Waxing a nylon whip.

[willthebold]

Hey folks,

So I've got a 9ft nylon whip I made a while back, and was interested in waxing it. Trouble is, I'm not really sure how to go about doing that. What I'm looking for are some pointers on what type of wax to use, where I might be able to get it, how to heat it up, how long to dip the whip, how to let it dry best, etc. I'd also like to hear from anyone who can describe the differences between a waxed and a non-waxed whip of the same build. Can any of the nylon makers around here offer any advice?

-Will

[Dangerman009]

I have waxed exactly two whips. The results for the first one were "ehh". The results for the second were "ugh". Typically I don't wax my whips, but I would also be interested in more information.

[Indiana County Jr.]

I was always under the impression that you really didn't have to....

Crack On!
Allen

[willthebold]

I know it's not necessary, but it's got to change the whip somehow, and I've never done it. I thought I'd give it a go on one of my whips to see exactly what the differences are, but I'm more than open to personal testimonies of either way too!

[WhipDude]

http://rhettswhips.com/2009/03/14/the-wax-debate/

[classicbullwhips]

Being a nylon whipmaker myself I have also never waxed my nylon whips, but early on in my whip making experience I often wondered why others did. From all of what I can understand of others doing this, it is to help protect the whip from abrasion along with giving it somewhat of a leather whip look. I do not wax my nylon whips for the reason that I feel that they should be a low maintenance whip (waxed whips should be re-waxed every so often depending on how much often you crack them to keep that waxing up) To counter the people who wax there whips for one of the previous reasons, nylon is the type of material that is very resilient by itself and is better off allowed to breath and circulate in the open air (not cut off by a layer of wax over it) While waxing a nylon whip has good intentions behind it, nylon is a type of material that is good, if not better if it is left alone in its natural made state. (do keep the same standers as you would for a higher quality whip if you can, it will make your nylon whip last that much longer much longer) Also if you live in a warm area or forget and leave your waxed nylon whip in a car, paraffin wax melts at 125 F (the wax that is usually used on nylon whips) can you imagine the mess for your forget about it style whip.

Keep Crackin,
James

[willthebold]

Thanks for the link to Rhett's article Whipdude! That helped a lot.

And James, I appreciate your comments about your experience with nylon whips. I know waxing might take a little more maintenance without a whole lot of payoff, but I'm mainly interested in how differently it'll make it handle, and that's probably something I'll just have to try myself.

Thanks for all the comments guys! Also, if anyone knows of a link to a how-to on waxing a nylon whip, please chime in! I may try contacting Rhett otherwise.

-Will

[WhipDude]

willthebold, not a problem. Rhett waxes his whips compared to some others. I am not sure of any others who wax their whips but if you email him and politely ask if you could call him up some time, he may just let you. Rhett is a real kind guy.
When it comes to waxing, there seems to be no real clear pro or con. I personally do not own a nylon whip yet (one has been ordered!) and it is coming from Steve Huntress who does not wax his whips. I love the look of waxed and unwaxed and have personally used an unwaxed whip before. It handled real well from what I remember and was easy on the hands.

Good luck!