Author Archives: DesertMinx

Kangaroo Leather Riding Crop!

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Kangaroo leather riding crop in brandy and whiskey handle detail

Available now for $135. If you’re interested, simply send me an email at desert.minx@mojaveoutliers.com, or click the link below!

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Up next for January 2016, this is a 24″ (26″ including the keeper/slapper) riding crop. The fiberglass shaft is 12 plaited in brandy and whiskey kangaroo leather, and the handle is 12 plaited in black kangaroo leather, finished with delicate black pineapple knots and a small loop for hanging.

Riding Crop 24 (26) Brandy Whiskey Kangaroo Leather Slapper Detail

The keyhole slapper is black top grain cowhide, and is hand bound in tradition fashion using black nylon thread. The action on this crop is “slow,” meaning that it is flexible for the whole length of the crop, so the crop is whippy without being floppy (a “fast” crop, by way of contrast, would be flexible only at the tip, or upper 1/3, of the shaft).

Kangaroo leather riding crop in brandy and whiskey full

Available now for $135. If you’re interested, simply send me an email at desert.minx@mojaveoutliers.com, or click the link below!

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(SOLD!) Budget Boudoir Mini Pocket Snake Whip!

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All Whiskey Mini Pocket Snake Whip

(SOLD!) Up next for spec for January 2016, this is a Budget Boudoir mini pocket snake whip. It’s 3ft long at 12 plait in all whiskey kangaroo leather, shot loaded, with a 24″ tapered latigo fall and orange nylon cracker. The handle area is plaited in diamond and short herringbone pattern and finished with a pineapple heel knot. This lovely confection can be yours for $180, plus shipping! Simply send me an email at desert.minx@mojaveoutliers.com!

A few more pics!

All Whiskey BB Mini Pocket Snake

Handle Detail

Fall Knots

Spiral Plaiting for Kangaroo Leather Whips–What Is It?

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24 strand split strand method spiral

“What is spiral plaiting or fancy plaiting?” I get this question a lot, naturally, so I thought I’d do a quick write up offering an explanation with some photos as examples.

First, in whip making there are generally speaking two ways to get the leather strands wrapped around the thong. One is the “alternate strand” method, which is the most commonly used, and involves simply pulling one strand at a time (or sometimes more than one) over the thong, alternating sides as you go. Pretty straight forward, quick and relatively low hassle if you know what you’re doing. Here’s an example of alternate strand plaiting, at 24 plait (that is to say, 24 strands), with an alternating chevron pattern.

5ft 24 plait Mountain Sierra King Snake whip

This is an example of a whip plaited using the alternating strand method, at 24 strands.

Spiral plaiting, on the other hand, involves wrapping half the strands around the thong, tight as you possibly can, and then using Perma Lok needles to interweave the other half of the strands through the spiraled strands, usually using a pre-designed pattern. Below is an example of a whip that was spiral plaited.

3.5ft 24 plait black and purple hybrid signal whip

Example of a 24 strand spiral plaited whip…

Spiral plaiting is fairly straight forward in concept, of course, but in execution it can be quite fiddly and time consuming, and too it often entails a bit of pre-plaiting design work to get a pattern that will then be plaited onto the whip. The point of doing it is that it gives you a great deal more versatility in terms of design compared to alternate strand plaiting.

If you have more questions regarding spiral plaiting, of course send me an email.

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Creosote Canes Winter 2015

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For the Love of Canes graphic

UPDATE January 6, 2016: all the cane orders for this winter’s round have shipped as of December 29, 2015. Just about everyone should have received their canes by now (if you haven’t, of course please let me know). Naturally if you have questions or comments, sing out, and we always love to hear how folks have finished their canes!

It’s that time of year again (granted this is only the second year in a row)! Mojave Outliers Whipmakers plans to be in the Mojave Desert over the Christmas holidays, which means we’ll be harvesting another batch of creosote canes.

Dried Creosote Pod

This is a dried pod on a creosote bush, which grow native to the Mojave Desert

“So what?” you ask. An excellent question. For those of you who DON’T have any questions and just want to order, it’s 5 (five) 35″ raw canes, diameters range from 1/4″ to 3/4″ at the handle end, for $12.75 plus shipping. Just shoot me an email saying you’d like an order of creosote canes, at (copy and paste):

desert.minx@mojaveoutliers.com

To answer the insouciantely posed “So what?” question, please continue below! 😉

Mojave Outliers Whipmakers Creosote Bush JTNP 1

THIS! Is a creosote bush. They grow wild and ubiquitously all over the Mojave Desert. As you can see, they grow very nice canes, with fascinating curves and twists, which in the right evil minded hands can be used to excellent advantage!

Mojave Outliers Whipmakers Creosote Cane Harvest

The wood is very very dense due to the arid climate, and so these things make a WICKED caning implement. The canes can grow as large as an inch in diameter, although ½ inch or less is more common. I personally prefer a cane in the ½ inch range at the handle end, and tapered over about 30” in length, although 35” will give you a bit more flex and/or room to trim. The bark on these is very thin, so we often simply sand them down after trimming the twig abscission zones with a (very!) sharp knife or razor blade, but you can peel them first, too, if you like. Last year I had clients using a Dremel tool!

Creosote Canes Example

This is an example of what one of my clients did last year with their creosote canes.

Please note, creosote bushes are NOT what is used to create creosote such as is often used as a wood preservative (i.e., for railroad ties or telephone poles). That stuff is made by distilling the tar that results from burning coal (i.e., coal tar) or other (originally) plant materials. Creosote bushes do have a faint odor, but it’s more like that fresh ozone smell of a summer rain shower. Too, once the canes dry a bit, you can’t really smell it at all. Here’s a creosote bush blossom after a damp spell in the Mojave last Christmas.

Creosote Blossom

Now, ALL we’re offering to do is cut the canes, trim the obvious bits, then stuff them in a box and ship them via USPS standard post. So this is a DIY kinda thing, and it will be entirely up to you to trim, peel and sand them as you see fit, maybe apply a finish (we use beeswax), or just use them as switches if you like.

Also, understand that we’ll be harvesting the canes OVER the Christmas holidays, which run from December 19-January 4. We’ll be shipping them AFTER Christmas, so don’t order canes hoping to get them in time for Christmas.

This year we’re offering 5 (five) 35″ canes for $12.75 plus shipping, the diameters of which will vary from 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch at the handle/thick end (and yes, you can tell me what diameter you’d prefer and we’ll get as close as we can).

Shipping will run between $8 to $11 depending on where you live in the US–I’ll be able to give you a more precise figure once I have your zip code.

Regarding international orders: Yes, naturally I’m happy to ship internationally. The problem there is the package is too big to ship via standard post, so you HAVE to go with Priority Mail, which is rather expensive for what you’re getting. One way to help this is to find one or more other people in your area who ALSO would like to try some canes, and then we just combine shipping to a single address. Or, for my friends in Canada or Mexico, check your address books and see if you have a friend in the US fairly close to the border (assuming you are, as well).

Cheers!

DM

Leather Conditioner

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I use Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP, and you can find larger jars of it at Cabela’s or you can order it from Amazon or indeed from the Obenauf’s website itself. Below is a link directly to their website:

Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP

For your convenience, if you want an explanation for why you might choose Obenauf’s, here’s the link to the page on their website that talks about this:

Why Use Obenauf’s

If you want details about why I myself use it and what my experience with this vs other products has been, then naturally hit me up, and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.

Bear in mind that Obenauf’s will darken light colored leathers (and remember, your whip is greased and ready to go on arrival, so you should only need a very light application of conditioner maybe twice a year depending on your climate). I love this stuff ESPECIALLY for conditioning falls, which you should do every time you use your whip (assuming you have a fall). In any case, all my whips are packed with Obenauf’s on the bellies, since it doesn’t matter whether the leather is darkened.

Copy and paste version: desert.minx@mojaveoutliers.com

Cheers!

DM

Caring for Your (New) Whip

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It isn’t all that hard to cope with a kangaroo leather whip; most of it is pretty straight forward. I’ll just list a few tips and tricks here, and if you have questions, naturally send me an email and I’ll do my best for you.

First, when you get your new whip, you’ll notice that it’s rather stiff. This is normal, not to worry, as you use your whip it will “work in” as the term is called, becoming more supple over time. How long? Depends on the whip, of course, and how much you use it. But figure anywhere from a year to two years before a new whip finishes working in, bearing in mind that the whip will START working in the moment you start using it. What that means is the whip isn’t going to stay stiff clear up until exactly one year later and then suddenly BANG! it’s worked in–it will happen gradually over time, again depending on how much you use it.

Don’t force your new whip. Don’t crank down on the thong like the whip is Gumby, don’t tie it in a knot, don’t run over it with a truck, and especially don’t slather it with conditioner in the mistaken belief that this will soften the whip and speed the working in process. It won’t, it will just gum up your overlay and turn your whip into a vacuum cleaner, as it will now attract every spec of dirt for miles around. The ONLY thing that will work your whip in is to use it as you normally would. I’d say start out with the main focus on doing volleys–you can crack it now and again if you like, but don’t make that the main business until later when the whip has become more supple.

FYI: I pack all my whips with Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP. If I’m not worried about darkening the leather, I’ll also use it on the overlay, or if I AM worried about darkening the leather, I’ll use Fiebing’s on the overlay. Your whip is greased and ready to go on arrival, and you should only need to apply a very light touch up coat of conditioner maybe 2 to 3 times a year, depending on your climate.

I also stuff all my falls with Obenauf’s, right up to the eyeballs, yet you should always condition your fall (if you have one) after each use. I use Obenauf’s especially for my falls because it’s designed to help leather that takes a lot of abuse, and if you want to try it, just Google it, it’s pretty easy to find.

(Click here if you’d like to try a 4 oz jar of Obenauf’s: Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP 4 oz. Naturally you can buy a larger jar of it if you like, but 4 oz will last you a loooooooong time.)

I usually store my whips by either hanging them straight down from their wrist strap or hanger if it has one, or by laying the thong lengthwise across a series of hooks on the wall. I don’t usually store them coiled up if I can avoid it, especially if they’re new. Hangers or hooks, either will work just fine, that’s up to you.

If you have any questions, again, shoot me an email and I’ll try to answer for you.

Best!

DM

How to Measure a Whip, Mojave Outliers Style

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Naturally when ordering a whip, one of the first and most basic things you want to know is “how long is it?” There is some debate about how to measure the length of a whip, so what I’m going to do here is tell you how I do it here at Mojave Outliers, which method is generally the standard, except that I will clarify on one point, which is how to measure a signal whip that has a replaceable cracker vs a signal whip that has a braided in cracker–but I get ahead of myself. See below:

Bullwhips and snake whips, both of which have falls, are measured from the butt of the heel knot to the tail of the thong, not including the fall and cracker. So, the TOTAL length of an 8ft bullwhip with a 30″ fall and 10″ cracker would be 11ft 6″ long.

Stock whips and cow whips actually have TWO measurements, one is the handle, and the other is the thong. So to get the total length of, for example, a 4ft stock whip you need to measure the thong, and then add the length of the handle, PLUS the length of the fall and cracker. I.e., a 4ft stock whip with a 20″ handle and a 24″ fall with 8″ cracker would, in total, be 8′ 4″ long, if my math is correct.

A signal whip with a braided in cracker is measured from the butt of the heel knot all the way to the end of the cracker. So, a 4ft signal whip with braided in cracker would be 4 feet long INCLUDING the cracker. (Usually the only time I do braided in crackers is if I’m repairing a whip made by someone else.)

A signal whip (or hybrid signal whip) with a replaceable cracker is measured from the heel knot to the end of the thong, NOT including the cracker. So, for example, a 4ft signal whip with a replaceable 8″ cracker would be in total 4 feet 8 inches long.

And there you have it in a nutshell. If you have any questions this didn’t answer, naturally send me an email and we’ll get you sorted out.

Cheers!

DM

Adam Winrich Video

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Check this out! Adam Winrich was kind enough to make a short video of himself as he throws one of my whips! In this case he’s throwing a 3 foot, 16 plait black kangaroo leather snake whip. Not bad for a “little black whip,” eh?!! Woot!

Testimonials (and more pics!)

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And here we have the odd glowing remark sent my way, in the captions of each of the photos where applicable! In addition, this page is under construction, to explain why there’re only a few pics so far–I have to go hunt down what folks have said! So stayed tuned…

Mojave Outliers Whipmakers Chocolate Deerskin Flogger

An 8″ flogger done in dark whiskey kangaroo hide on the handle (12 plait bird’s eye), with a double helping of buttery soft deerskin falls. Total length is about 27.5″.

Of course here we have an exception to the testimonial in the caption, but this one was too long to fit as a caption.

“Just last week, a friend of mine received a gorgeous, custom-made, deerskin flogger handcrafted by you. We both appreciated your gifted artistry immediately upon first inspection. As I am usually on the receiving end of the dance, the sensorial aspect of a whip or flogger is what affects me the most. Honestly, the quality and uniqueness of your work has surpassed all floggers I’ve encountered thus far: the tingling feel of the buttery-soft falls against my skin; the sweet smell of the deerskin leather across my face; the hypnotic sound of the handle’s rattle; the image of the “fan of fingering falls” across my body… Sublime, all of it.

Second, I want to add a comment directed at others like me, those people who aren’t familiar with all the technical aspects, people with little experience handling floggers. I had the opportunity to share the experience with my friend. I’ve shied away from holding floggers in the past; usually they’re too heavy, awkward, and simply unmanageable for me as a novice. Within minutes of holding your deerskin flogger, it felt like it was a natural extension of my body. The balance of weight, the girth and kangaroo leather plait of the handle, the natural pattern of the falls, overall comfort – each of these elements helped my confidence and creativity soar. In my personal experience, this flogger could be as soft as a breeze or used in way where I can feel a greater impact. My friend (and it practically being my first time leading the dance) said it felt like the greatest massage ever. I believe he started flying after just a few minutes, but I am certain he started to moan with pleasure immediately! And an hour later, I still had the strength and focus to hold the space inspired by the flogger.

Finally, although the flogger connected my friend and I, the energy between us was as intimate as if we were simply touching, skin against skin: the flogger became the perfect conduit as it slowly blended into the background – this “blur” being a desired and predictable result when the highest quality of materials is married to undeniable talent. If you like to support small, independent craftspeople, Mojave Outliers is a perfect choice. You can feel the love infused in this flogger. Its energy is intoxicating. Its quality is off the charts.

Pros: Amazingly supple falls; range from a literal breeze to greater impact; well-balanced; ease of handle maneuvering; weight; high quality materials; sensuous design; top-shelf craftsmanship; excellent piece for both beginners and flogger aficionados, outstanding value.

Cons: None. (Well, maybe it would be nice if it came in pairs!)”

3ft 16 plait Mini Bull

Email sent from client: “Just wanted to let you know that I killed a fuckin annoying buzzing mosquito with my mini bull!
Talk about a precision instrument! :)
You’re the best!”

Mojave Outliers Whipmakers Kahlua Sunset Budget Boudoir mini pocket snake whip

Client testimonial: “All I can say it oh my goodness! This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Much less owning. The craftmanship is out of this world. Thank you so very much for your efforts you are truly an artist. And I am sure I will be making another purchase ASAP…or geting on the the waiting list. Your the greatest!!” Presenting the Kahlua Sunset whip! This is a Budget Boudoir mini pocket snake whip, plaited in dark brown as the base color with red & roan half chevrons. Specs: 3 ft, 12 plait, shot loaded thong, with a 24″ latigo fall and flame colored red & orange nylon cracker.

Mojave Outliers Whipmakers 5ft 24 plait Mountain Sierra King snake whip

Testimonials from client(s): “Just got her Minx!! The weight is perfect!!! Just like throwing a dart!!” 5ft 24 plait “Mountain Sierra King” snake whip, 30″ tapered latigo fall, black red and white nylon cracker, plaited in red black and white kangaroo leather.

Mojave Outliers Whipmakers Budget Boudoir Mini Pocket Snake Whip Licorice Whip May 2015

Testimonials from client(s): “Andddddd… She has arrived! Even prettier in person. Oh and so sweet and so much fun! Easy on my arthritic hands, nice little crack… :-D” 3ft 12 plait Budget Boudoir mini pocket snake whip in black, red and purple kangaroo hide, shot loaded, 24″ tapered latigo fall, nylon cracker.

Mojave Outliers Whip Makers 5ft 24 plait Navy & Natural Kangaroo Leather Snake Whip

Testimonial from client(s): “…my amazing whip just arrived. While I consider myself pretty good at having a mental picture that resembles an actual item…. I was waaaay off the mark. Honestly, this amazing whip is far superior to anything I have ever seen or held. Just could not be more pleased.” “Damn but you do some beautiful work!” “You legend. This is f***ing gorgeous.” A 5ft 24 plait navy & natural kangaroo leather snake whip in alternating chevrons, shot loaded, 30″ tapered latigo fall and nylon cracker.

How to Order Something From Mojave Outliers Whipmakers

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Yes, I am now accepting custom orders again, yay! However, I’ve made changes from how I was doing it before, so read carefully.

I’ve invented what I call my “Interested Parties” list. On this list I take down your contact information and a description of the whip you’d like me to build for you. Then, when I’m ready to start your build, I contact you to find out if you’re still interested. No money changes hands, and in the meantime, you’re free to shop with other whip makers if you like. Once I’ve completed your build, THEN I will send you a PayPal invoice.

My queue is longish, varying between 8 months to a year (and sometimes longer, especially during the holiday season for instance), which is actually pretty normal for whip makers. Part of the time I spend in my shop I build smaller spec items, because this helps me even out the cash flow in between custom orders. The idea behind the “Interested Parties” list is to keep us both flexible. I need to be able to control my work flow, and naturally you need to control your cash flow, so not having a debt between us until I’m ready to ship seems to me the best way to go. What this translates to is that if you’re on my “Interested Parties” list, that doesn’t mean there’s a contract between us such that I’m going to build your whip by a specific date, it just means that I’ll check that list FIRST before I do my next build. The advantage to you is that you’re not out a bunch of cash at the outset (some folks use the wait time to save up for their whip, which I think is quite clever), and you’re not “locked in” to your purchase with me–you can shop if you like, as I said above.

Naturally if you have questions about this, send me an email at desert.minx@mojaveoutliers.com. And if you’d like to place a custom order, why, then send me an email at desert.minx@mojaveoutliers.com, and we’ll get your details sorted!

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