Second Leather Whip - Bullwhip

Cracker · Post by **Cracker** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:24 pm

I got some good suggestions on how to improve on my stockwhip post and I tried to incorporate them on this one. I concentrated on paring and skiving the strands on this whip. I've still got a long way to go as you can tell from how uneven the widths are on the strands, but I was able to get them more narrow as the whip tapered down. I had planned on this one being one color, but ran out of leather and had to use two different hides for the overlay. It is cow leather, 12 plat, 8 ft long, 8" handle. Oh yeah, and thanks again to Tony for his tutorial on the checker board plait. I had tried that on several nylon whips and was never able to get it. And Bernies whip making videos were a big help also (a big help ! )
Jim

IndyWhips · Post by **IndyWhips** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:53 am

Hey Jim,

that really is a good effort, the checkerboard seams are nice and straight, I had a really close look at the photo's and I think barring practise practise practise your there, for only your second leather whip that really is quite good, maybe you should consider making yourself up a little jig to resize your laces once you've stretched them, that'll help a lot in getting your laces an even width.......all in all good effort keep going

Best Wishes

Tony

Post by **BullWhipBorton** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:55 am

Jim, For your second leather whip and first leather bullwhip from what I gather, that’s not bad, not bad at all.

The fact that you’re realizing what needs improvement is a huge step in the right direction as well. I’ve know whip makers, working for years that still don’t get that concept. Keep up the good work and as a friend of mine says, "shape it right and plait it tight"!

Dan

Cracker · Post by **Cracker** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:03 am

Thanks guys. I'm hoping I can continue to improve.
Jim

Arthur Dent · Post by **Arthur Dent** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:28 am

For your second leather, that is a good looking whip. Even if it was not intended the two tone looks good.

Cracker · Post by **Cracker** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:17 pm

Thanks Arthur.

maybe you should consider making yourself up a little jig to resize your laces once you've stretched them,

Tony, actually I did that but can't make it work. I finally decided it was the leather because the cow hide is so soft and pliable. The leather just rolls up on the edges when I pull it through rather than cutting. I need to get my hands on some leather that has a stiffer temper and see if that works any better.

Jim

IndyWhips · Post by **IndyWhips** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 3:51 am

Cracker wrote:Thanks Arthur.

maybe you should consider making yourself up a little jig to resize your laces once you've stretched them,
Tony, actually I did that but can't make it work. I finally decided it was the leather because the cow hide is so soft and pliable. The leather just rolls up on the edges when I pull it through rather than cutting. I need to get my hands on some leather that has a stiffer temper and see if that works any better.

Jim

Yes Jim I can only think it'll be the leather, the leather you used was veg tanned I take it? Try and get a bit of Kip till you feel confident enough to go for roo, I'm assuming as Kip is really really cheap here in the UK that it is in the States aswell.....

Tony

Cracker · Post by **Cracker** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:21 pm

I don't know if it was veg tanned or not to tell the truth. I just know it was very soft and pliable. I've looked on the internet and can't find a source for kip, at least nothing that is called that. There may be a place but I can't find it if there is.
Here is the the strand sizer I made. I have some goat hide ordered that I hope will be stiffer. Maybe it will work better with that.

Jim

IndyWhips · Post by **IndyWhips** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 2:21 am

I'm guessing from what you say that you were using some chrome tanned napa leather Jim, Your machines look good there's no reason they'll not work at all, very similar to what I use myself....

Just a little tip for you, when you make a whip from goat skin, after you've hitched it off leave the tails long enough that you can get hold of them, it is great leather to learn with but it doesn't stay tight like roo so you'll have to try and remember every few times you use it to give the hitch tails a little tug to keep it all tight.....

Good luck and best wishes

Tony

Cracker · Post by **Cracker** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:41 am

Thanks Tony. I believe your right about the type of leather I used. I have been reading and learning more about the different types now and I'm better informed. And, Bernardo has given me some pointers on kip or calfskin that have really helped me understand also.
Thanks for the hint on the goat, hopefully I can get started on another whip this weekend.
Jim