Whip Basics. The Forum

Mark, that is beautifully done, my friend. I love it.

Excellent job, Mark. Way awesome

Thanks Rachel and Ron and Jesse!

I typed this all before and lost it, so if something similar shows up here or somewhere else, sorry.

Ron, I'd like to have a lathe (actually I have one but it hasn't been used in so long that it has rusted up completely, won't turn at all) but I'd probably hurt myself. I used the Rachel method-a rasp and some sandpaper. I had her stock whip beside me as a template the whole time, although mine has a slightly smaller diameter overall per the person I made it for. I feel a bit guilty because I copy so much from you guys here, but Y'all are the best and I want to make whips like you do. I wish I lived somewhere that had whipmakers, but they seem to be few and far between. Thank goodness for WB and YouTubers like Bernie (RIP) and Glen and a handful of others.

Of course I had to take her out, even though it was dark, and see what she had to say. She sang beautifully. I couldn't really see how she rolled out but she didn't seem to twist or fight me at all.

Thank you Jessie.

Very well done, Mark! really splendid!

You have some skills there, Mark. We all 'copy', mate, It's how we learn

Marks really well done! It has this simple look to it witch pleases my eye. I hope to see how it works!

Fantastic work, Mark!

The handle looks very stylish and I realy like that you've made the keeper(s) of the handle the same way you've done the keeper(s) of the thong (with two different colors)!


All the best
Ben

Mark, don't worry about utilizing somebody else's work. Think about how many Indy whips have been made since the first.
The handle, knots, and keepers are simply beautiful. The only nit picking I have are the few gaps late in the thong. Tighten those up and this is a masterpiece
Congrats

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement.
Roy, I still struggle with strand drops, especially as the taper gets smaller.

One thing that has helped me (I dislike dropping strands!!) Is when I'm down to a 2TT I know I can cover and drop with an 8-7, but I don't drop to a 6 until I reach the end of that twist. A 6 will cover 3 empty strands without gapping, but they must be very tightly plaited to keep from hinging there. Want to drop to a 5, cut out one or two of those inside strands... 5 will cover 2. 4 will very carefully cover two, easy cover one...

Now that's not the only or best way, but it has finally eliminated gapping for me.

Thank you Rachel, I'm pretty sure that dropping too soon is the problem and this will help.

Dropping is just hard. I think I have tried every way and still, you can see where I drop. There is always a hiccup in the plait. To control hinging, you can, rather loosely, bind the hinge area with sinew. Hand tight. That helps. My problem area is when I drop to 1 strand. I now bind it tight at the core, and then if there is still a little trouble, I might hit it a little when I loose bind the belly strands. It's a learning curve that I am obviously still learning

Mark, I really love the handle knot you've done! It looks really nice and easy on there~
In terms of dropping, I do have to say I agree with most of what's said. What I find myself though is a 6 plait can easily fit on a 2 strand TT, but I guess different people have different plaiting methods. I often use the 6 plait to transition from a 1 strand to a 2 TT, and transition to an 8 plait at 3 or 4 strand TTs. But I plait pretty much exclusively backwards on my overlays, so it could be different.
I do like the look of this stockwhip though, how does it feel to crack?

Sparky, the keepers are a little stiff, but other than that it cracks pretty easily.
https://youtu.be/tEu-H-DpWUo

Mark they will loosen up after while and probobly just right amount. Well done!

Mark, you're improving.
The whip flows very nicely.

Ron.

Mark, Ron is right! You are improving: this is nice and calm, with considerable economy of movement - and the whip does indeed flow well. Be pleased!

Mark, there's nothing that I can add that hasn't already been said - well done!

Looks amazing Mark!!!