Whip Terminology

Belly (whip making)

In whip making, a belly is a plaited layer inside the whip that helps create the tapered shape of the whip. Most whips will have at least one belly, with some larger, heavier whips having two or three.

Belly (whip cracking)

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

Core

The core is the center of the whip. For a leather bullwhip it is a triangular-shaped piece of leather that extends off the handle foundation. For a Nylon whip the core may be a larger diameter piece of paracord that may be gutted and filled with BBs, lead shot, or beaded chain. Alternatively, it may be several pieces of un-gutted paracord of varying lengths bundled together to form a taper.

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.

Fancy Plaiting

Fancy plaiting refers to the art of creating images, letters, or geometric patterns in the braiding of the whip. Usually this kind of work is limited to the handle, but some whip makers will incorporate fancy plaiting into the thong as well.

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.

Lash

See "cracker"

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.

Popper

See "cracker"

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

For a bullwhip this is the area immediately after the sold core of the handle where the whip now becomes flexible.

Transition Knot

This knot is purely decorative. It sits at the point between the handle and the thong (the transition). It is used by some whip makers as a way of hiding the change in plaiting patterns between the handle and the thong.