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Frequently Asked Questions Si Davey’s Frequently asked Questions
Si Davey only recommends Mick Denigans tapes and DVDs. Mick is Australia's leading whip cracker. These 3 books were all written by Ron Edwards: and published by: Your whip will have a natural 'roll' to it from the plaiting process. When you put your whip away after use you should always coil it following the natural 'track' of the whip. Bending it in different directions will make it possible to break the back of the whip. After use simply coil your whip up loosely and place it in a cloth bag to hang up in a cool dry area. The stock whip is favoured in Australia. It is a whip in two parts, the stock, which is twenty inches, and the thong, which is traditionally six foot but may be longer. The keeper joins the two. (See this page.) The bull whip is preferred in America and is a single continuous whip with the stock built into the whip thong. The stock is traditionally ten inches long with the total length of the whip being six to eight feet, though much longer whips are also used. The snake whip is similar to the bull whip but has no stock. It is mostly used for self-defence or martial arts. 12 plait, 16 plait and 24 plait refers to the number of strands used to plait the outer whip. A 12 plait whip is considered to be the most rugged and highly suitable for beginners as well as for use in the working situation. A 16 plait whip will not take as much rough handling as the 12 plait as the strands are finer, but it will be faster, more accurate and crack louder. I practice with a 12 plait but do all my shows and target work with a 16 plait. The strands of a 24 plait whip are finer again and this makes for a much quicker and more flexible whip, but it will take a lot less rough handling. It is a really beautiful design due to the super fine plaiting. I would recommend either a 6 foot stock whip or an 8 foot bull whip. (No longer than 6 foot for children.) I would go for a 12 plait as it is more rugged and will withstand some rough handling - while you are learning how not to hit the ground! Single colour will be more economical, so why not learn with that and then upgrade later. Your whip doesn't require a great deal more than basic common sense practices to help it last a lifetime. Try not to leave it exposed to the weather day in day out without protecting it. A good hide food rubbed in every few months is all that is needed. These usually contain a lanolin waxy cream or a beeswax base. Apply it evenly and sparingly to your whip with a soft cloth changing cloth surface frequently. Leave it to dry and polish with a soft dry cloth. A good clean with saddle soap from time to time will also be of benefit. Mutton fat is also very good. DO NOT USE ANY OIL BASED PRODUCT, INCLUDING NEATS FOOT OIL, ON YOUR WHIPWhen your whip first arrives, give it a polish with a soft cloth.
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