Whip Basics. The Forum

Sometimes simple is best and that whip's proof . I love it, really well done Mark. I started humming 'The Mask of Zorro' to myself...

Mark that came out just right for that whip, it looks great! Sometimes they have a mind of their own! They are alive, after all.

It really looks sharp, you should be really proud of that one!

Very nice looking, Mark. I agree that simplicity is sometimes best.

Very nicely done Mark.
That sounds like one heavy whip.
How does it crack?

Ron

Yes! Mask of Zorro!

That whip looks astounding. I like it! It's so subtle and elegant. Well done sir.

And that fallhitch... :o
Be-au-ti-full. Robby always says that a fallhitch tells something about the craftsmanship (correct me if I'm wrong), and I'm by no means an expert, but that looks nice.
I always struggle with the fallhitch, this is an inspiration to do better for me.

Sven

Thank you Jyri and Robert, I've fussed and fidgeted over this one more than any other I've made, probably because I've seen the whips here and didn't want to embarrass myself to badly. That plus this community has inspired me to try to improve my skills.

Thanks Rachel and Matt and Scott. Rachel I am pretty happy with it, and you are right, this whip controlled the build from the start.

Thanks Ron, I cracked it this morning and even made a video. I'll post it when I get a chance to edit out the part where I dropped it. Since you and I appear to be of a similar generation, I wasn't sure if you meant heavy as in "Oh man, that's heavy." or as in actual weight, but it is actually much lighter and thinner than the first 8 foot whip I built.

Thank you Sven, Zorro was one of my favorite TV shows when I was a kid. This fall hitch is the best one yet. I've done a few English eye hitches as well, but the guy I'm making this for wanted a traditional hitch. I revisited Bernie's videos and finally caught on to what he was doing.

OK. Here's the video, I did edit it to get rid of the really embarrassing stuff. The whip was a little stiff still but loosened a bit as I worked it. Still try to get the hang of the rotating handle technique and dropped the whip once. Also, edited out the part where I was untangling th cracker. https://youtu.be/9kux5TkgOu4

Mark, that whip seems to work quite well.

May I offer you the suggestion Robby as often offered to Me? Slow down, calm down, relax - and think about something else while you're cracking! I think you'll find it's easier - and better - at once!

That is very nice Mark. Lovely work on the plaiting and it certainly looks like it throws well.

Mr. Robert's right. Also follow through a little more.

You can be proud of this one.

Ron

Thank's Sir Roger.
Robert, your suggestions (and anyone else's, for that matter) are always welcome, that's kinda why I joined. I later discovered that y'all'r pretty good people, as we say around here. I actually was trying to slow down, but it is one of the bad habits I picked up by not learning from Mr. Amper's videos from the start. I don't know about thinking of something else, though, I have to concentrate still on walking and I've been doing that for over 60 years. I shall certainly try.Thank you
Ron, do you think that if I slow it down and relax a bit when throwing that the follow through will get better, or is it the other way around, the follow through will help slow down the pace?

Mark, it's my thought that no matter the speed a good follow through to where you started the crack is necessary.
It also sets up the next crack in a good starting point for combinations.
There can be exceptions but you will learn those in time.
Some important keys are patience, and reliable continuous practice.


Ron

Mark, your finished whip looks very good, streight plaiting, clean knots, an accurate fall hitch, loaded fall and a beautiful overall design - good job!


All the best
Ben

Thank you, Ben.