Mr. Robert!

That is my favorite combination. Simple, but beautiful and functional. Well done lady

Roy, thank you very much! I think it is hard to beat a good solid working tool. That particular piece of Gonçalo that I got through Whip Nation has been waiting for the right thing for a while, it finally found its fit.

Awesome Rachel, do you have any thoughts to share on plaiting latigo? Also, love the "simple" cow whip!

Hi Tyler, thank you!

1-make sure you have a way you are comfortable splitting the hide/strands if you don't have a splitter. If you do have a splitter, they can be split on a slight angle to help the strands sit together better.

2- don't expect it to be stretchy. Hardly at all. It adds some difficulty in keeping it straight and tight. Paracord definitely has some stretch. So does roo. Thick Latigo doesn't. Much.
2.5mm strand thickness for yard whips. For finer work such as bull whips you would have to consult someone far more knowlegable, I believe Morten has some experience with latigo in that regard.

Beveling is not easy, but it also is not as difficult as I thought it would be. Get comfortable with your knife right away, don't be shy. Sharpen sharpen sharpen. If you think its sharp then sharpen again.

Something very good Roy has pointed out, jeweler's rouge and a good strop.

It is not fine plaiting like kangaroo. It is a good bit thicker. It is a different beast. I have a LOT to learn! I have another set for a redhide stock whip cut out but lack the time to get to it yet.

I have a thicker hide, which I prefer as I can thin/split it down as I prefer.
If you do not have a splitter, you would likely want a 7 oz. Hide. They are right at 2-2.5mm thick.

My 2 cents so far, the value of which, due to inflation.....

Rachel,
I love how the wood gets darker towards the thong on your latest cowwhip!

Thank you, Ethan! I appreciate it; I love to see the grain patterns in the different species of wood.

That's a beautifull whip dear Rachel.
Yes it simple how I prefer no special pattern or more colors and other stuff.
Simply perfect in it self and the beautiful handle add more beauty of the entire whip.
Congrats
Gio

Gio, my friend, thank you so much!

Rachel. I just love your handles and some day when my skills has developed I need to have one. For me it is fantastic that handles like that can be made by hand. The engagement and perfectionism is what I enjoy when looking at the pics. Great whip

Flemming, I thank you very much! I really love that rthere is always so much more to learn with both whipcracking and whipmaking.

10' Amper Style in the making:

First belly


Second belly


Starting overlay


Starting bloodwood handle