Learn: Whipmaking (and Other) Techniques and Resources
Guides and techniques for whipmaking, links to videos, makers and other resources.
From me
- HOWTO: Make a Turkshead Jig (Mandrel)I really admire whipmakers who can just directly make a Turkshead or other heel or transition knot directly on a whip. I require a mandrel / jig.
- HOWTO: Make a Paracord Spool RackI needed a way to store and organize my growing collection of 1000' paracord spools that I use in whipmaking.
- ScarletWench (Scarlet Wench Whips) on YouTube ↗I post first crack shorts, silly random stuff, and some longer form tutorials.
Whipmakers I recommend
- In the past I got taken by a scammer who talked a good game and appeared legit but took my money and never delivered the whip. Due to that bad experience I will only post from whipmakers that have a good reputation for quality and honesty. I will explicitly note if I have personally ordered from the maker.
- Alyssum Iris ↗Alyssum Iris is an acquaintance of mine and has recently taken her whip making business full time. I can personally attest to the quality of her workmanship and to the fact that she delivers. Her schedule for custom work is a couple months out. She works in both leather and paracord, though her site focuses more on the leather side as this appears to be a strong focus going forward.
- Nick's Whip Shop ↗I have not ordered from him personally, but his tutorials are some of the longest running ones on YouTube and multiple other whip makers have cited him as a reference / inspiration. My recommendation is based on his reputation. He concentrates on nylon (Paracord) whips.
- X1 Whips (Christopher Wright) ↗Christopher Wright (X1 Whips) is a newer whipmaker but he's got a lot of skill and his customers include many well known whip performers.
YouTube: whipmaking and knots
- Nick's Whip Shop (YouTube) ↗Nick S has been making whips for over a decade - his tutorials have inspired many whip makers, myself included. He's the "Bob Ross of whipmaking".
- Caliber Whips ↗Caliber Whips has content going back years. He's paused his whipmaking business and does not post much to his channel these days as he's focusing on pursuing his engineering degree, but his tutorials are really helpful. I was especially helped when he showed his mandrel / jig for tying turks head knots - I used the idea to make my own, and it super helped.
- Canada Whips ↗I've found some good tutorials here on cracking and making whips.
- Matt's Whip Shop ↗Really appreciated his "quiet popper".
- Paracord Guild ↗Finishing knots.
Whip cracking and performers
- Jacques Ze Whipper (YouTube) ↗One of the most entertaining entirely-whip-focused performers out there. He is an incredible showman, but also has serious whip skill.
- Jacques Ze Whipper ↗Truly one of the most popular whip performers on the circuit these days. Check his site for 2027 dates.
- Aaron Bonk ↗If he didn't create whip juggling, he has certainly elevated it to perfection.
- Adam Winrich ↗27 Guinness Records - truly talented whip cracker (and other western arts).
- Tiny Girl, Big Show (Leah Orleans) ↗Leah does a bit of a side-show type experience which often includes whip cracking, and always includes comedy and cuteness.
- Paolo Garbanzo ↗Paolo is mainly a juggler / jester, but he's been incorporating whip work in his shows - especially when he's sharing a stage with Jack.
Clubs and meetups
Related: faires and the SCA
- Virginia Renaissance Faire ↗This event runs 5 weeks from Mid May through second weekend of June. Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania, Virginia
- King Richard's Faire ↗Held in Carver, MA, this Renaissance Faire runs from Late August through mid-late October.
- Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire ↗Located in Manheim, PA runs Mid August to Late October. Saturdays & Sundays
- AEthelmearc War Practice (A.K.A. "Pennsic Light") ↗This event takes place at Cooper's Lake Campground - the same location as Pennsic War. War Practice happens in May and many Pennsic groups (and staff) attend to have a look at their land and to enjoy a smaller more laid back event on the same site as Pennsic.
- Market day at Birka ↗This is the largest "Shopping event" in the SCA outside of Pennsic. It takes place in January in Manchester, NH.
Related: garb and corsetry
- I do Renn faires and Medieval reenactment, so I have a lot of specific shops I like. Corsetry gets a mention here too, as I own quite a few corsets and have a lot to say on the subject.
- Moresca ↗Moresca is a vendor I see at Pennsic and renn faires. I own a lot of their clothing.
- Q Heart 3 ↗This is an amazing garb and hat maker - Find them at MD Renn Faire from late August through mid October
- Bullseye ClothingThey don't appear to have a Web site. Find them At MDRF
- Unicorn Clothing ↗A really great source of affordable off the shelf garb.
- Sultry Treasures ↗I don't believe they have a web site but if you find them at Pennsic or Renn faires they're a great vendor
- Bard and Broad ↗Found these folks at Pennsic a few years ago - really good vendor.
- Potomac Leather Company ↗They make exceptional leather corsets but their web store doesn't really show them - see them at Maryland Renaissance Festival; August thru October
- Timeless Trends ↗They have superb quality of materials and workmanship. Also, their customer service really took care of me when there was an issue in my order (My fault). HIGHLY recommended.
Related: footwear, tools and crafts
- When I work Renn faire, I walk from 5 to 10 miles a day. If you don't take care of your feet, you won't be selling roses very long.
- Son of Sandlar ↗I've owned my favorite pair of Sandlars since 1996. They look nearly as good as the day I bought them but have formed to fit me super well.
- Medieval Moccasins ↗Really high quality open toe shoes for that hotter weather. Well made with very sturdy soles.
- Grainger ↗Industrial and commercial supplies. I've found parts to repair my heating system here.
- Knit Picks ↗Site for yarn and fiber crafts