whip flexibility

[indiana745]

I've read here that the difference between an 8 plait and a 12 plait have to do with flexibility. Is it harder to crack an 8 plait, 8 foot whip than a 12 plait, 8 ft. whip?

[Sergei]

Well that is a big depends type of anwer to your question. You can read some of my response here:

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... 0151#10151

But in general, high plait count doesn't guarantee a high quality, more flexible whip. I have a well made 4 plait stockwhip made by McMasters in Australia. That 4 plaiter is just as good as any 12 plait whip in my bag. But with all things being equal (same whip maker, same materials, same technique) a higher plait whip will tend to outperform a lower plait whip of the same quality. A whip will focus the kinetic energy you impart from the handle end down to the cracker. Uneven plaiting, badly dropped strands or a poor tapering and tapered belly as the core act as interference, instead of cleanly transfering energy efficiently from end to end. A finely made whip, whether it's 4 plait or 64 plait you can crack effortlessly. In fact, that is my test. Without using any muscle and two fingers, if the whip cracks, it's well made.

How's that for an answer? Clear? )

-Sergei

[indiana745]

That's a great answer, thanks Sergei!

[Major Mike]

One thing I've noticed in my whipmaking is that with the higher plait, the strands are of course thinner and I can work them tighter around the core. Larger strands cover more area and float like wide tires on the beach. This makes for a tighter, stiffer whip intially, but the thight plaiting stays tight longer. I don't know how much difference there is in the ease of cracking.