?? for whipmakers...what's your feeling on goatskin?

[Vaderbreath]

I'm considering buying a 10' 12pl goat bullwhip. For those who make whips (or have a goatskin whip), what is your opinion on goat for a whip? Thanks!

[Canuck Digger]

Never worked with it, but one question: why?
Cheers,


Franco

[louiefoxx]

I made few goatskin bullwhips not too long ago. While the whips weren't bad for what they were: 8 plait budget bullwhips...I personally wouldn't pay for a goat skin whip over 8 plait. In my opinion the strands just aren't strong enough to braid tightly when they are that narrow.

When I had tried making goat skin whips I had heard a lot of talk about goat being a strong leather. I was very unimpressed with it. In my opinion it was about as strong as kip and VERY stretchy. I don't plan to make anymore whips from goat...so that's how I feel about it as a whip making material.

I'm not saying the whip you are considering buying is bad, it depends a lot on the maker. Also I think the beginners whips that Robert Dante sells are goat and he if he says the ones he is selling a good beginner whip, I'd believe him.

Louie
http://bullwhips.org

[Vaderbreath]

Thanks, Louie. The maker said he is very selective about the veg tanned he gets, and that he also does quite a bit with it before he starts making the whip.

Franco, I have a couple of cowhide, and while I don't own a roo, I've used a couple...I just can't afford a roo. So, I thought I might give goat a try.

If I get it, I'll let all of you know what it's like...especially after some serious use.

[louiefoxx]

Vaderbreath,

It looks like you are in the Tri-cities, I'll be over there in March performing. If our schedules work out we can do some whip cracking...and you can try out a roo whip. If you get the whip before the first week of March, I'd love to give it a try!

Also Feb 13 I'll be in Ellensburg at a cowboy thing helping a guy do a whip demo. If you are free that day, it's a fun day to crack some whips!

Louie
http://bullwhips.org

[Marhala]

Hey guys!!! I have only once made a goatskin whip and it was sort of a chrome tanning. I never had any problem with stretch and just one broken strand. Didn't like it very much either.

I'm not trying to discourage you from buying your whip, but personally, I'd stick either to a thicker cowhide or kangaroo.

All the best,

Aldo.

[DarenHenryW]

Thanks, Louie. The maker said he is very selective about the veg tanned he gets, and that he also does quite a bit with it before he starts making the whip.

Franco, I have a couple of cowhide, and while I don't own a roo, I've used a couple...I just can't afford a roo. So, I thought I might give goat a try.

If I get it, I'll let all of you know what it's like...especially after some serious use.

Like I always tell my friends: if you can only afford half the price of the thing you want, then save it twice and just wait. It'll be worth it. Trust me.

DHW

[Vaderbreath]

Thanks for the opinions everyone. Louie, I'd love to get together. I may be able to make the Feb 13 in Ellensburg. Let me know when in March you'll be in the Tri Cities...it's a pretty busy month for me, but if we could get together, that would be great.

[jeanfifi]

Nothing really new to say but my little experience:
I've tried goat skin veg tanned once:
too much stretchy for me. I've only made bolsters with it, and it was really horrible to recut the bolster once stretched.... .

The whip looses his stiffness more quickly than with kip bolsters, though the belly and overlay were roo hide.

JP