Then I stretch and pare the strands:
Next I split the kangaroo strands so that they are the same thickness:
The picture below is of all the kangaroo strands that are ready to braid (except for plaiting soap).
At this point I’ve done a lot of work and probably put in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours of work and the the strands pretty much look like when the did when I first cut them out. In reality the strands in the first picture aren’t very straight. Then in the second picture they are straight, but the thickness is wavy. And the third picture’s strands are straight and of an even thickness.
Now for the core, it’s attached to a handle:
Then I attach the belly to the handle:
Finally it’s time to start some braiding! So I plait the inner belly:
After I plait that inner belly it gets rolled between two boards to smooth it out and make it round:
The bullwhip that has been rollled doesn’t look much different in pictures, but the texture of the bullwhip has changed (for the better!).
Now I add a bolster:
After the bolster I add the set for the second plaited belly:
Below is a good picture of the two bellies and the bolster between them:
I finish plaited the 2nd belly:
Then I roll it between two boards to smooth out this layer. It’s very important to roll every plaited layer or you will end up with a funny shaped whip.
After rolling the whip I add the final bolster:
When that bolster is attached I make the butt knot foundation:
Then I add the overlay and plait it. I consider attaching the fall part of plaiting the overlay.
Next I make the transition knot foundation a tie the transition knot:
Then I finish the butt knot and attach the 6 plait wrist loop:
Now I tie the butt knot:
Next I roll and shellac the bullwhip, and here’s the finished whip:
I didn’t go into depth into measurements or how I make the bolsters, fillers, etc because I’ve covered that here.
I hope you enjoyed seeing how a bullwhip is made.
Louie