Club Obi Wan

Well, it's not new but it's great! This is one serious whip. Not sure what it's for but it's made by a complany called Bushmeimer/made since 1884. Anyone know that company? It had a little wear but none of the leather is torn. The handle swivles around in your hand, why is that? It's a very resonsive whip, once in my hand, a flick of the wrist sends the end sailing. I have yet to crack it and am not sure how really. It's there anything I should put on the laether besides a bit of leather balm? something to keep the brading tight or anything?
Well, I'm happy and the fact that I bought it off ebay not knowing the seller lived 20 minuts away seems like a good omen

George

Are you talking about the twelve-footer you got an the last thread?

I'm guessing that the handle swivels for the overhead crack. But it's just a guess. I'd think that the rubbing of a handle against the leather would eventually wear the handle down over time. But I'm the last person who know about that for sure.

Hurry up and crack the thing! We wanna know what you think about it's performance.

Hi George. I took a look at the photo you posted and I don’t blame you, I like that whip too. It looks like a fine example of the classic American swivel handle bullwhip. It’s a well-built tough whip typically used for working cattle. Unfortunately; I am not familiar with the company name, but that style whip is still being made these days. The swivel handle was designed for swinging the whip overhead, then cutting across to make the crack ala the overhead crack. For $40, I would say you got a good deal.

Any idea how old that bullwhip is? It looks like it has some age too it. I would suggest reviewing the bullwhip FAQ on general whip care at www.bullwhip.org It’s difficult to tell the age and condition based on that one photo but little extra tlc wont hurt. Since you already did a visual inspection, now just keep an eye on it to make sure the leather still looks in good shape. Be sure its not dried out, cracking or spitting in an spots as you use it. Also make sure the whip doesn’t have any off odors that could indicate deterioration in old leather and just check to make sure the plaiting is still tight. Then I would recommend a light gentle cleaning with a damp cloth or some saddle soap, let it dry and then give it a coating of a good leather dressing like pecards. My own personal view on this whip is that if is an antique, I would treat it gently. Its probably still in good working condition though so I cant say I blame you for wanting to use it. The fall does looks a bit beat up though, and may need replacing in time. It also looks like it needs a cracker/popper tied on the end of the fall, which will help it to crack. Search the forum you should be able to quickly find directions on how to make a whip cracker/popper out of some twine and how to tie it onto the fall, its easy. Hope this helps and good luck.

Dan

If you bought a Buckheimer in reasonable condition for $40.00 you made one heck of a buy!! Buckheimer has been out of business making whips for many years. They are fast beoming collector's items.

I sold two worn Buckheimers a couple of years ago and got good money for them but shouldn't have sold the 6' er.

I just saw one auction on eBay end for a Buckheimer that went for $102.50.

As for the care of the whip, use a dressing like Pecard's or Feibig's. Something that has no petroleum in it. No mink oil, no neetsfoot oil.

Good on ya on the purchase.