From falls & poppers to plaiting & cracking technique, this section is dedicated in memory of Sergei, IndyGear Staff Member and Whip Guru. Always remember to keep "Celebratin' Life!"
This is a whip I finished a few weeks ago. I wanted a very thin one, that I could really abuse and turn into an aged, wet noodle. The idea is to get a ToD wet-rope-like whip that is darkend by sun exposure.
I used very little binding and lot of conditioning on the overlay. I tried bending the thong this way and that to loosen it up, pulling on the thong, bending it over a pipe and cracking it with unnecessary force as well as giving it daily sunbaths. It is taking a lot more than I had expected to compromise the whip: it's still quite stiff, but I will be continuing the harsh treatment and see what comes of it.
I like the way the thong curves, reminds me of the 'throw me the whip' scene in Raiders:
tomek9210 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 16, 2024 11:49 am
Few years of regular whipcracking, suntan and dirt and it will look like a stunt whip from Temple of Doom bridge scene
Try volley cracks. Rapid direction changing should help to break it in faster.
Will do! As much as I can, I want to accelerate aging. Today I put in more than 30 minutes of cracking. By the end my tennis-elbow was acting up.
But since the whip is so light I felt nothing else, compared to 3-4 minutes of cracking my Jacka replica, which I feel in my shoulder, wrist, forearm.
You could leave it in the sun for few hours and grease it every now and then. It changes color a lot. As far as breaking in - heavy use is the only option I believe. Try some patterns - 10 cattleman's cracks, 10 slow and fast figures 8, 10 volleys, 10 coachman's cracks and so on. Then change your hand so your muscles don't burn that much
It's already seen a few hours of sun each day (except the few rainy days last week), but I will continue as long as there are sunny days. I'll post some new pics when there is a noticeable difference.
That's a good idea, making a cracking routine might make it more fun. Need to take my other whips out so they don't get jealous, though.
Long time since I practiced with my left hand. There was a time when I was at about the same level with both and then I just focused on my right one. Need to pick up training the left again.
It's looking quite good! Seeing the progress of a whip aging like this must be a ton of fun! Also, I must say, I really like the look of that whip just in general. The way the thong carries the taper and the nice thin handle make it look like you grabbed it right off the screen- I don't know how to describe it in words, but I think with the aging plus how good it already looks, you'll have a super accurate looking whip.
Thank you very much, WNY Indy! how have you been? Hope you are doing well!
Yesss, it is a lot of fun to watch it age. I am also looking daily at my Raiders Professor bag, and it's also darkening a lot since I made it.
Anyway, the whip has also softened quite a lot, which I am really loving. I think it is the most rope-like leather whip I have ever had. But it still has some way to go.
When I see more progress on the aging I'll make an update, but I guess it will be a few more months til then, judging by the rate of aging so far.
Very glad to hear that, my friend! Thank you, I've also been doing well. I also have some new gear to show, but I have yet to take pictures.
Thank you, I am glad you like the whip, too. I am very excited to see where the aging takes it, though I am really liking the current shade of the roo hide.
how have you been? Hope you are doing well!
I am also looking daily at my Raiders Professor bag, and it's also darkening a lot since I made it.](./images/smilies/Indy_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}
