Club Obi Wan

I just wanted to introduce myself and ask for some opinions. I’m a new member and I live in Albuquerque, NM. I’ve been a huge Indy fan since I was a kid and just recently got back into the leatherwork I used to enjoy when I had more free time. I’d like very much to try my hand at whip making but although I fancy myself as pretty adept in the use of my hands, the more I read, the more daunting the task appears. Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not giving up… one way or another I WILL be cracking something I braid myself LOL. I have David Morgan’s two staples on the subject, but tend to learn better visually. In that regard, can anyone recommend any materials on the subject of whip making that would help me get started? I’ve worked with leather in the past and have an assortment of tools… on the subject of belts, straps, boxes, and cases I’m your man, but I’ve never braided before. What are some good sources for Kangaroo? Another question, those of you who use latigo… what weight and cut do you use? If anyone lives in or near New Mexico and would be willing to let a beginner look over their shoulder please let me know! OH! LOL....I almost forgot. My name's Damon. Thanks!

Hi,

I believe that Peter Jack (www.thewhipman.com/nz) may have a video out on whipmaking for beginners...I know that he sells some starter whipmaking kits -- whips already cut out & ready to be put together. At any rate, most of the whipmakers out there are more than happy to answer any questions that beginners may have. I hope this helps...

~Jace

Hi there! Welcome to Club Obi Wan!

Hi, and welcome aboard.

be sure to buy how to make whips by ron edwards.
That will really get you going. Ron is the Founder of the Ausie Whip plaiters foundation, he does a really good job at explaining the process, and the drawings are easy to follow. Welcome aboard!
Adam

Hi Damon, Welcome to Indy Gear and Club Obi-Wan. In addition to what has already been suggested, Member Bernie Wojcicki puts out some very good CD’s and DVD’s on whip making that will walk you through the steps. He also has several whip making tutorial pages on his website www.em-brand-whips.com/ that might help you out. Some whip makers like Mike Murphy www.murphywhip.com and Peter Jack (as mentioned) www.thewhipman.co.nz sell whip making kits that are a less intimidating project to tackle and are a good way to get started in whipmaking, they usually includes everything you need, including precut sets of lace and instructions so you can start plaiting a nice whip right out of the box.

As for hides, You can get suitable hides from some of the whip makers like David Morgan or Mike Murphy, especially if you want kangaroo specifically for a bullwhip or stockwhip. Talk to them and tell them what you want to do, They can give you advice as to what size and weight skin you will need for the project. You can also get your leather from a source like Packers http://www.packerleather.com if you know what you are after. You might be able to find something at Tandy’s to experiment with. They won’t have Kangaroo hide but you might be able to find something suitable in cowhide latigo or kip worth using. This site should help you get started on what to look for.
http://users.tpg.com.au/users/ramskull/howto.htm

Go and read this thread too there is alot of good information there , and it will save me from having to re type it here
www.indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?t=14546

Unfortunately I don’t know of any whip makers working the Albuquerque area, though Texas seems to have its fair share. Several of them are members here and maybe able to help you if you don’t mind traveling a bit.

Dan

I'm sure that on a forum like this, a question like "How do I make a whip?" comes along every ten or fifteen minutes. I appreciate everyone taking the time to welcome me and answer questions considering what must be the rather repetitive nature of the endeavor. I've contacted Bernie Wojcicki about his DVDs and bookmarked the mentioned websites. I'll keep everyone apprised of my progress and I'm sure I'll be bothering a few of you when I reach personal impasse.

One other thing... one of the posts in the archive contained more than a few suggestions to start off by making a stock whip. How necessary is that? I can't seem to escape the gravitation pull of bullwhip "sexiness" LOL.

Thanks again!

Howdy, welcome to the crazyness.

BTW the gravitational sexiness of the Indy bullwhip is a tried and tested phenomenon, especially during conventions.