Roohide Stockwhips
Roohide whips are the Rolls Royce of the whip world,
crafted from quality graded kangaroo leather. Using strong dense kangaroo
hide allows the whip maker to produce the fine plaits for which the
Australian roohide whip is renowned. Roohide is said to be one of the
strongest leathers in the world.
Quality roohide whips use a plaited whip as a core,
to aid in strength and balance of the finished product. For example, a
12-plait whip may have a 6-plait core, and a 16-plait whip may have an
8-plait core.
The quality of roohide means that the roohide whip
will not stand up to as much abuse as a whip made from cowhide. For
example, the roohide whip will not handle being cracked on the ground, on
fences or against trees.
These whips are all specially balanced and can be
made to any length. The most popular lengths are between 6 to 7 feet
for adults. Smaller sizes may be more suitable for children (for example 3
to 4 feet long).
Plait types range from 8-plait to 12-plait and
16-plait.
Ironbark Stockwhips are made by a craftsman whose
main focus is to produce a quality whip which will be able to last a
lifetime.
Handles
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Usually made of cane with a plaited hand grip.
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Handles usually range from 16 to 21 inches long,
with a thong from 6 to 10 feet long, and a fall from 2 to 3 feet long.
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At the end of the handle, and of the thong, are
keepers, which form a connection between the handle and the thong.
Thongs
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Usually taper down from the keeper, which is the
join between the handle and the thong.
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The length of the thong is the length of the
advertised whip. The handle and fall lengths are not included in this
measurement. For example, a 6 ft. roohide whip has a 6 ft. long thong.
The Fall
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This is a strip of leather attached to the end of
the thong. It is usually made from redhide, which remains oiled and
therefore lasts longer than some other leathers.
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They are designed to take the brunt of whip use, as
they are more easily replaced than a plaited section of the whip thong.
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The fall can be easily replaced when it is worn out.
The Cracker
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The noise made by a cracked whip is created by the
cracker breaking the sound barrier. Historically, crackers were made from
silk or horsehair but, these days, synthetic fibres are normally used.
Useful tips on how to care for your whip
Redhide Stockwhips
It is one of the leathers used most commonly to
create the basic stockwhip.
Redhide whips have a belly, which helps add weight
and density to the finished product. These characteristics help the whip
crack well.
