Roger Tuson

[Sir Roger Tuson]

Can I just say that I REALLY HATE KNOTS!

I've just spent the best part of a day (while watching the Snooker World Championship Final) tying and re-tying a number of different knots. Without giving too much away, my design requires a certain number of knots in certain places and they're ALL GOING WRONG ALL THE TIME!

I'm on the last knockings of this whip and once I've found my sanity again I should have it finished by the end of this week. No promises though...


...and breathe.

[Terry Shaw]

You can, indeed, proclaim your anti-love of knots and all things knot related. You may well get rebuffed by self admitted knot lovers around here like a certain Lasse that I'll not name. But yep you can hate knots all ya want to.

Glad to hear you're in the home stretch! Have you figured out what little something extra you're throwing into the box that represents your corner of the UK?

~T

[Devin Bauer]

Good to hear you're finishing up but, knots are soooo fun, that is what got me into whip making. Although, if I tie a knot on something and it has an error that doesn't compromise the structure, I say screw it, it adds character. Quite humbling seeing some of the very complex knot work that at least appears flawless.
Hmm, are you doing knots at intervals down the thong?

[Sir Roger Tuson]

Hmm, are you doing knots at intervals down the thong?

Shhhhhh, don't give anything away!

[Sir Roger Tuson]

Finally! It is finished!

I've taken this one right to the wire and I must say that it has caused me more problems that all my previous (8) whips put together. The overlay has been re-done more times than I can count, the handle had to be strengthened twice(!) and I never managed to complete the original knot system I had planned.

However, I am very pleased with the straightness of the plaiting on the overlay. It's not fancy and it's not perfect but the best I've done so far.

I'll leave the recipient to post up the first pics as I don't want to give away who it's for (might be a bit obvious when you see it...)

In the post today!

[Jonathan Lewis]

Great news Roger, and you got me really curiouswhen you say it might be obvious who it's for.

[Terry Shaw]

Roger! This is great news! Did it not make you feel grand to get the whip packaged and into the post? I know when I sent mine out the next hardest part was waiting for it to arrive at it's destination! Glad you overcame the hurdles sir!

[Ben Rezendes]

HOME STRETCH! congrats Roger. It's a good feeling to finish one up

[Sir Roger Tuson]

Roger! This is great news! Did it not make you feel grand to get the whip packaged and into the post? I know when I sent mine out the next hardest part was waiting for it to arrive at it's destination! Glad you overcame the hurdles sir!

Oh yes Terry. Was so good to get it into the post. After so much frustration to have it finally finished. My wife has now instructed me to relax and make a new whip for myself. I like orders like that!

[Carl Feairs]

It is so neet to send a whip out to a fellow whipmaker!

[Guest]

I'll leave the recipient to post up the first pics as I don't want to give away who it's for (might be a bit obvious when you see it...)

I see what you mean now

I'm working from home today, and about an hour ago I heard some noises outside my door. Sounded like the postman trying to fit something through the mail slot. So, there was nothing to do but investigate.

The postman turned out to be a nice lady who handed me a packet with a warm smile and a "have a nice day". Nothing like good customer service.

Anyway, here it is:


first snakewhip of the swap?


straight and tight plaiting


handle and a Finnishing knot

Anyways, the whip is a 5'6" snakewhip. It's loaded with ball bearings for most of the full length. It feels nice and heavy. I usually like lighter whips, but a snakewhip really needs the extra weight so not complaining at all. I am not sure if I can go out test cracking just today, but after I do, I'll let you know how the weight worked.

Roger mentioned earlier on that he has made 8 whips prior to this one, so there is room for improvement. Obviously. But still, the plaiting is tight (feels like it's also consistently tight) and with minimal twist. Mind you, that this is the first time I've even held a whip made by someone else, so I'm not an expert whipologist or whatever. But I still call this a job well done, more on that after I get the chance to go cracking it.

Thanks, Roger


- Pokkis

[Keanu Shimaoka]

I knew it! After taking a second look at the cord, I realized blue and white are colors of Finland's flag! Yes indeed, it would have been obvious if Roger had posted the pictures earlier. Well done Roger, and congratulations Pokkis.

[Robby Amper]

Can't wait for your report on that! On the pics that snake whip looks cool! Perhaps a video...?

Robby

[Robert Gage]

I'm with Robby: a video would be great!

I actually like snake whips a lot. I've never found them as accurate as a good bull, but there's something really fun about them. 5.5 feet sounds like an ideal length.

Lucky man, Pokkis! Well done, Roger!

[Sir Roger Tuson]

Glad it arrived safely. I have to admit I'm really nervous now about how well it performs. I only had a few test cracks with it before sending it out (didn't want to miss the deadline) but it felt good to me!

[Carl Feairs]

Very nice looking snake whip.

[Roy Partin]

Looks very nice to me. Well done Roger.

[Enoch Compagnoni]

Now that i see the whip, i have to repeat how cool your choice about colors was.
That white and blue knot is Amazing.
Yes Pokkis, you need to make a video with that beauty (so we can be even more envy of you *grins*)
CONGRATZ both Roger and Pokkis

Enoch

[Devin Bauer]

Double knots on a snakewhip, nice touch Roger and attention to Finland's colors as well. Nice work and choice of colors as well.

[Jonathan Lewis]

Great Job Rodger, the whip looks excellent!