What's wrong with the dark?

[Raider Of The Lost Ark]

Why is it bad to leave a whip in the dark? What problems at caused and how long do they take to 'happen'? What is the optimum level of light for storage? Thanks! Raider

[Boggstandard]

I have never really understood the cautionary note regarding storing whips in the dark.

For many years, have stored most of my collection of whips in closed containers (no light) -some whips I have had for more than 25 years. I have not noticed any deleterious effects.

Of course, I take my whips out from time to time in order to "play," and to condition them, but they are, for the most part, stored in the dark.

My favored storage containers are wooden cedar chests. For display I hang loosely coiled whips from the pegs of coat/umbrella stands.

For me, the main concern is the effects of moisture, which, over the years, I have managed to avoid.

-Boggstandard-

[thefish]

I think the main concern with the dark is mildew. You're putting oils and fats into the leather when you condition it, and then leaving it in a dark, somewhat warm place, and the whip will grow things.

Fuzzy, green whips....EWWWWW!!!!

[eaglecrow]

darkness itself does certenly not harm a whip or leather in general. I do hear this the first time here.

I too think that was is meant here is the mildew problem with closed containers or "dark cellars" where you have moisture in the air and the leather is not able to breathe

[bluzharp]

Why is it bad to leave a whip in the dark? What problems at caused and how long do they take to 'happen'? What is the optimum level of light for storage? Thanks! Raider

Other than the fact I'm afraid of the dark... I guess nothing...

[Canuck Digger]

Yes its the risk of mildew.

[BullWhipBorton]

Exactly, the problem isn’t so much just the dark; I’ve stored whips in closets and boxes from time to time with out any I’ll effects. The problem comes when you add in a humid environment / damp storage conditions or even a damp whip (any leather for that matter) then you run the risk of mold and or mildew developing.

[Solent MKIII]

Both of my whips hang on wooden pegs in my closet ( it's a large, walk-in type ). It's dry and usually open when I'm home as I keep a bunch of books, cds, and model supplies in there, so I'm in and out all the time - no whip issues thus far.

[Marhala]

Right, a dark place won't damage the whip, and perhaps the general rule is to never go to extremes: neither too much cold or heat, neither too much light or dark, or moist or dry, or much or no dressing. And... not much of a lazy or an excessively worked whip.

[dalton74]

I'm new to all of this, so my question may seem silly, but...

Is it best to store them coiled, or is it ok to hang straight by the wrist loop (if they have one)? Does hanging them have any bad effects on the whip? I realize coiling them is the easiest and probably the most common method of storing whips, but it seems logical that hanging them would be better for the whip. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

[Marhala]

I have recently started hanging my stockwhips by the keepers in a piece of leather attached to my plaiting hooks. it works wonders and helps keep the place tidier.

Concerning bullwhips, though, I just coil them loose and leave them in a flat surface, if possible, letting the TH knob hanging to keep the handle at level with the surface. But I have been considering hanging them by the wrist loop. It seems to me that hanging them in such a way, the transition between handle and thong is stressed the least. Could be wrong though...

I read somewhere, perhaps in the APWA site, that you can use pillow cases and keep them under your bed. Of course, that's for whips you don't what to exhibit.

[Mountaineer]

Right, a dark place won't damage the whip, and perhaps the general rule is to never go to extremes: neither too much cold or heat, neither too much light or dark, or moist or dry, or much or no dressing. And... not much of a lazy or an excessively worked whip.

Remind me of some other advice I heard once:

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/ ... ll/229058/

[Marhala]

Remind me of some other advice I heard once:

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/ ... ll/229058/

Argh!!! Too bad it's not available for my location...