Whip Basics. The Forum

Finally waxed this whip when our daughter was visiting. It was for her as she had given me the green paracord. I guess I could say I have an 8 month waiting list!!

Thanks Ben. I still haven't waxed it yet and Christmas is getting closer.

Thanks guys. I'm fine with colors that suggest leather and would not have reached out to purchase this one at this point. That said, I started another and plan to drop out the "glow in the dark" at 10p.

Our oldest daughter had purchased a roll of paracord to re-build some aluminum frame chairs and decidedd after one, no more. She has been well aware of the whip cracking and making that goes on here so passed the roll along to me and requested a whip. This is what I came up with. 6'4" thong ...

Well done Mark, looks classic.

Thanks to you all for taking the time.

With as many methods as there are makers, I thought I would share my latest binding tensioner and holding clamp. Of course this could change but good for now.

Here is my artificial sinew on the same holder I use to hold paracord spools. By running it sinew ...

Thanks folks. I really liked the process. For some reason, when I tapered the cup, my setup didn't take in the last 1/4" or so at the base of the cup. I could go back and take a fine cut or even sand and buff the aluminum, perhaps if there is another. I really am intrigued by how it cracks and have ...

I've seen mention of swivel handle whips and came to the conclusion that there was no added benefit or they would have become more popular. Certainly not necessary, but just had to make one. I used all the odd paracord I could come up with to make a 14P thong 6'4" on a single 10P belly, over ...

Thanks Ross. I was thinking the braid might be more of a transition in flexibility, the tradeoff being a slight bit of bulk. Will try the 4 point some day.

Looking good Ross.I assume you ended with a 4plait point? something I want to try soon.

Here is number 19. Almost a repeat of 18. There is "rust" strand, but otherwise the same. I have become exponentially faster because of less thought on what to do next. 12 strands staggered core, 10p belly, 14p overlay. 6'-4" thong. My favorite size at this point in my journey. Maybe not quite heavy ...

Thanks Jesse and Mark, I'm happy to hear I have truck whip status!! I never leave home without one! One thing I like about the Anchorseal is you can quickly apply some to each layer. I hope you try brushing it and polish with some good floor wax or shoe polish. I like the look and feel and think it ...

Thank you all for taking the time.

I've put brown shoe polish on a couple of dark brown whips and really like it. First a stiff dry brush in an effort to remove any grime that wants to come off, then just polish like you would a quality leather shoe. Probably would not look good on light colors ...

I liked #17 so much, I immediately made another. I refined my notes a little, shortening a few lengths and it came out very close. I did not immerse the thong in hot wax, but applied Anchor seal to both the belly, then the overlay. After it dried, I cracked it for abot 15 minutes, took a stiff brush ...

Thanks so much! You guys are very encouraging. In my trade with Mark, I instantly liked the taper on his handle, I went 2-1/8" deep, and using a standard machinist bit, it leaves a 60 deg. angled point that works well with the shape of the loops of paracord. Another direction was to leave a flat on ...

Dang Mark, everything about it looks like it was meant to be.

Here is #17. 14p overlay, 10p belly, 6/12 strands paracord core, 12-1/2" oak handle with gold thread ferrule. this ended up 6'4" and is fun to crack. I made a cracker of 5 strands of spectra fishing line which worked pretty good. I should mention I will be looking for another method for heating wax ...

Thanks all for taking the time. I'm planning to make another similar in all black with oak handle. Several years ago, I milled an oak log and made several timbers that were 3 x 3" about 6' long. They twisted and checked a bit so not optimal for furniture, but there will be many nice sections for ...

Well done Ross, always an inspiration. I like the top right photo most for some reason.

Thank you. Robert, it wasn't that long ago you suggested the shape of my early handles allow for a bit more pivot in the hand, and I fully agree. While many variations may work, making these handles by hand on a lathe makes small tweaks easy.