Older cow whip

[Rachel McCollough]

Not mine, but one belonging to my husband's customer (horse shoeing):


I'm to put a new fall on it.
This is only the 4th nylon whip I've seen in person not made by me, so it's extremely interesting (for me!). I know it's at least 20-30+ years old. The owner helped teach my husband how to rope.

[Chris Castle]

Very cool! I love seeing how other folks have done things, and repair/refurb work is a great way to do that... Will you do anything with the handle? Also, what are the stats? can't tell how long etc. with it coiled.

-C

[Rachel McCollough]

13.5 ft. Yes I will put a new handle on it, here's it between and 8' 12plait and 8' 8" 16 plait from L-R.

[David Cross]

Wow. For anyone who thought only leather could last, I suppose. That's nearly as long as I've been alive!

It's comforting to know that a nylon whip can give so many years of reliable service.

[Rachel McCollough]

Yes, David, that's what I think is so cool about it- that whip has seen some work and time... And still works pretty good, too. Talk about durable

[Taylor Jennings]

Wish I looked that good when I was that age. Le sigh. Congrats on getting the rep as "goto" whipmaker/fixer!

[Robert Gage]

Rachel, this makes me grin like anything! There's nothing like seeing a good whip that's done a lot of mileage, and is still very serviceable! It seems to overflow with stories!

I have no idea if this would help revive it, but what about re-waxing?

[Rachel McCollough]

Taylor, thank you, though it Dora's frighten me-quite a bit- I see my self as a whip attempter! Someone's actual working whip- I don't want to mess it up!

Mr. Robert, yes Sir I've been reading up on some threads about cleaning older nylon whips- not necessary here, except I didn't want extra stuff in the wax bath as of yet I have a lighter multicolored whip in making and don't want to ahem- influence the color in the wax yet but I thought to gently clean the extra grass and recycled grass off, let it dry very well, fix what it needs and rewax.

[Roy Partin]

Thanks for sharing that Rachel. It looks like the real deal. Nylon is definitely durable. That's why they switched from buckskin to paracord. I have one that I've abused for nearly 20 years and its still good to go.

[David Cross]

That's why I love synthetics. Metal over wood, and nylon over leather. You won't get the same look or feel, and it does definitely lose something in the aesthetics department, but the longevity is there.

If I was making a shelf-bound knicknack, I'd go for show. When making a tool...I just want it to work.

[Guest]

Cool! I like seeing these old and used whips, there's just something magical about them. Shiny new stuff mostly makes me nervous :P

Leather tool whips can and will last for decades too, Nylon is just easier to live with. So I'd mostly call it a comfort issue really. Nylon requires no pity while leather needs to be kept dry, greased and loved, but I still bet that a well-cared leather working whip of the same age wouldn't look worse than that.

Thanks for sharing!


- Pokkis

[Rachel McCollough]

Welcome, Roy, it was very neat for me to see. I didn't grow up with the Florida cow whip as part of my history, but I have researched them so much (photos, mostly) the last few months that it's really neat to see one in person. I reckon for me it was as exciting as it would be for someone to meet their favorite celebrity.
Thanks, David and Pokkis. David I certainly see what you mean about synthetics living where I live.
Pokkis, judging from a couple old well loved saddles I had that may well be the case for leather well kept. I do have to say I can see why they quit using buckskin which is rather soft (enough to make clothes from...) here in this hot humid weather. There are days you step outside and walk a few feet and you are soaked. Riding horses that sweat, you sweat, moisture in the air, dew I'm sure- our grass is still wet at 10:00 in the morning and its HOT by then-and recycled grazings, too. All prime ingredients to rot anything. And my husband told me this one was beat to you know where and back- well used. So, not bad for its age, not bad. . I'm going to have to post some of the online historical pics I found sometime. They're not very old , from 60's -2003, but still cool and a very identifiable style.

[Grant Weaver]

Very cool relic, I love finding old things and putting them to good use. Love the whip!

[Rachel McCollough]

Finished.

[Craig Frank]

Looks great. Time to grab a beer and join me on the back deck.

[Rachel McCollough]

I have root beer in the fridge, if I put it in a square cup? . Good things on a deck- grilling, and good fun, that sounds like a great time!

[Robert Gage]

That looks great, Rachel!

[Fritz Ehlers]

Kudos for revitalising the old whip Rachel.
Nice work, it's got some colour now too.

[Andreas Reich]

Wow! Great Job that you done - you give the Whip a new life.

[Rachel McCollough]

Thank you Andreas, Mr. Robert, and Fritz! A new whip is always exciting but I have to say this one was a learning experience and really awesome to take a real working tool that's been in service most of my lifetime and put it back to almost new condition... Coyote was the closest I had on hand but my husband said his client/friend was really happy with it, it's re-waxed and moves with life again. That's pretty cool to see, because the original maker knew what they were doing (as far as I can tell)- it is a well made whip.