Club Obi Wan

Hi everyone,

I've been lucky enough to meet David Morgan and spend a full week learning from him in his shop! It's been the best week of my life, and truly a dream come true for me.

As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of David Morgan, and I really admire his work. Ever since I found that the Indy whips were made by him, I wanted to meet the man and see how his whips were made.

At the time I didn't have a Morgan whip. It wasn't until June 2000 when I finally was able to purchase my first Morgan bullwhip directly from him. It was because of that whip that I started making my own Indy whips, always trying to imitate the work of the great master.

Now, six years after buying my first Morgan bullwhip, I finally got to meet David Morgan in person. Over the last 3 years he had been kind enough to help me and answer my endless questions on the phone. It was about time to meet him in person, I realized, and he graciously invited me to visit him, an opportunity I will be forever grateful for.

I stayed last week from Monday 4th through Saturday 9th, 9am to 5pm. That Monday was a national holyday, and he was kind enough to receive me in his shop. I felt like a kid in a toy’s store, I didn’t know where to look first! There were simply too many interesting things around.

I brought with me three special whips: one from Bolivia (a few years back he asked me to get him a sample), one presentation whip from northern Peru (different from the southern style he already had) where there’s a strong braiding tradition closely connected to the Peruvian horse breed Caballo de Paso; and the third whip was one of my own Indy whips, so he could judge my work. He told me to bring my best whip, so I made one that closely resembled my 8 foot 2004 Morgan, using a very heavy hide Morgan himself sent me a couple of years ago. I saved that hide for a special occasion.

After we entered the shop, the first thing he asked me was to see my whip. I took it out of my bag, he examined it closely, didn’t say a word, and immediately rushed to the front counter area to crack it. He gave it a few cracks right there in the shop, using the overhand and underhand flick. Again, he didn’t say a word. So I asked him “well, what do you think?” and he replied: “It’s a good whip. It will crack readily”. Knowing that Mr. Morgan will rarely praise anybody’s work, I was more than pleased to say the least. I think he was pleasantly surprised. Later on he mentioned he liked the fact that I cut wide strands, like he does.

Then we went over the other two whips I bought for him. He also tried them right there in the shop. Then we spent the rest of the day in the back of the shop, where the whips are made, while he coached me on polishing my braiding techniques. We also started going over his 350+ whip collection that includes all types of whips from all over the world.

I spent the rest of the week doing some braiding for him, looking at more whips in his endless collection, asking questions, and taking lots of pictures. At the end of the week, he had shown me everything: how he makes his bullwhips, and the reason behind every thing he does. I perfected my plaiting technique, and learned tons of new things. He was extremely generous and patient in showing and coaching me in doing things “the proper way”. I found David Morgan to be an extremely knowledgeable person, who knows a lot about many subjects.

On Thursday, he had a special surprise for me: he told me I would be able to take home one of the whips that I was braiding for him, for free! I couldn’t believe it! That whip was going to be my 4th Morgan, a 10 footer, actually plaited by myself! He did all the cutting, and coached me to ensure things were done the Morgan way. Every little detail counted, and like I said before, there's a reason behind every part of the process. There's a polished and time-saving technique even for attaching the cracker.

Then on Saturday, I finished my whip, and he proceeded to test it with a series of cracks, and said: “You did a good job. This is a good whip. It will crack readily, and once it’s fully broken it will crack even better.” Amen.

Overall, I couldn't ask for more. David Morgan and his lovely wife Dorothy were more than great to me, as well as their son Will, who among other things was kind enough to bring his pair of white Morgans so I could take some photos of them. Mr. Morgan’s crew also were extremely nice, friendly and helpful. They all have provided me of a truly memorable experience.

Well, I hope you liked my story. I thought I had to share this experience with you guys. I could easily spend a few days talking about it, but I think you got the general idea.

Now I think some pics are in order... Enjoy!

Bernardo


Here's Mr. Morgan trying my whip...


...and here's holding it after gaving it his seal of aproval


This is an old whip that he keeps nearby to show it to customers and crack it right there in the shop


A close up of that whip, a 10 footer. He couldn't say exactly how old it was.


This is the first "Classic Bullwhip" he made, a 16 plait, 8 foot, natural tan without wrist loop. Gorgeous!


This is another old whip he made for his yet-to-be-born grandson.(if I recall correctly)


A matched pair of white 6 footers. They belong to Will, Mr. Morgan's son.


Mr. Morgan at work, pulling tight. The whip is a black 10 footer.


Mr. Morgan testing the whip I made during my stay.


Yours truly. That's a happy face, isn't it?


A close up of the 8 footer I took with me on my trip.


The best souvenir ever! This is the 10 footer I made during my stay.


Finally, a comparison shot. Let me know if you'd like to see more pics...

That is too stinkin' cool!

That is awsome

sounds like you had a great time!

Makes me want to buy a roohide from him and make a whip!

Adam

What a terrific posting.
Thank you for sharing such a splendid personal experience, and thank you as well for the pictures.
Congratulations on your adventure.

Thanks so much for your post. I've been blessed to spend time with other craftsmen; they all make it seem so simple and look so easy. The work is never either, but is so much more doable thanks to the pioneering work they have done in preserving the old arts, distilling an enormous amount of work, trial, and error for us who follow.

Awsome! Looks like you had fun.

That first old whip looks like the one(s) auctioned off from Raiders. Exact color. Guess it goes to show you, natural is the color, if you wait long enough.

Definitely more pics!!! Great story!

Bernardo,

That would be a great visit for any Indy fan. But, for an Indy fan that is also a whip maker, priceless.

Great pics. Thanks for sharing.

Dave Morgan can talk your arse off! He's a great guy to learn anything from, it seems. Very crafty and very smart guy from what I could tell talking to him. Full of integrity too which you have to respect.

Hey Bernardo,
Awesome story! It's nice to hear how David Morgan still takes the time for anyone willing to listen. Glad you learned so much and posted those photos. I agree with Moses, post more pics if you can. I'd personally enjoy seeing some of him actually cutting out the hide, stretching, bevelling, anything that has to do with the building process. Thanks again, and glad that you had the opportunity to do it.

Regards,
Steve.

Great story and pics Bernado. Just look at his index fingers!

Great story and great pics! Very lucky indeed!

thanks for sharing a wonderful experience Bernado, Mr Morgan is a true artist-fantastic!

Wow Bernardo what a fantastic experience . I really enjoyed reading your post, it sounds like you had a great trip there and gained some really valuable knowledge with David. Great pictures too, I can’t speak for everyone but I know I’d like to see more of them and here more about your visit. Glad to hear he liked your work too, that’s something to be very proud off. Congratulations.

Dan

I think it is only now beginning to dawn on Mr. Morgan the legacy he's created for the art of American Whipmaking. What he has done to preserve the whip arts, and transplant the Australian construction-style to North, (and also South America. Hey, Bernardo!) is amazing. I really don't think he realizes the significance of it, and that, to me, is a great compliment to David Morgan. He's just a humble whipmaker and businessman, doing what he loves doing, and sharing it when and where he can.

His "Classic Design," (which would become the "Indiana Jones" style whip,) with it's short handle, heavier thong, large knot, and wider strands have become an American tradition, catering to a completely different whip performance style than Australia's; that of the Wild West Stunt Show performer, that plied his trade in Hollywood after the live shows declined, and continue to be a staple of the world of Hollywood Action.

He has inspired so many brilliant non-Australian whipmakers, (many of whom are on this forum. And to the Australians, no offence by excluding you here, but let's face it; The whip industry never died in Australia. It flourished! The Australians took the British concept of whip manufacture, and turned it into high art! Before Morgan, that "high art" really didn't make it too far beyond your shores! Morgan brought it here.)

His willingness to share his shop, his home, his experience, and his HISTORY with you is a great thing, Bernardo. And a more deserving fellow, I cannot imagine. David won't be with us forever! It's good that we can now add you to people like Strain, Stenhouse, and others who've worked with him to carry on that tradition.

Great post Bernardo. Thanks for sharing. And OF COURSE we want more pictures! ;-)

Congratulations on the trip, Bernardo! For us whipmakers it's like you took a pilgrimage to the promised land.

What other kinds of whips did he have you do braiding on besides the 10 footer you got to keep?

I've been thinking of going to visit him and to see his enormous whip collection. I guess I better hurry up and do it.

Do you have pictures of the two whips from Peru he aksed you for?

-Adam

PS: I'm totally jealous

Hi again!

I'm glad you liked my little story...it took me some hours to type it, check the grammar, spelling, etc, to ensure there were as few mistakes as possible, not counting trying to condense an entire week into a few paragraps.

Dan, (the fish)

Great post. I agree with you, in that Mr. Morgan underestimates his whips and their importance in carrying a blend of australian and american whip making tradition, as well as being the inspiration for a new generation of whipmakers. Without him, I really doubt there would be as many quality bullwhips to choose from different whipmakers today.

Adam,

I was mainly interested in his bullwhips, and Mr. Morgan knew this, so he had cut in advance many skins for 10 footers, so that I had plenty of material to braid.

I took with me two whips as a present for Mr. Morgan, one from Bolivia and the other from Peru. I'm including pics of both.

Unfortunately I don't have any more showing David "at work" because when he showed and explained me how he did things, I was really concentrated and trying to not miss the action. Sorry...

Enjoy!

-Bernardo


This is the northern peruvian whip. It's a mongol style whip, two piece, made in rawhide (dyed). The thong is 8 plait, since I requested a working whip, and it sports in the heaviest part a "barrilado", a series of intrincate knots found only in peruvian braiding. I have yet to learn those!
The steel rings were hand carved and they bear the initials of the braider.


This is the whip from Bolivia. I don't know many details about it, except that is also a mongol style, braided in rawhide. The braided handle is very nice.


Here's some Terry Jacka's whips in stock.


And here's a few Morgans in stock, along with some whips in the background of Mr. Morgan's huge collection.


This is new 12 footer, made out from a heavy skin.


A new 6 footer.


A new 8 footer that somewhat resembles to the old whips.


Another 8 footer in stock, that sports a thin and long handle. Notice how different these whips are, even tough they were all made recently. This is why the whips used in the movies look different from scene to scene.


Clearing up a tangle, before it happens.


Meagan cutting an overlay for a signal whip. She's highly skilled. David told me to watch her closely, as she cuts extremely well.


Rolling my whip.


Lastly, another old Indy bullwhip that Mr. Morgan made for one of his grandsons.

Fantastic pics!!! I love that thinner modern whip. I wish mine had been like that one!!

wow! now that was a fantastic story bernardo. i could imagine how you felt being there as i too recently met up with a life-long idol of mine. your smile from ear to ear tells it all in that picture! i'm quite happy for you.

i don't know if you remember me but i recently purchased one of your raiders whips off of the "auction website". it was an 8' kip hide that you sent to the great white north (calgary, alberta canada). i also think i may have snaked it from under KT Templar's bid at the time (sorry ). anyways, i knew nothing of whips until i received yours and then followed up with some homework on whip-craft.

from knowing nothing of how to use a bullwhip, your whip definitely makes it easy to learn the basics because it is a high quality whip that pretty much goes where i point it to go and cracks when and where i want it to crack. its my first whip and i love it to death. thank you for this.

but now you have put me in a perplexed situation. i will be in the market for a 10' roo pretty soon. I was thinking with going with DM's whip. If i did this, i would probably seal it up in a pecards rich plastic bag and throw it in my vault next to the real lost of ark of the covenant, and the monet from the thomas crown affair....never to be touched....just admired .....or go with a 10' roo from you who has been schooled by the master and who's whip i can use for my enjoyment. i guess i'll have to sleep on it. suggestions anyone?

Awesome pics, Bernardo! Thanks so much for sharing.

Steve.

Great story Bernado. Thanks for posting all the photo's I found them very interesting.
By the way you are making some really nice whips.

Kind Regards

Simon

Many thanks to all you guys for the nice commnents! They are much appreciated.

Indiana G,

Oh yes I remember you and the whip I sent you...but I didn't know it was you! I'm glad you are happy with your whip. I love to hear comments like yours.

To help you on your recent whip-dilemma, I would be the first to tell you that if you can afford a Morgan, then go ahead and get one. They won't be available forever.

But, don't lock it away, use it and enjoy it instead. David Morgan likes to say that he doesn't make "wall hangers", and he makes heavy duty bullwhips that can take some heavy punishment.

I found that we tend to love the things we use the most...and things are meant to be used anyway. Another good thing of using your whip is that it will get the "used" Indy look that almost everyone is after.

Anyway, I hope that helps.

Kind Regards,

Bernardo

I wish I could afford a nice, 10' Morgan...!! I've been after a 10 footer for a while now, but the prices are so high for Morgans now... I guess the older he gets, the higher the prices. He probably doesn't make as many as he used to. Like I always say; if anybody wants to give away a DM... :tup:

I love the look of the natural tan whips. Mine is whiskey colored and it's really dark. But yes, Indy G - if you get one, use it!! That's how you get to know the whip and make it your partner and your sidekick. You have to get to know it. Besides... you'd always look at it and there'd be a little voice in your head that whispered, "You know you want to" and you'd hear the sound of a gunshot... or is it the loud crack of a finely crafted bullwhip, made by David Morgan himself? Can you resist that?

In Christ,
Shane

Don't feel to bad, Shane. I've been in the hobby since it's beginning, and have never owned a 'roo whip, LET ALONE a Morgan, so you're way ahead of ME!

Regards! Michaelson

Great stuff thanks again for sharing them with us Bernardo… I am drooling over at all those whips. So I have to ask, where you able to get any more information out of David about the whips he was making during the Indy movie years, especially the raiders bullwhips?

Dan

Btw did anyone else notice the MkVII Gas Mask Bag hanging up in Davids shop? Kinda neat to see.

As stated before, look at the second picture. Pay particular attention to David's index fingers. That's what pulling hard will get you. If you see Joe Strain, his pinkies have that slight bend.

Bernardo, sounds like a fun trip. I've spent many an hour in that back area, too, and you and I happen to be some of the few, the proud, the plaiters, who have spent time with 'the man' to refine the craft. David really helped me get better when I was there to spend time under his direct supervision. It's neat that you got to take home a whip, most likely because of the two whips that you picked up for him. I thought about this, during the whips that I was braiding under his tutelage. But, at the end of the day, I'd rather have the knowledge he's imparted to me instead of having a whip. Odd, I guess, but the knowledge is much more valuable.

If anyone doesn't believe me, I've got a few pictures of whips to show you!

Glad you had a great trip. How is the roo skin supply coming? Is David getting better skins from Packers? You'll probably know exactly what I'm talking about, Bernardo.

Best Regards,

Paul Stenhouse

thanks for the words of wisdom bernardo and mcfly,

a 10' morgan roo is very enticing indeed and christmas is just around the corner too!

it would be an easier decision if i didn't have a whip from bernardo. as mcfly put it, it is already my little "sidekick" on rambunctious adventures around the house and yard (just ask the dog).....i run around kinda like homer simpson when he was toting around a gun to do odd tasks around the household

bernardo, it seems that you have gained a great deal of knowledge from mr. morgan's tutelage. if you start applying what you've just learned to your craft, i couldn't even begin to imagine the level of quality that your whips would be now. thats why buying another whip from you is intriguing to me as well.

i guess i'll keep morgan's and bernardo's name on my 'to get' list for now and perhaps find some more 'artifacts to sell to the museum' for some cash flow.

... well done. Bravo-Zulu my friend.

Sergei!

Nice to have you back!

High regards,
Swindiana

Swindiana wrote:Sergei!

Nice to have you back!

High regards,
Swindiana

Thank you sir!

Hey Stranger, Good too see you around these parts again Sergei.

Dan

BullWhipBorton wrote:Hey Stranger, Good too see you around these parts again Sergei.

Dan

Agreed!

nice to see you around!

Bernard, wow! What an amazing opportunity you had, not only to visit Mr Morgan, but to work at his shop as well! From the sound of it, your craftsmanship is outstanding.

You truly are an awesome gearhead.



Seirgi, nice to see you back, also. (Even though I have not been around much myself)

Thanks for the kind words - Canyon, Mola Ram, Dan and Swindiana!

Hey Canyon,

Thanks a lot!

Sergei,

I'm honored to have you in my thread!

Dan (BullWhipBorton)

Sorry for the delay in replying. I asked Mr Morgan about this, and he told me he did some experimentation on the wear leather, using different materials. He showed me one he kept that was done in rawhide. Other than that, he said more or less he did the same contruction.

Of the early whips, he recalled that he'd made some whips in kip to cover for the limited demand at the time (just a few) and sold some of those to Glenn Randall. Then when Raiders came out, and he was suddenly flooded with orders. There was an 8-month waiting period, and the best he could do was to make 3 to 5 whips per week. By then, he was able to get roo skins again.

Paul (Stenhouse) and all,

To me, this was more than simply going there to learn some braiding: it was about making a dream come true, it was about meeting my hero.

My first whip was a rope whip my father made me right after I saw Raiders. I was 12. As a kid, he worked as the assistant for a local magician, who had a rope whip for some of his trics. My father made for himself a rope whip, and he made my whip based on his.

Some years later, when TOD come out, I felt I needed a new whip since I had almost distroyed my rope whip. I still have the remainings
Since there were no whips available, I contacted an old saddler who knew how to braid, and he agreed to make me a whip, even though he had never made one.

It played with that whip for some good years, and I learned to crack it after much trial and error, after watching carefully the scenes in Raiders and TOD.

Then it was 1989 when LC hit the screens. I had just arrived to Spain with my father, and we went together to watch the third father-and-son Indy adventure. It was great. He bought me a spanish tourist whip, like those offered on ebay ( I was really happy with it...didn't know it was junk ).

It wasn't until 1991 when I bought my first "real" whip. It was a 10 ft swivel handle bullwhip that I mail ordered from The Leathersmith in the US. Since I coudn't afford a Morgan, that whip was my best option(they offered Morgans).

I also ordered with the whip the video "Art of the Bullwhip". As all of you know, Mr. Morgan makes an stellar appearance there. It was then when the seed was planted in my head. And you already know the rest of the story...

For me, it doesn't any get any better. I learned how to make whips, then years later got to meet my hero, take invaluable knowledge and wonderful memories home, plus a whip!. I even was invited for dinner (a few times) by Mr. and Mrs. Morgan at their home.

I guess it doesn't get better than that...does it?

Best Regards,

Bernardo

P.S. David just received some new skins, that are very good, although a bit on the small side.

BullWhipBorton wrote:Gre

Btw did anyone else notice the MkVII Gas Mask Bag hanging up in Davids shop? Kinda neat to see.

Well spotted!! I can't believe I missed that! That is pretty cool.

bernardo,

nope, it doesn't get better than that......for now.....but lets say that in 30 or 40 years from now some young aspiring whipmaker will cross the seas to visit you for your mentorship......that would have to be, at the very least, a close second

cheers,


gil

Thanks for sharing, Bernardo.
Wonderful documentation and well done on your own whips!

Bernard,

As incredibly cool as your story is (and it is FREAKEN COOL, believe me!) I have to say that G has a good point here:

Indiana G wrote:bernardo,

nope, it doesn't get better than that......for now.....but lets say that in 30 or 40 years from now some young aspiring whipmaker will cross the seas to visit you for your mentorship......that would have to be, at the very least, a close second

cheers,


gil

I'm very glad you got to fulfill your dream. How does one go about ordering whips from you?

Cheers
Craig

Thanks for sharing your visit to David Morgan's with the rest of us.

I just recently purchased one of his #455 whips ( my first Morgan! )
and it was really neat to actually see the shop and the man himself
braiding those suckers!
I especially like the shot of David doing an underhand flick in
his store - way too cool! Congrats as well to becoming a fine whipmaker
yourself. You've got the Morgan look down pretty darn good!
I've gotta admit, it looks like trying to braid confetti to me. :junior: