Branding Your Nylon Paracord Whips

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Nick, a skilled whip maker, shares his journey of crafting and branding nylon bullwhips. He discusses the challenges of stamping his logo on the whips and the personal touch he adds to each one. Nick also tells the inspiring story of a 90-year-old customer returning to whip-cracking, proving that it's never too late to pursue your passions. Viewers get a step-by-step look at the meticulous process behind creating a high-quality whip, from branding to knotting and finishing touches, along with valuable insights into Nick's dedication to his craft.

Takeaways

• 😀 The whip being made is a special commission for a 90-year-old man in Michigan, who was inspired by the creator's videos and wanted to return to whip cracking after many years.
• 😀 Nick shares his personal journey and the challenges he faces in his daily life, drawing inspiration from the 90-year-old customer’s determination to get back into whip cracking.
• 😀 Nick explains the importance of branding for craftsmen, particularly when working with nylon bullwhips where it's difficult to imprint logos compared to leather whips.
• 😀 Initially, Nick used a crude method of branding with a heated screwdriver to engrave his initials (NWS) into wooden handles, but he later upgraded to a typewriter for more precision.
• 😀 Nick transitioned to using aluminum stamping blanks and a custom punch with his logo to brand his whips, making the process easier and more professional.
• 😀 In addition to the obvious branding, Nick emphasizes the importance of creating a hidden, personal marking that only the maker can identify to protect the authenticity of the whip.
• 😀 Nick demonstrates how to brand a whip using his custom punch and aluminum stamping blanks, showcasing the process of aligning the stamp and applying pressure with a hammer.
• 😀 He discusses how branding can help identify a whip as a piece of his work and protect it from potential counterfeit claims, providing peace of mind for both creator and customer.
• 😀 The whip is further personalized with a stamped whip number and a Turk's Head knot, which Nick ties as part of the final finishing process, using both red and black parachute cord.
• 😀 Nick highlights the role of perseverance and learning in his craft, demonstrating how small improvements and consistent practice lead to higher quality work and customer satisfaction.

Q & A

Why is the 90-year-old customer, Bob, so significant to the whip maker?

Bob, the 90-year-old customer, is significant because his story is inspiring. He had a poorly made leather whip when he was young, and decades later, he reached out to the whip maker, Nick, after discovering his videos online. Bob is getting back into whip cracking at the age of 90, which serves as a powerful inspiration to others, especially those who hesitate to try new things due to age or other limitations.

What makes Nick's nylon bullwhip special compared to his previous whips?

The special aspect of Nick's nylon bullwhip lies not in its construction but in the story behind the order. It is being created for Bob, who has a deep personal connection to whips and is getting back into whip cracking in his 90s, which makes this whip particularly meaningful.

What is the importance of branding a whip according to Nick?

Branding a whip is important for both artistic and practical reasons. It allows the craftsman to sign their work, providing a sense of satisfaction and recognition. Additionally, branding serves as a form of protection against counterfeit or misattributed works, ensuring that the creator's identity is preserved.

How does Nick brand his whips made of nylon?

Nick brands his nylon whips by using a 1-inch aluminum stamping blank and a custom-made stamp with his logo. He uses this stamp to imprint his logo or initials onto the whip's heel, ensuring the branding is both visible and permanent.

What challenges did Nick face when branding nylon whips?

Nick initially struggled with branding nylon whips because, unlike leather, nylon doesn't easily accept traditional branding methods. He also faced challenges with finding a suitable location on the whip for branding. This led him to develop a method involving aluminum stamping blanks and a custom stamp.

What materials and tools does Nick use for branding the whips?

Nick uses 1-inch, 20-gauge aluminum stamping blanks, a custom-made punch with his logo, and a set of numbered punches for the whip number. He also uses a hard surface (such as an anvil) and a hammer to apply the stamp. Additionally, a rasp is used to scuff the surface of the heel to ensure a strong bond with the adhesive.

How does Nick ensure the branding stamp is aligned correctly on the whip?

Nick ensures the branding stamp is aligned correctly by carefully positioning the aluminum blank in the center of the heel and giving it a controlled tap with a hammer. He emphasizes that there is a learning curve to determining the right pressure and positioning.

What additional technique does Nick use to secure the branding on the whip?

In addition to the branding stamp, Nick uses CA super glue to attach the aluminum branding disc to the whip's heel, ensuring that it stays in place. He then ties a knot over the disc, further securing it and ensuring the branding won't move or spin.

What is the Turks head knot and why does Nick choose to use it?

The Turks head knot is a decorative knot used to finish the whip handle. Nick chooses it because of its aesthetic appeal, particularly the lightning zigzag pattern it creates when tied with contrasting colored cords. The knot also serves a functional purpose, securing the branding disc while adding visual interest.

How does Nick finish the whip after the branding and knotting process?

After completing the branding and knotting process, Nick waxes the whip to lock everything into place. The waxing process tightens the knots and ensures that the final shape of the whip, including the decorative knots and branding, is permanent.