Holly Wood Whip Handles

[Kanga]

A friend of mine is a wonderful whip maker but he's never made a whip with a holly wood handle. I managed to source some holly wood for him but he's unsure if he should strip the bark off it. Does anyone know how they are made?

[awharness]

When Holly whips(carriage style) are made the wood is aged to dry for years. the bark is stripped off, I beleive some steam to straighten slightly, yew wood is also used, sell able to straighten, even knubbier. Willow is sometimes used as well as Bamboo. Not sure if I know of anyone who makes holly whips in the US though. I do have a contact in the UK that makes them. its a complete art in itself.

-Andrew

[DaveJohnson]

A friend of mine is a wonderful whip maker but he's never made a whip with a holly wood handle. I managed to source some holly wood for him but he's unsure if he should strip the bark off it. Does anyone know how they are made?

Hi Kanga

Round the corner from where we stay in France, there is a artisanal factory which still produces whips and quirts etc using Nettle Tree Wood (Micocoulier) - they split the logs, remove the bark and carve the three "prongs" into a conical shape before steaming them and twisting them - the twist is then allowed to dry and then the leather braing etc is added.

Not sure how good your French is, but here is the website and some pictures = http://pagesperso-orange.fr/catlesmicocouliers/

Good Luck

Dave

[Kanga]

thanks for your replies. Dave my French is non existant but I might have a look anyway. Andrew, does your friend in the UK have internet access, if so, is there any chance you could give me his email address so I could talk to him in a bit more detail?

thanks