Rhett Kelley

Einar Stephenson · Post by **Einar Stephenson** » Mon 3. Feb 2014, 19:55

WOW the guy who ordered that must have been mushing dogs. Very cool whip don't think I have seen a cow whip that long before.

Sir Roger Tuson · Post by **Sir Roger Tuson** » Mon 3. Feb 2014, 23:58

So much inspiration in one thread! Some gorgeous pieces here Rhett. My fingers are itching to get building a new whip but I have to wait for funds to buy cord and the Encyclopaedia for my birthday on Thursday!

Jared Routon · Post by **Jared Routon** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 04:29

How would you throw a 20ft whip while on a dog sled? The air hitting you would blow the whip into your face right? At least that's the animation that I keep replaying in my head. Still all your whips look great Rhett.

Rhett Kelley · Post by **Rhett Kelley** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 05:35

I don't really know Jared. I've never done it. LOL. I made the whip in August, 2008. I went back and pulled up the email just now and this is what he said:

"I use this on a dog sled, cracking on either side of the dogs to get them to turn."

He first wanted a 24ft, with a 33" handle, but that was longer than I was willing to go at the time. He ended up with 20ft and 18" handle. It takes a heck of an arm, but once you get the thing to going, it rolls on out like it's supposed to. He wrote back and said he loved it.

Rhett Kelley · Post by **Rhett Kelley** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 14:13

I realized I haven't posted any stockwhip pics. Here's one I did where the buyer wanted a little fancy work on the thong. So for this, I did the handle grip very plain so it wouldn't compete for the eye and take away from the work on the thong.

Einar Stephenson · Post by **Einar Stephenson** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 15:03

Very nice work and the colors really go together fine job. I am curious what do you use as a handle material?

Jonathan Lewis · Post by **Jonathan Lewis** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 15:51

Robby Amper · Post by **Robby Amper** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 16:08

Every day a new surprise, Rhett. Every day...!

Robby

Rhett Kelley · Post by **Rhett Kelley** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 16:09

This is black fiberglass I got from goodwinds.com. I have used hardwood and toheti cane from Australia.

Ralph Masemann · Post by **Ralph Masemann** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 17:19

Wow Rhett! I think I have to order with you in a few month

Ralph

Robby Amper · Post by **Robby Amper** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 17:45

I watched your vid on that cane. Your tests. The last line - when someone's shooting on you and you're concerned about your whip's handle - great, Rhett! I had problems not to fall off my chair, laughing! That made my day. Okay - my evening

Robby

Rhett Kelley · Post by **Rhett Kelley** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 18:02

LOL. Glad to enjoyed it! I wasn't sure if people would get the humor or not. I should probably explain the way I am dressed: When it gets miserably hot here in the Summer, I dress for comfort to survive the heat, not for style! Summer time in souteastern Georgia is shear misery due to the humidity and lack of breeze! :P

Terry Shaw · Post by **Terry Shaw** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 19:11

Rhett, I'm madly in love with some of these whips!!

Please, clue an amateur in - How do you plait one color on the handle and then switch to another for the thong? I really wish to try this!

~T.

Rhett Kelley · Post by **Rhett Kelley** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 19:36

Terry, you're in luck as I once posted a quick tutorial on my blog about it. I sometimes do it in reverse too, meaning I plait the grip first and tie it off before plaiting the thong. Just make sure to wrap it hard with sinew and it will be fine. Here's the link.

Terry Shaw · Post by **Terry Shaw** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 19:50

You sir, are a gentleman, scholar, and a fine judge of whiskey!!

Thank you!

Rhett Kelley · Post by **Rhett Kelley** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 23:08

Heretofore, I have been posting photos of whips that I liked or I thought turned out pretty good. I am now happy to present you with what at this moment I believe is my magnum opus in whipmaking. I have been excited to unveil it for days now.

It's an 8ft woody bullwhip: Imperial Red, black and white on a piece of Indian Ebony. When I started this whip, I had a feeling if the colors were put on correctly, it could be a real show stopper. So I consulted with my wife on how to lay out the colors. This was her suggestion, and as for now, this is my most favorite whip I've ever made. I just love how it turned out.

Terry Shaw · Post by **Terry Shaw** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 23:13

Stunning!! Looks like a 16 plait 8 red, 4black, 4 white and a 2 seam plait to start, or if not that's how I'd try to recreate it. Absolutely awesome Rhett!

Jonathan Lewis · Post by **Jonathan Lewis** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 23:21

That is beautiful Rhett! Love the colors and to me the layout says "Target Whip". As if it's laying down a red path that says, "track this way".

Robby Amper · Post by **Robby Amper** » Tue 4. Feb 2014, 23:51

Amazing, Rhett. Simply amazing! We should really work together on a video documentary on your work - a review! That one is indeed a unique design! Thank you for sharing the pics!

Robby

Sir Roger Tuson · Post by **Sir Roger Tuson** » Wed 5. Feb 2014, 00:24

What more can I say? What they ^^^^^^ all said!