Since I first saw the Indy films and Indy whip in action I always dreamed of getting the whip. First I started plaiting nylon whips, I got better, started selling them and I got my first Indy whip from fellow Polish whipmaker. But it wasn't true Indy whip. It looked nice, but wasn't screen accurate, more like whipmaker's version of the Indy whip.
So I sold it.
Years went by. I plaited and sold more whips and I got my another Indy whip. I tought that this time it will be more SA, so I ordered it from Ben Scott. I was like
when I was browsing photos on his website. The whips looked great. We talked details, he plaited the whip exactly to my specs. It was a great whip, but still, not proper Indy whip. It was natural tan, but it was more like saddle tan from the beginning. The buttknot was a bit too big and quite uncomfortable in hand. The strands were not wide enough for a true screen accurate Indy whip. I don't mention the transition zone on purpose as it is different story and I bought the whip knowing how it will crack and behave during years of cracking.So I sold it
I thought that this time it had to be truly screen accurate bullwhip. The choice was hard between two best whipmakers when it comes to the Indy whips for hardcore fans. I was hesitating between Paul Nolan's 1936 whip and Del Carpio's Raiders whip.
And I chose the 1936 10ft bullwhip. I cracked it this morning and I know that I chose wisely
Comparing it to my late Ben Scott whip it is totally different beast. The balance is just right. The buttknot sits comortable in hand. Despite the great weight (800 grams) it doesn't tire my arm during long session of cracking. It wraps beautifully and it's quite accurate in targeting. The strands are wide and thick, as I like and as I see them in the screen used whips. Darker ringknot is a nice touch.
Paul - thank you for making my dream come true
!Some photos:
Straight from Paul's workshop:
