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This
specific
example and
diagram details
the construction
methods we employ
for our Classic
American
Bullwhips, but all
of our whips are
made with very
similar techniques
- just ask us if
you have any
specific questions
about how your
whip will be
made. We
start with a solid
leather tapered
core covering the
steel handle spike
and extending down
into the thong of
the whip.
The first and
second braided
bellies, separated
by the first
bolster, also
cover the handle
spike and extend
well into the
thong, which helps
to strengthen the
transition from
handle to thong
(the place where
some older or not
so sturdily made
whips have a
tendency to break
down). Also
to reinforce the
transition area,
we tightly wrap
the second bolster
above and below
the transition
zone with
artifical
sinew.
The final layer of
braiding is the
overlay, braided
tightly around all
the layers of the
core including the
second
bolster.
Each step is
expertly cut by
hand, beveled by
hand, greased with
our special
braiding soap,
painstakingly
braided with the
utmost attention
to detail, and
then rolled to
better smooth,
compact, and round
each layer.
If needed, we add
just the right
amount of lead to
the butt of the
whip to balance
the thong, then
tie the decorative
turkshead knot
over that knot
foundation.
Finally, the
finished whip
receives a coat of
natural shellac
and a few test
cracks to assure
that it performs
up to the highest
standards of
MidWestWhips
products.
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For questions
or to order please email whipmaker@midwestwhips.com
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