Club Obi Wan

So far I have been using trial and error: adding or taking out strands as needed. I have tried using the formula:

Diameter x 4.5 / paracord strand width (4.4-4.5 mm) = number of strands (plait count)

But this always gives me way more strands than I need. (Obviously each time the result will equal almost the diameter).

For example: 20 mm diameter -> 20 strands. I actually used 16 and it gave me a no gap plait just fine.

Anyone have any piece of advice?

I use this formula with different cords (smaller width) and it works fine.

As for nylon paracord whips, the general idea is to have 8 plait belly, 12 plait belly and 16 plait overlay. My core is +-8mm in diameter, 1st belly is +-12mm in diameter and 2nd belly is around 16mm. The plaiting angle is nice, around 45 degrees.

If you could show us your plaiting, then I could help you out. Because I suspect that 16 strands around 20mm core resulted in weird plaiting angle.

Hey, Tomek! Thank you for the feedback!

Below you can find an album with the whip in question.

Mini bullwhip - 6 feet. https://imgur.com/a/7UBWf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The reason I would like to find a formula that works for me is because I like to experiment a lot, like using leather bolsters, different number of bellies. So 8 - 12 - 16 wouldn't work in that case.

Cheers,
Bear

Did the diameter of this whip before you put the overlay measure 20mm in thickest point? I can see the significant taper in the handle - the angle on the checkerboard pattern changes a lot from the buttknot to the ringknot. There is a bulge halfway the handle.
There are tiny gaps past the ringknot, but it looks good.
The only major thing I would focus on on your next whip is to eliminate the kinks at the strand drops - they are visible at the last strand drops in the last photo.
Keep practising

Hmmm, yes, you're right about the ring knot, it was 20 mm in the thickest section. The 16 strands barely cover the transition even with the drastic angle change.

I will give the formula another try, Tomek! I am already working on a new whip.

And thank you for the feedback! I am still practising clean strand drops.