Club Obi Wan

Hi all,

I've just finished a new Indy style bullwhip for those looking for a great value whip.

Its on ebay. Just take a look at the "classifieds" section for more info.

Hope you like it!


Regards,

Bernardo

Hey Bernardo,

I've been meaning to experiment with packed leather cores in my IOAB bullwhips, but since there hasn't been much call for them after Halloween I've concentrated on other whip designs.

About using a packed core, I figured that I could cut a leather core the same size as the shot load I was using, but I stayed away from it because I thought there wouldn't be enough weight. I've handled a few four-plait bullwhips and I always thought they were too light, hence the lead loading. Now I'm thinking that a leather core would be heavy enough.

I did make one IOAB bullwhip with a plaited belly, which went to Mike Hurly. It cracked okay and had enough weight, but I knew I'd have to charge more if I wanted to make a plaited belly a standard feature. I suppose if I want to stay competetive I should start making any new IOAB's with plaited bellies. That would make them lighter and more durable.

Well, it's a nice looking whip you put on eBay, Bernardo. Best of luck with the auction.

-Adam Winrich, www.winrichwhips.com

I'm always amazed how whip makers here talk openly with each other, even when they're competing for the same customers. Adam, if you do change the innards of your IOAB whips, I'd be interested to see what a side-by-side comparison and field test of the "old" vs. "new" design would yeild. As it stands, I've never really handled any other whip to compare with the weight issue to know how heavy your whip really is, but I would agree that my IOAB whip does have some good weight to it. That being said, the prototype whip I bought from you cracks like a cannon! I'm starting to get some really nice overhead cracks with it and the whip is breaking in nicely.

My hat is off to you whipmakers who have come to understand that there are many of us who have never had the chance to get into whip cracking because most whips (though good whips) were just too far out of our budget for the sake of "testing" a hobby we may or may not like. As for me, finally being able to feel comfortable buying a quality beginner whip at an outstanding price has allowed me to find that I do enjoy whip cracking! And because of it, there is a good chance that I will find buying a more expensive whip in the future a good investment fora hobby I plan to continue. Thanks, guys!

bink

Hey Adam!

Nice to see you poping up again in COW.

Last year, in Octuber, I made a 4 plait bullwhip with a shot loaded core wrapped by a bolster, and over that went the overlay. I used a thick cowhide. The thing turned out really heavy! I dubbed it "the Hulk's whip".

For that whip I was inspired by those 4 plait Spanish bullwhips (the first thing I bought years ago when I visited Spain) and combined that with an Indy look.

Ever since I wanted to make another 4 plait but with no lead shot. When you released your now famous IOAB you motivated me to finally make it. However, I do not intend (at least for now) to offer it as a regular model.

As for the weight, it almost has the same weight as my other cowhide whips, so I guess the weight of the packed core is just fine. As you said, you can improve the whip with a plaited belly, etc, but the price will go up and up. If you ask me, I'd say go for the packed core. It is difficult to reach a balance between quality, durability, performance, looks, at a price that is good both for the whipmaker and the customer.

Bink,

You are absolutely right. The first whip of an aficionado or enthusiast is rarely an expensive one. Once you get hook onto it, and learn to use it (whipping your self in the process) and learn the do's and don'ts, you are ready to invest more bucks on a better whip.

After all, no one in my family and friends are able to understand how I paid so much money for the roo whips I have, not to mention the couple of Morgans!

One of my brothers used to tell me "Oh yeah, a whip is definitely such a vital item in everyone's gear that I don't understand why every person out there on the street is not carrying one"

Only when you find that you really love whipcracking and learn appreciate the work, time and skill that goes into making these artifacts, you are ready for the expensive ones. As for convincing the wives that such expense is justified...that's a different story!

Regards
Bernardo

How true! When my wife found out one could pay hundreds of dollars for a whip, her eyes nearly popped out of her head! But when Adam started to offer his IOAB whips and I was fortunate enough to purchase the prototype for a little cheaper, she was pleased that I could find such a good buy! (And in all fairness, she knows my hobby buys are not taken from the money used to pay the bills. )

I figure once I feel confident enough that I have a good handful oif cracks down, then I'll likely start saving my pennies for a second whip!

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