Attaching the cracker, 4 methods. Which one is yours? POLL

[Swindiana]

Mannie;

The way I look at it it's the same. Maybe someone with a Morgan whip could confirm or deny?

It's nice to see them gathered in the same place, despite this being an old thread. Thanks guys.

Regards,
Swindiana

[Solent MKIII]

I picked up my Morgan back in March and yes, 3a is the same knot as is currently
used on his whips. Does anyone know approximately when he changed from the
#2 knot to the #3? Just curious. :junior:

[thebovrilmonkey]

I don't use either of the 4 options in the poll - I use a Double Sheet Bend instead.

I don't use twisted crackers though (I use 1mm braided nylon string), so I had to find a way to tie on a single strand of cord - the double sheet bend seems to give a good trade off between security and size of knot.

[Swindiana]

Neat!

I'm assuming the cracker/popper is the same as the red line in those schematics?

I'm gonna have to try that one!

Regards,
Swindiana

[thebovrilmonkey]

Recently, I've been using another one too - only on my leather whips though, it doesn't seem to grip a nylon fall well enough and slides off the end.
I have no idea what it's called, but I was shown it at the British Whipcracking Convention in July

Some photos:

1. Hold the cracker parallel to the fall and make a loop


2. Wrap the cracker around the back of the fall and through the loop


3. Do step 2 twice more


4. Make sure the loops wrapping around the fall are snug, then hold them in place while you pull the other end tight, then trim any parts that're too long.

[weaponx24]

I went with method #3...seemed to be really easy to attach!

[Indiana_Hall]

thebovrilmonkey,

Spiffy little knot you got there....Question: What kind of cord are you using? Looks a lot like mason twine, so I'm curious....

Highest Regards,
- Chris

[thebovrilmonkey]

I use diabolo string.
It's about 1mm thick and I'm fairly sure it's nylon. it's definately some sort of synthetic cord.
I find it doesn't tangle easily at all and it's very hard wearing.

I tend to do most of my whip cracking at juggling conventions and there's usually a fair amount of the stuff discarded by diabolists when it breaks.
Using only 6 or 7 inches for a cracker means I can use all the little broken bits they don't want any more.

[McFly]

So I usually do method 3, but I've been using #1 lately and I think it's very nice! Although it's not so aerodynamic, it's certainly secure! Haven't had a cracker come off once, even with several intense hours use per week.

Shane

[indyclone]

no four is how i have my whip that is the way it came to me . when i bought mine on ebay

[Chewbacca Jones]

Man, am I glad this thread got kicked up from the dusty bottom shelf! I had to replace a cracker for the first time (after three years of use), and I was lost. Those pictures saved my whip's life!

[tym]

I initially tried Method #3 but found that the cracker would repeatedly fly off of the end of the fall (sometimes taking a bit of the fall with it, if red latigo was used). I've switched to Method #2 for my Caicedo whip (I had to trim a damaged section from the fall and decided to make my own cracker) but have yet to test it out (darn winter!).

[serrecuir]

I selected #4. When I picked up my Jacka CS whip from Colin, he put on "the popper" using this method. Now I use this method to replace my other crackers. I think I might try method #1 next time though - it looks to be the most secure.

Kind regards,
Craig

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Well I voted '3' as that was the way my whip came. The cracker broke off the other day but I have used the third method to put it back on. I think though I will use the adapted form to try and reduce the risk of it breaking off again any time soon. I also found I lost the end inch of the fall. It was probly the weight of the broken piece that stopped it trsveling very far and alowing me to find it )

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Feeling a bit dim. For the second part of 3b. How do you tie it? I can't quite make it out. Is it just an over and under, like tying the first part of your shoe laces?

[Swindiana]

Yes, a simple extra knot, otherwise just like 3a.

Regards,
Swindiana

[indyclone]

i have a quick question ---- i know it doesnt reallly pertain to the thread ---but where do you buy the cracker/poppers? cause i know if i keep practcing with my whip i will need to replace mine

[VP]

You can buy them from whipmakers but it's much cheaper to make your own.

[Squiffy]

I have a later David Morgan with the cracker tied on using technique #3. However, one session of whip cracking in the snow led to the cracker parting company from the fall in three cracks, along with the 99% of the fall soon after. Probably due to the leather getting too soft because of the soaking.

Anyway, I re-tied the new fall and crackers using the techniques at David Morgan's website and everthing's been fine since.

[HarryStreet]

My whip came with the popper attached using method #2. It came off after a few light cracks. So I dutifully re-attached it using #2. It came off again. Then I used method #3 (which I found outside of COW), and it has stayed on every since. Plus, it seems easier to tie somehow.

[david3000]

I tried #2 but the whitehide leather was too thick to tie the knot securely. I then switched to 3a.
Any suggestions on getting the knot tight on method #2?

[BullWhipBorton]

David, if the end of the fall is too thick to tie fall knot # 2, you can narrow or thin it a bit as needed. Then you should be able to tie it into a smaller, more secure knot. Give it a few test cracks to lock it in place. Also you can also wet the tip of the fall, then tie the knot that as it dries it will tighten in place even more.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Would someone be kind enough to repost the pictures, or new pictures, showing the different methods of attachment as described in the start of this poll?

[IJJTM]

I don’t think that would be possible, personally I just do the simple knot around the fall.

[tomek9210]

Sure, here they are

[IJJTM]

Looks like I was wrong, I do 3.

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Thank you tomek9210, that’s very kind and REALLY appreciated

I thought number 3 is how I’d just done one, but I’m a bit confused by the picture. It looks lake the fall goes through the top of the cracker and then just wraps around the fall. I can’t understand how that stays where it should. Could someone explain a little more what’s happening there.

I’d put the cracker at right angles to the fall, and put the end of the cracker through the very top of the cracker. Is that an ok way? I would though like to try the third way, if you can help me get my head around it.