Three-Footer in Progress

I thought I share some pics of my progress as I build a Pocket Rattler (three foot snakewhip).  Lord willing this one will be black and yellow.  I start by loading the core with beaded chain...

I then wrap all the strands in vinyl tape (i.e. electrical tape) and form the loop that I'll hang it from for plaiting.  This is the "core" of the whip, it has two strands of chain loaded paracord and two strands of paracord with the nylon core still in place...

I then cut the strands for plaiting the 8-plait belly (by the way, I remove the inner strands for the plaiting)...

And then the plaiting begins...

After I finish plaiting the belly I reinforce the "handle" area with a bit of artificial sinew.  This reinforcement adds a bit of spring to the whip.

Well that's as far as I am at the moment.  I may get to plaiting the overlay later on today.  I have not sold this one yet.  If you are interested in purchasing this whip you can contact me through my website http://www.happycracking.com/, mention this blog and I'll sell it for $69 shipped (that's $60 for the whip and $9 for shipping).  If I don't have it sold by the time I finish I'll list it on ebay shortly there after.  Also, I'll try to post more of the progress as I get-a-plaiting.

Have fun and happy cracking,

Ryan

Playing with more interesting picture taking

Here are a few shots of the bullwhip mentioned in my last post.  I thought I'd try to do something a bit more interesting than have a whip merely lying on the floor or held in my hand.

(I posted this one on my website http://www.happycracking.com/)

The gun is my .45 Colt Ruger Vaquero.  It's a lot of fun to shoot and can really pack a whallop with the right ammo.  I'm gonna try to get some more creative shots in the future.  We'll see what happens.

Take care and happy cracking,

Ryan

Black & Gray Bullwhip and Snakewhip

Well I've been pretty distracted lately from making whips.  I just finished a couple of matching whips.  A black and gray snake and bull. 

I personally really like these little three foot snakewhips (Pocket Rattlers).  I take mine with me a lot of places I go.  I typically have it in the bag I take to work (one never knows when one will want to blow off and little steam and do a bit of cracking).  I know my wife thinks I'm crazy but I even usually take it with me when we go for walks.  It's fun to crack around with, although she prefers to be at a safe distance. 

I think what I like about these Pocket Rattlers is their small size and fast cracking ability.  I can simply roll it up and put it in just about any pocket.  And then they are just fun to crack - easy multiple cracks and quick flick-of-the-wrist "towel" cracks.

NEW WEB SITE!!!

It's still a bit of a work in progress but come check out my new website at http://www.happycracking.com/

Have fun and happy cracking,

-Ryan

Bullwhip cracking

Here's a short video of me cracking one of my six foot paracord bullwhips.



Happy cracking,

Ryan

Snakewhip Cracking

I just finished making a video of me cracking one of my three foot snakewhips.  I wanted to demonstrate a bit of what it can look like in action.  I hope you enjoy it, or at least find it informative.



Also, here are a couple of pics of my daughter cracking the snakewhip...

Happy cracking,

Ryan

6 Foot Bullwhip Plaiting

I am working on a blue & black 6 foot bullwhip.  It is built like most of my snakewhips (core, bolster, belly, reinforcement, overlay) except, of course, it has a rigid handle.  Right now I'm plaiting the twelve plait overlay.  Here's a pic...

If you're interested here's how I secure my whips while plaiting them.

I clamp it to a post in my house using an Irwin Quick-Grip.  Not very sexy, but hey it works.  I'll try to add more later.  Check out my previous post for more general information about my whips.

Happy cracking,

Ryan

The SnakeWhip

Snakewhips are like bullwhips except they lack the stiff handle. In other words, they are flexible all the way to the butt knot. A snakewhip is measured from the butt to the end of the plaited (braided) portion.

I specialize in 12-plait, three-foot snakewhips made from nylon paracord - The Pocket Rattler.  Generally this whip's total length is around five and a half feet long when you include the fall and the cracker.

These are real, true working whips.  They crack loudly and easily (that is once you learn how to crack a whip).  Below is a customer of mine using a Pocket Rattler when he was first learning how to crack a whip.

 

The Pocket Rattler can be purchased for $61 (plus $9 shipping).  You can choose either one or two colors in the pattern shown.  I currently have black, blue, orange, red, brown, and tan.  Contact me for more information or to order a whip.

I also make mini snakewhips, The Snapdragon.  These little guys are great to stick in a pocket and tote around with you.  They are constructed differently from the Pocket Rattlers in that they have only the core, the bolster, and the eight plait overlay.  They do not have a middle plaited layer.  This is due to their small size; around twenty-two inches for the thong and an overall length of thirty-nine inches with the fall and cracker.

I sell the Snapdragons for $44.  I have been asked if they crack and they do, although with a bit more of a flick of the wrist than the Pocket Rattlers.

Frequently Asked Questions (about the Pocket Rattler):

What are the parts of your whips?  The Pocket Rattler has a turk's head butt knot, around a three foot thong, around a two foot fall, and a cracker.

How are your whips constructed?  Each whip starts with a weighted paracord core which is then covered by a vinyl bolster.  The core and bolster are then covered by an eight plait paracord belly.  The belly is then reinforced in the "handle" area with a bit of artificial sinew.  Finally the whip is finished with a twelve plait paracord overlay.

How long does it take to get a whip?  Most whip are made by special order.  When I pre-make them I list them on ebay (just do a search for nylon snakewhip).  Depending on how many orders I presently have I should be able to get your whip out within three weeks.

How do I pay for a whip?  I prefer Paypal.  This makes it safer for both you and me.  Simply email me with your order and I'll send you an invoice.

Why nylon?  Paracord is a very sturdy material and unlike leather it does not mildew or rot which allows nylon whips to be used in all types of weather.  Nylon whips are very low maintenance.

Can you make ...?  Maybe.  Just ask, and we'll see what we can do.

Can you ship to...?  If you can receive mail I should be able to ship there.  I have shipped all over the U.S. and to many other countries.

PLEASE NOTE: I have just begun working on this blog site.  It is still under construction and will have more information soon.

(Black Pocket Rattler)

(Three Snapdragons)

**WHIP CRACKING CAN BE DANGEROUS - WEARING SAFETY GLASSES AND A WIDE BRIMMED HAT IS RECOMMENDED WHEN USING ANY WHIP**