whip cracking video challenge

[winrichwhips]

So, I put up a new YouTube video about the underhand flick:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wziDLl37SUw

I'm not totally happy with the instruction on this video. I think I might redo it to make the instruction clearer and add a slower breakdown of the movement.

Anyway, the main reason I'm posting it here is about something I read ages ago in 'Whips and Whipmaking' by David Morgan. In the 2nd edition on pages 117-118, he says that coach drivers could use a whip to flick lizards in the air and cut them on the way down. Cruelty to animals aside, that sounds like a pretty cool trick.

I figure it was done with a combo of the underhand flick and the cattleman's crack. Here's the challenge: Can anyone out there post a video of them flicking something into the air and cutting it in half as it falls?

I was thinking of building a crude 'lizard' out of newspaper to see how the whip picks that up. I think the more thought out the object is, the easier the trick will be.

-Adam

[winrichwhips]

I figured I had to give this trick a try myself.

Here's a video of my attempt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXlpnx3U6zo

-Adam

[bobm2004]

You can't do this? I accidentally learned this trick using styro coffee cups.........................................

That sounds like a difficult trick-I hope to see some the members give it a whirl!

Me, I still need to get that underhand crack down. I get it about 1 out of 5 times, even though I can do almost any other of the basic cracks!

[hollywood1340]

Awesome work all. Now let' see it from a moving coach!

[WhipDude]

I can't stop laughing at how goofy this thread it. That's not to mention the creativity that's going on. But all in fun nonetheless! What really got me laughing was then Hollywood chimed in. Moving coach? Do you mean...moving bike? I think you need another bike video Hollywood only this time you need to cut an object in air like Adam.

[hollywood1340]

It's 5 degree's outside with windchill -16. I think I'll wait till spring, but I like the idea!

[Gater]

I figured I had to give this trick a try myself.

Here's a video of my attempt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXlpnx3U6zo

-Adam

Great work! Myth busted!

[ronin]

that is freakin' awesome

[Cracker]

Great video

Jim

[winrichwhips]

Well, in 'Mythbusters' parlance, I think my version of the stunt gets a 'plausible'.

Someone out there who watched the video tried the trick with a rubber lizard, but could only get the lizard to fly forward, away from him. I got me thinking that from a moving coach, the lizard might get flicked in the air in a way similar to a ball getting hit in a polo game. So it's got more forward motion than upward motion, which I guess that's what it would have to have if the coach was still moving and the driver was going to hit it again.

Anyway, it's a fun trick!

-Adam

[Marhala]

I haven't seen the video yet, but I think it's level of difficulty could just multiply by using a coach whip. I've only handled a lunge whip, but those long flexible handles with long, thin thongs are difficult to control.

All the best,

Aldo.

[Marhala]

So, I gave the trick a quick try with a short coach whip I have. It is indeed more difficult than I expected!!!

Mine has a 4' handle and a 3ft thong which, with sling and fall and cracker is around 5ft long. The whip just dwindles around and the handle is responsive to the slightest movement either from the thong already in motion or your hand, making things more complicated.

It would be good if I get to make a 10ft thong, which would be the standard for a handle that long, and give it a try.

All the best,

Aldo.

[MustangLoverMex]

Amaaaaaaaaaaazing video my friend!

-Alfonso

[ST]

I love your smiling face as the newspaper confetti falls

[nicktheguy]

Just watched it too - nice trick - I may have to try that.