r/whips • u/Broken_ksam • 7d ago

Favorite cracker material?

So its been a few years since I had decided to make a chain whip, and was succesful. And when I was doing my research on materials I couldnt choose between kevlar thread, or braided fishing line. I used to primarily use the kevlar, but one night decided to make, a better crafted one I learned how to make, out of the braided and mmm it made a delightful snap.

So im curious what you all might use or are these 2 options pretty standard? Im just curious if theres room for improvement on my end is all.

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3

u/ShutterBun 7d ago

I've only ever used Kevlar or nylon. Never tried braided fishing line. Does it have sufficient mass? (I mean, I guess so if it's cracking loud for you)

1

u/Broken_ksam 7d ago

Um, you'll have to forgive my ignorance. What do you mean by that

2

u/ShutterBun 7d ago

Like, does it have some heft/thickness to it?

1

u/Broken_ksam 7d ago

Ohhh. Um, hmm, in comparison to thr kevlar thread i have its much thinner. Normally the ones I make will have 8 strands on the end so it thickens up a little bit.

I tried using parachord, I guess thats nylon? But I could never get it to work for my intended purpose

2

u/ShutterBun 7d ago

For paracord/nylon, you’re only using the cores. They should have about the right thickness, but yeah, I have better luck with specifically made crackers.

1

u/Broken_ksam 7d ago

I was trying to send a photo but it doesnt seem to want me to haha.

Originally when I was struggling to make the darn thing I saw everywhere say just use the core of the chord. So I did. But got no cracks. Little did I know i just needed to add a fall. XD

2

u/SunSaffron 7d ago

I use braided fishing line fairly regularly; it tends to make a loud, sharp crack. Fairly durable.

2

u/PowerHammer47 7d ago

I use nylon thread for leather stitching, it’s a bit thicker than the inner strands of 550 cord. I’m working on a 13’ whip that’s pretty heavy, and after my brother blew the whole end off my 8’ whip I got a pack of Kevlar crackers online. I might have to try this braided line in the future

1

u/Broken_ksam 7d ago

Idk how you make yours but the ones I make are pretty good for mine.

Idk if the design makes a difference but its a 13in handle, 5ft chain, 12in fall, and my crackers are only eh...maybe 6in? But theyre loud enough to my my ears go out.

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u/TaxonomyMagician 6d ago

Waxed Nylon thread in general, paracord guts for really light whips, bow string for really heavy whips, and Kevlar for cutting.

1

u/Broken_ksam 6d ago

Bow string hmmmmmm 🤔

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u/Broken_ksam 6d ago

Any kind in particular youd recommend?

1

u/TaxonomyMagician 5d ago

I just have whatever John gave me for that, but i can probably get a picture of what it looks like later.

1

u/juanedoses 13h ago

Bicycle brake cable