Whip Terminology

• Belly

For whips that maintain a natural curve, the belly is the inside of that curve (see also Spine)

• Cracker

Also called a "popper" this is the piece of the whip that actually breaks the sound barrier. They can be made from a wide variety of materials. They wear out frequently and are easily replaced.

• Fall

Portion of the whip between the main thong and the cracker. This piece is attached to the thong with a "fall hitch", a knot with the intent that it can be replaced when necessary.

• Heel Knot

This is the knot at the end of the whip handle. It serves as a ??? to prevent the user from losing their grip on the whip.

• Plait/plaiting/plait count

Plait refers to the braiding pattern of the whip (pronounced like 'plate'). Plait count is the number of strands that are being used to create the whip. As most whips have a different number of strands at the heel vs the ??? when talking about plait count the highest number is usually refenced. A higher plait count will usually mean a smoother flowing whip.

• Spine

For whips that maintain a natural curve, the spine is the outside of that curve (see also Belly)

• Thong

The main braided part of the whip

• Transition Knot

This knot is purely decorative, and is used by some whip makers as a way of covering up the change in plaiting patterns between the handle and the thong.