All Hand Made
My whips are truly hand made. I don't use any pre-cut lace or pre-turned handles. Every strand is hand cut from first grade Kangaroo or side of Indian Tan, then stretched and split for an even and consistent thickness. The strands are stretched, trimmed , beveled, and dyed, all by hand before braiding. For my wood handle whips I use only exotic hardwoods, turned to your specifications. The leather is attached to the wooden handle in an elaborate attachment system so that each layer moves a little farther up onto the wood creating a secure and solid transition.
A little about Indian Tan Latigo
Known for its "yellow center" Indian tan is the strongest and most dense grained latigo there is. This tannage condenses the hide fiber and is recommended where exceptionally tough and durable leather is required. Its tensile strength rivals that of kangaroo hide and is considered to be one of the strongest of all leathers.
Some recommendations to help you care for your whip...
- Never get your whip wet.
- Never use light oils like neat's-foot, tallow or mink oils to dress it. light oils like this will sooner or later weaken and break down the leather.
- Don't use it on rough surfaces like pavement or concrete.
- Don't practice wrapping on trees.
- Don't crack it against the ground or hit any hard surface or use excessive force when throwing.
- Don't use the whip without a cracker.
- Don't store your whip in direct sunlight, or in your car.
Keep your fall well greased. Find, and use a good beeswax dressing. (Google Leather Dressing and you'll find a good one.) Dress your whip if it gets wet. (Let it dry completely first.) If you dress the whip when it's still wet you could lock in the water and the leather will decay.
Dress your whip if it gets or too dry or scuffed up. Keep an eye out for, and untie knots in the fall and cracker.
Most of this stuff is common sense, But you'd be amazed at what some folks will do to their whips. Basically all you need to do is; if it starts to look beat-up or dried out give it some dressing and let it set overnight before using it again. If it gets wet let it dry then dress it.
Like any of your tools, if you take care of it, It'll take care of you.
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