🐍

Bullwhip Making with Nick and Adam Winrich

Jul 2, 2024

Bullwhip Making with Nick and Adam Winrich

Introduction

  • Hosts: Nick from Whip Shop & Adam Winrich
  • Focus: Building a nylon bullwhip with one belly

Tools and Materials

  • Forceps
  • Lighters
  • Scissors
  • Pliers
  • Measuring tape
  • Artificial sinew
  • Electrical tape
  • Hammer
  • Staples
  • Craft knife
  • 11-inch handle
  • Paracord

Process Overview

Core Preparation

  1. Handle: 11-inch handle, paracord loop for hanging and starting the braid.
  2. Core Strands: 6-foot whip, cutting five 3-foot core strands, doubled over.
  3. Binding: Use artificial sinew to bind the core strands over the handle.
  4. Adding Filler Strands: Add four filler strands at the end for tapering.
  5. Initial Binding: Lightly bind the filler strands for smooth transition.

Braiding the Belly

  1. Belly Strands: For 12-plat, cut six strands longer than needed (e.g., 14 feet).
  2. Strand Preparation: Remove the core from paracord strands.
  3. Braiding Start: Start with a 12-plat braid (under 3, over 3 pattern).
  4. Handle Braid: Braid tightly for the handle portion.
  5. Transition: Ease the tension off the handle, continue braiding neatly.
  6. First Strand Drop: Drop strands along the length to taper the whip, alternating drop techniques.

Overlay Braiding

  1. Overlay Strands: 16-plat braid, start with 8 strands doubled over to make 16.
  2. Initial Braid: Begin with a 16-plat, under 4 over 4 pattern.
  3. Handle Pattern: Incorporate handle patterns (e.g., single diamond, gaucho braid).
  4. Dropping Strands: Continue to drop strands to maintain taper, alternating drop techniques between front and back.

Transition to the Point

  1. Braiding Down: Reduce plat count, maintaining even taper.
  2. Final Sections: Continue braiding to transition into a 2-strand twist.
  3. Strand Management: Knot one of the strands left after each drop to prevent pulling out.
  4. Twisting: Once in final plat sections, transition to a twisted end.

Knot Tying

  1. Knot Foundation: Use paracord and electrical tape to build a knot foundation at the handle.
  2. Turks Head Knot: Tie a 4-byte, 5-part Turks head knot, secure by pulling tight.
  3. Spanish Ring Knot: Okay for the transition point, using Grant’s book for guidance.

Competion and Finishing Touches

  1. Fusing Strands: Cut and fuse strands neatly to secure ends.
  2. Waxing: Submerge whip in hot wax, remove, and allow to cool.
  3. Attaching a Cracker: Tie and twist poly string for whip's cracker.

Tips and Tricks

  • Tight Binding: Use feet for extra tension during the initial binding process.
  • Length Management: Cut strands longer to avoid issues, trim excess later.
  • Dropping Strands: Alternate between front and back drops to avoid lumps.
  • Handle Patterns: Use different braid patterns to add visual interest and structural integrity.
  • Wax Treatment: Ensure the wax penetrates properly for durability and flexibility.

Summary

  • Detailed and hands-on approach to bullwhip making from start to finish.
  • Each step is crucial for ensuring a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing whip.
  • Importance of practical tips and tricks to simplify the whip-making process.

Video Advice

  • Follow the step-by-step guide for optimal results.
  • Engage with detailed visuals for an in-depth understanding of the braiding techniques.
  • Use visual references for knots and binding procedures.

Full transcript