Warwick Whips provides high quality, hand crafted stock whips for every day use – together with a range of other leather goods, and a repair service.
THE CRAFTSMAN:
David
David is a tradesman with a trade qualification in boilermaking. However, skilled in both woodwork and ironwork, and with a love of handmade Australian items, David was looking for something to add to his skills and saw a couple of blokes plaiting at a local show and one offered to teach him the craft.
In addition to stock whips, David makes hat bands, jewellery, belts, hobble belts, and pocket knife pouches.
OUR PRODUCTS:
All of our products are made from the finest quality locally-sourced hides. Whips can be made from roo hide or red hide. Coloured hides are also available.
Please note that with roo hide products, an Australian Government export charge applies in addition to normal postage and handling. Please contact us to discuss further if required.
BULL WHIPS -v- STOCK WHIPS:
Some customers have asked us about bull whips. We can make bull whips which differ from stock whips primarily in that a bull whip has a shorter handle and the thong of the whip begins on the handle itself, whereas in a stock whip there is a keeper between the handle and thong of the whip.
Whilst both whips function the same, this difference in design means a difference in the complexity of repair. For example, if you damage the handle of a stock whip it can be simply removed and replaced without touching the thong of the whip. If you damage the handle of a bull whip however, the whip has to be unplaited, the broken handle replaced and then the whip replaited. If this is not done carefully it could affect the whip’s performance (ie the balance of the whip).
In addition, because there is no keeper in a bull whip, a stress point is created where the thong of the whip meets the handle. This means there is greater likelihood of a bull whip requiring repair as the thong wears out at this point.
Length of a stock whip is measured without taking into account the handle, keeper, fall or cracker – ie a 6 foot stock whip means 6 foot of thong. A bull whip on the other hand is measured from the butt of the handle to the end of the thong. So a stock whip gives you more whip for your money.
There is no difference between the two with regards to say weight, or ease of cracking.
Stock whips have tended to be favoured by Australian stockmen – probably because their design made them easier to repair quickly while out working cattle.