Whip care
When new, whips, especially leather ones, can be relatively stiff. Over time, the material begins to flex, gradually becoming more supple until it reaches its limit. For a leather whip, this process can span several months, while for a paracord whip, it is measured in weeks, depending on your frequency of use.
For the stiffer whips, two schools of thought exist:
- Some advocate manipulating and folding each part of the whip at every angle to expedite the process.
- Others recommend letting time and natural wear take their course.
We do not provide specific recommendations on this matter. For our personal whips, we have chosen not to rush the process and allow natural wear to do its job. We fold it only once, after crafting, especially if it is waxed, to break the rigidity of the wax.
During use
When using your whip, be mindful of avoiding several detrimental actions:
- Do not use your whip against hard and abrasive surfaces such as concrete, trees, gravel, or sand. Opt for smooth and/or soft surfaces like parquet, a carpet, or grass.
- Avoid attempting to break sharp objects like glass or cans. In case of breakage, whip strands can be cut, leading to progressive unraveling.
- Refrain from wetting the whip, especially if it is leather. Paracord whips, waxed, are more waterproof. A damp whip poses the risk of water penetrating inside, promoting mold growth. In rainy conditions, avoid using a leather whip, but paracord whips should withstand better.
- Each whip has a unique direction of use based on its braiding pattern. It is easier to handle by unraveling it in the correct direction. You should normally feel this naturally; otherwise, it's not a problem.
- Regularly check the condition of your cracker .
How to Store
Here are some additional storage (and other) tips for your whip:
- When rolling it up, ensure to maintain its natural curvature.
- Store your whip vertically using the cracker or the pommel, for example, in a wardrobe. Storing the whip rolled up can lead to premature wear.
- Avoid leaving your whip exposed to extreme temperatures for an extended period. Do not leave it in your car under direct sunlight or outdoors in winter.
- Paracord whips can be rewaxed if you find the wax has completely worn off. Typically, this can be done once a year, depending on your usage frequency. Feel free to contact us if you want to wax your paracord whip!
- To clean your paracord whip, use a damp nail brush with a little soap. Do not immerse it in water, as the interior may mold. Don't forget to wipe it afterward with a cloth or paper towel and let it air dry completely.