Whips by Ian Hanke

Hello all. I picked up a new leather dressing today; I’m excited to see how it’s going to work as a plaiting soap and leather dressing. I’ll keep you posted. I’ve been wanting to start a 6 foot target whip soon.

Happy New Year’s Eve. This is my last post for 2018. I’ve enjoyed the few projects I’ve worked on this year. I can see how I have come along on some skills this year. The following pics are from my last whip. An 8 foot 12 plait bullwhip with two tone knots. I put a lot of thought into the core of this whip taking the thickness down 3mm from my usual handle thickness and also worked the core length to get a nice balance to the whip. Doing a two tone pineapple knot makes weaving the knot much easier and it was the first time I didn’t have to refer to my notes or videos. Really liking it. Goals for 2019 is to start selling my whips online. Happy New Year everyone!

Post 6: after bolsters and 12 plait completed, the whip ended up a foot longer than I wanted; and way too thick at the end. I am very happy with the handle transition; thickness went very well. It cracks alright but I’d like it thinner at the end. Huge improvement from the first, but the first still cracks a dream. I may put the knots on, still feeling a bit disappointed.

Post 5: layering up bolsters. The trick is to finish up with the last bolster being as thick as the handle.

Post 4: handle tapered and thong glued and screwed in place. Next are tapering bolsters and a final 12 plait.

Post 3: Ron Edwards building method update. Plaited around a 4mm core to finish up with an 8 foot core of the whip. Next step is layering 3 bolsters that creates the taper and gives strength to the thong. The calf hide went well today, no snapping, but I really love working in k-hide. Shame kangaroos aren’t the sizes of cows.