Hello, I think I want to try making my own, custom whip. I have access to a family member’s farm where wild bamboo grows, and years ago I made some in-hand whips for schooling youngsters before work undersaddle. So…my only questions is where can I get the nylon threading if I’d like to cover my new whip (and make an appropriate length lash)? I like the look of a dark and finished whip vs. the natural or varnished look. Does anyone have suggestions for a source for the woven tubular cover material?? Thanks in advance!
No idea where the thread covers would be available. I think they may be woven on the sticks during manufacture. Certainly antique machinery needed for that job.
Historically the bamboo whip stock was available, kind of a holly whip substitute. Some smoothing, sanding down the joints, could give it a nice look. You might like to experiment with stain or color to get the dark look you want. Fishing pole makers might have the special ends, ferrules, to cap the handle end. Lot of folks trying their hands at making their own or custom fishing poles, both the cane and casting rods. Maybe a search would turn up some suppliers on-line.
We use parachute cord for the lash length on our whips. Both light, easily available, and pretty cheap. Husband is fussy about his whips, length of lash to have on them. You could just thread wrap and glue on the lash at the top of the stick. He does not care for the spotted cord found on some whips. Though the spotted stuff is traditional, he finds it VERY heavy on the end of the stick, hard to throw with any length of lash, as needed for Multiples of horses. Other folks just love the heavier cord on their whips.
The colored, braided whip lash ends, are commonly available in a number of places. Our local tack store has them in different lengths, 6" to almost 2ft. Maybe a harness shop would get them for you. Standardbred racing supplier might carry them. Made to be replaced easily, saving the more expensive, long lash from wearing out when cracked.
I just read about some folks repairing their very old whips, using braided leather lacing for the lashes. Did the braiding themselves after they got the lace from Tandy Leather company. Then discussed if white, brown or black lash was more traditional. Those leather lashes might have goose-quills to make the bow (gentle curved bend in lash at top of stick) and would need a whip reel for correct storage.
There are some books out on Whipmaking, other books with sections on Whips, that could give you information, details to construction.
Sounds like a fun project!
[QUOTE=goodhors;4394631]
Historically the bamboo whip stock was available, kind of a holly whip substitute. Some smoothing, sanding down the joints, could give it a nice look. You might like to experiment with stain or color to get the dark look you want. Fishing pole makers might have the special ends, ferrules, to cap the handle end. Lot of folks trying their hands at making their own or custom fishing poles, both the cane and casting rods. Maybe a search would turn up some suppliers on-line.[/QUOTE]
not that I know anything about whips, but my first thought was to suggest speaking to custom bamboo fly rod craftsmen, a quick google turned up this place that offers classes. I don’t know this group personally, but fly-rodders are generally happy to give out advice:
http://www.oysterbamboo.com/bamboo-fly-rods.html
Thanks buck22 and goodhors! I will pursue your suggestions. You never realize how hard it is to obtain these odds and ends until you try it yourself!!
I’ve a few books on whip making:
The encyclopaedia of rawhide and leather braiding - Bruce Grant
How to make Whips - Ron Edwards
Whip Making - and I can’t remember who that’s by and it’s down the yard in my workshop but I can find out if you’re interested.
I’ve never had a bamboo or cane whip (though I’ve got an old hardy cane fishing rod).
I do however have quite a collection of old holly whips and have attempted my own repairs… it’s not easy and you need dexterity and patience!
Thanks Thomas1. I will look into these books. I’m very picky about driving whips and in-hand whips and figured I’d rather make my own (and some folks want me to make some for them too). I use just the plain, varnished bamboo whips when working at home, but want to make more of a finished looking whip for shows, etc. I can buy all the ready-made whips I want, but gathering the parts to make one is going to be interesting!
