Customer Reviews

Whips and Whipmaking

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I met Mr. Morgan after owning this book. He is a person who knows what he is talking about, either in printed or first hand information. The general view on such a beautiful craft makes you be aware of the different circumstances which led to different styles and handling. It too, helps you learn much of the basic techniques, such as braiding, paring, cutting, making knots, dee belts and hat straps. You can't make a whip from this book (let's say a finely braided kangaroo whip), but, as he states, much of whipmaking is empyrical; you have to be open-minded and try everything you have at hand to improve your skill, always trying to keep up with excellent quality. Be sure to analyze and understand his formulas for the width of strands and diameter. This is, mostly, what will lead you to good shaped thongs (though balance and appearance, tightness in braiding will be gained gradually). For those who are fond of mathematics, try to see how trygonometry is related to it (I found it out, and helps quite a lot! This does not mean that only engineers can make them, but you understand and learn faster). I'd like to recommend another book, available through Amazon.com, also. It's "How to make whips" by Ron Edwards. Eventhough I own the Australian edition, Cornell Maritime Press has made a great job by editing it for America. Anyway, I think you should buy Morgan's book first, to understand, and appreciate this craft and this book (Edwards') on the right level. Remember, if you bought the latter first, be sure to get this one! One-of-a-kind for your leather library.

Mr. Morgan's book is excellent for those who want to learn a variety of skills in order to hone one's leather plaiting and learn the basics behind how a whip is made. However, it does not lead one with limited experience with whips on what leads directly to making one.

For that, Ron Edwards "How to Make Whips" is much better.

This book is a great collection of different whips of the world, how they differ from each other and how they are used. It is a good buy for that reason alone.

It has a section that roughly describes some common whip construction techniques, but that part is not very detailed. There are other better books for that.

THe book is more of a history of Whip Making. No useful step by step instructions on actually making whips. The history section is useful in understanding the various types.

Very good book. It revealed to me many things that I didn't know and set me straight on some misconceptions. This copy arrived in fine condition and I plan on reading it from beginning to end. The information in this book is great.

Now in its second edition, revised with additional information concerning whips made in the Mongol tradition and the evolution of whip design in general, Whips And Whipmaking is a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide and to the art of leather braiding to create whips for performance or sport use. Black-and-white photographs and an extensive discussion of the lore, history, and quirks of whips through the centuries make Whips And Whipmaking a one-of-a-kind, information packed resource.