Whips:uses and making your own

[foxhuntingkiddo]

Hi,
I was wondering what/if any the different uses are for wooden knob end hunt whips as opposed to those with antler handles etc. Are the knob ones only to be used as kennel whips or are they also fine for formal hunting? Has anyone made their own whip? Where did you find the supplies and know-how?

Thanks in advance,
FHK

[Ravencrest_Camp]

I have seen both out in the hunt field, carried by a Master no less. So I don’t think it matters what kind of handle you have on your whip.

My son has made a number of hunt whips. He has made them out of wood as well as from deer antlers. He just looked at my hunt whip and figured out how to do it.

Someone also told me that there are videos on how to make a hunt whip posted on YouTube.

[Beverley]

I tend to use one of my horn handled whips for mounted hunting, and the knob whip (actually, made for my older son by a friend, when he was a tyke and we lived in VA but hey, he hasn’t used it in years!) for walking out and foot hunting. But to be sure, have seen knob whips used by lots of veteran foxhunters in the field over the years.

If you want the most potential utility, the antler handle has many more uses in the hunt field. Either whip type can be used, say, to pony a horse or as a makeshift lead for a hound. But that antler is handy for getting gates and retrieving stuff that falls on the ground. Like caps/helmets, or gloves, yes I have fished one up that way. Would not work on a flask, though, so don’t anybody drop one.

I’ve never made my own, but have friends who do.

[Little_Valkyrie]

The knob end ones are also especially useful in controlling pony clubbers and unruly juniors… one quick thwack to the head and they are quiet and respectful.

[Ravencrest_Camp]

[QUOTE=Little Valkyrie;4285105]
The knob end ones are also especially useful in controlling pony clubbers and unruly juniors… one quick thwack to the head and they are quiet and respectful. ;)[/QUOTE]

I find that the sharp end of my antler handle works MUCH better. :lol:

[wateryglen]

anyone can make them…

if they have a fair woodshop. Mr. WG makes them. He just goes out walking and finds some branches he likes and then grinds/sands them to the shape. After staining/sanding there’s a final coat. Then he gets a local saddler/leather guy to make some whip ends. He ties them one with a thick thread & some glue and voila. He just made a couple for a small woman master who wanted some shortish ones for herself. All knob ends, hickory, cherry & an oak. Came out purty! He made one for himself but tied the leather whip end on with copper wire and it really looks nice and has held up to a coupla seasons of whipping in.
There’s several folks who make them and sell too. Eleanor Hartwell, who is the huntsman for Bridlespur Hunt in Missouri makes purty ones that are first class. Horse Country Saddlery here in Warrenton has some super nice applewood (I think they are)ones that are longish and nice. Thats where I got mine. I forget the wood that’s used most often in the ones you find in stores. Ash I think. Something about it has the best knobs!!!

[Painted_Wings]

Bartleville tack shop sells the leather ends to put on them.

I have two of the knob end ones made by Eleanor and one with antler.

I tend to use the antler one mounted and the knob end with the foot pack. I have a shorter thong on that one since I’m not on a horse.

The antler is handier for hooking things.

I think that either is proper in most hunts.

Reminds me that I need to find mine to take out as cubbing has started. Only had a knob end in the trailer last weekend.