Whip Basics. The Forum

Willow looks fantastic and I love the pictures which you've taken!

All the best
Ben

Jessie, those photos look as if they could be the setting of a fantasy story. Well done!

Awesomework and representation Jssie! Just one thing... was Willow abused in your opinion?

I'm not sure. I think the transition was bent backwards severely against the curve. The plaiting was really open and loose there. On the other hand, we have to remember that willow was the 5th whip I had ever made. On the other hand, I would have noticed that amount of gapping and would never have even considered sending it to Robby for a review in that condition. The cracked handle and loose peg would have absolutely happened with hyperexstension as diamond willow is not a hard wood by any means. On the other hand, Robby told me all the things that WERE wrong with willow. The transition was too short, it wasn't well balanced, the fall hitch wasn't the best, but he knew it was my 5th whip and he would have never let me sell it if it was a bad whip overall. We are close friends, but we don't lie to each other. Lastly, Robert and Roger saw it and while Roger might not say anything simply because we don't know each other as well, Robert is also rather close to me and he too, I believe, would tell me if there were major issues. Was it abused? Maybe. I can't prove anything and the photos I had of it were not good or detailed enough to really compare. I only can say that when it left my house, I felt it was good enough, even as an early specimen, to be featured on a video. When it came home, it was not at all in the condition it left me. I'm quite confident now, though, to show off every inch of this whip. Russell is getting it 100% better than it was before it left Robby's house. I would suggest that detailed photos be taken of the Whips before sending them. I have taken to doing it for my customers anyway as well as taking photos during the build to keep them informed of how it's going and to prove that it is being built (I think Scott had been told his whip was done when it wasn't), but I'm also doing it for me, so I have photo proof of what condition the whip is in when it leaves me. I'm not sure if it would build a case with customs, but if a customer comes at me complaining, especially if it is abuse on their part, I have pictures. That's pretty much what I am walking out of this experience with. Lastly, I don't want anyone to think Russell did anything. As excited as he was to have it, knowing when it was built, and being so grateful to have my little bit of personal history, I know he wasn't responsible either. My only question really is, was the box abused? Smashed? Opened and taped back up? No one ever told me any of this, so I can't draw conclusions. All I can do is the only thing I thought was right, to rebuild it and hope Russell is happy with version 2.

Knowing how Russel cracks whips I can say , as you did, that he sure did not abuse the whip.
It's a good practice to follow as far as taking photos is concerned. I would add a "dated" photo would also help, although there are programs to date the photo long after it was built with any date you want to super impose.

Russel will be thrilled with Willow V.2.

Ron

Jessie, as far as I was concerned, there were no major issues with Willow v1.0 I did not spend too much time cracking it and most of my attention was on the handle and how it felt in the hand. I did notice the fall hitch was a bit ropey but I did not use it enough to form a true opinion on balance or transition length.

Jessie, I can confirm that I saw no major issues with Willow V.1 when I saw it in Munich. The handle certainly felt a little unusual, but after Robby said, 'Forget about the feel of the handle and just crack it,' I realised it was fine. There was certainly no visible gapping.

I agree. Once you got used to the shape of the handle, Willow cracked very well.

It goes to New Zealand tomorrow morning. . hopefully, Russell will have it in a week or so.

Great job Jessie.

Ron

I feel sure that Russell will be extremely happy! I certainly would be!

I know, it's pink. Most of you wouldn't choose this color, but I would. Pink and black with dyed mahogany veneers and a hand cut deer silhouette in rose gold. The long knot on the handle added quite a bit of weight. I am thinking of putting a weighted fall on to balance it out. IDK...

Jessie, I like it, the handle is fantastic.

Jessie, that's great work. I really like how the cracker matches the rest of the whip. Such a small detail, really that makes it all the better.

Thank you

Yeah, it's not my color, however I like this one.
I especially love the long handle with the deer inlay.
The long knot is so cool. It must have been a challenge for sure and you did a super job.
Good job.
How does it crack?

Ron

Jessie, I really like that long knot. Great idea!

Jessie, I suppose that is 'pink', but it's not the colour I was expecting. I thought you meant a much lighter, 'candy-floss' sort of colour. This is far nicer!

Beatiful pic Jessie! I love the details on this one!

Well, I LIKE the pink! Not sure I could deal with the big heel knot, though. I prefer something a little smaller and more rounded but hey, diff'rent strokes and all that.