Main Catalogue and Buying Guide
Descriptions and Comparisons of All Standard SGB Models
The Gladius
The Adventurer’s Whip
The Gladius is an American style bull whip, inspired by the work of David Morgan and Joseph Strain. A heavy duty steel nail in the handle gives this whip a noticeable heft greater than almost any other whip made in the SGB shop. With two braided kangaroo leather bellies and cow leather bolsters, the Gladius is a powerful whip and a great partner to any adventurer.
Many technological conveniences that are used for the Falchion and Tachi bull whips are eschewed in the making of the Gladius. With the exception of the straightedge used to cut the fall (in some cases), and a single standardized measurement taken after the overlay is braided, no staplers, hole punches, scissors, needles, gauges, or guides are used from start to finish. Every layer is cut and shaped entirely by knife and by eye, and painstakingly brought together into a purely unique piece with undeniable spirit.
The Gladius is best used for target cutting and wrapping, flicks, and all single cracks. It has greater heft overall than both the Falchion and the Tachi, and can be virtually any length over 6 feet. Its stylistic standards include a 7x6 two-pass heel knot, a 4x3 two-pass accent knot, a 6 strand wrist loop, and a 12 plait overlay with a 6 plait hitch (usually) and opposite-corner beveling for a rugged and quintessentially Western look. Adjust the number of strands in the overlay in the Additional Strands listing. Measured from the heel to the end of the braiding.
What you’ll find in a Gladius bull whip:
3/8in x 8in (9-10mm x 203mm) steel nail
artificial sinew
cow leather
kangaroo leather
steel tacks
low-medium gloss finish
red hide or white hide fall, depending on availability
polypropylene popper
The Tachi
The Aristocrat’s Whip
The Tachi is an Australian style bull whip largely inspired by the work of Mike Murphy and Peter Thorndike. It has a single braided belly and a long handle, for lower overall weight with more leverage. With its slim profile, decorative collar, and solid kangaroo leather construction, it’s a whip fit for whip cracking nobility.
Whip making is as much science as it is art. As such, the hands and eyes must be held equal with the tools, and formulas must be held equal with experience and intuition. The Tachi aims to balance the elements of traditional art, modern expectation, and the sheer hubris of trying to cut the final bolster of a full-size bull whip from a single kangaroo skin. Every choice in the construction of a Tachi is made in the names of pride, beauty, and legacy, for a whip that’s striking and truly timeless.
The Tachi is best used for multiple-cracking techniques and general body-tracing movements, but can also be great for target cutting and wrapping. It has a longer handle and lower overall weight than both the Gladius and the Falchion, and is a great choice for almost any common whip cracking challenge or competition. However, because the kangaroo leather final bolster presents such awkward executional options, the Tachi is currently not available in lengths over 6 feet. Its stylistic standards include a 12x6 pineapple heel knot, a brass or nickel collar with 4x7 bookending accent knots, and a 12 plait overlay with an 8 plait hitch. Adjust the number of strands in the overlay in the Additional Strands listing. Measured from the heel to the end of the braiding.
What you’ll find in a Tachi:
1/4in x 10in (6mm x 254mm) steel rod
artificial sinew
kangaroo leather
steel tacks
red hide or white hide fall, depending on availability
polypropylene popper
glossy finish
See the full construction process of a Tachi bull whip HERE
The Falchion
The Hero’s Whip
The Falchion is an American style bull whip designed to respond best to the most natural movements. Two braided bellies and a thinner steel handle core give it a focus of weight that’s easy to guide through the air, even in complex patterns. With its slightly forward-heavy balance and closely managed gradient of stiffness, the Falchion will guide a novice to mastery, and a master to greatness.
New and seasoned whip artists alike endlessly chase the “perfect” taper, the “perfect” weight distribution, the “perfect” formula for a whip that is easy to crack, looks immaculate, and lasts forever. In the end, the ideal whip is simply one that integrates the most modern and most trusted methods with outstanding craftsmanship and artistic vision. This whip represents my own ever-changing, ever-improving, favorite elements to have in a whip. In short, the Falchion is designed to dance with the handler, such that the handler loves dancing back.
The Falchion is best used for basic-to-intermediate multiple cracking patterns and body-tracing, target cutting, tossing, and most other sport whip cracking purposes. Its focus of weight is closer to the hand than that of the Tachi, while having lower overall weight than the Gladius. The Falchion is a great option at any length from 5 feet and up. Its stylistic standards include a 14x12 herringbone heel knot, a 10x8 herringbone accent knot, and a 12 plait overlay with a 6 plait hitch. Adjust the number of strands in the overlay in the Additional Strands listing. Measured from the heel to the end of the braiding.
What you’ll find in a Falchion:
1/4in x 8in (6mm x 203mm) steel rod
artificial sinew
cow leather
kangaroo leather
steel tacks
red hide or white hide fall, depending on availability
polypropylene popper
glossy finish
The Main Gauche
Mini Bull Whips, Snake Whips, and Signal whips
The Main Gauche listing comprises four common variations of singletail whips for partner play and general indoor handling, inspired in large part by the work of Paul Nolan. The drop-down menus in the Main Gauche listing will ask you to choose between a shot-loaded snake whip core and a naturally weighted single-belly bull whip construction with a 6 inch handle, and also between a typical fall-and-hitch tail or a fine signal whip tail. A 4 strand wrist loop can also be added for storage and display purposes. These options allow for four distinct whip styles to suit any taste or need.
All standard Main Gauche whips have 10x8 herringbone heel knots, and 8 plait overlays. Adjust the number of strands in the overlay in the Additional Strands listing.
What you’ll find in a Main Gauche:
1/4in x 6in (6mm x 152mm) steel rod (bull whip body)
lead shot (snake whip body)
nylon thread (signal hitch)
white hide or red hide fall (fall & hitch)
artificial sinew
cow leather
kangaroo leather
steel tacks
polypropylene popper
glossy finish
Bull Whip Option
Bull Whip Body + Fall & Hitch
This version of the Main Gauche is perhaps the most versatile and easiest to control, and is a great choice for beginners practicing various whip skills. Measured from the heel to the end of the braiding.
Snake Whip Option
Snake Whip Body + Fall & Hitch
This version of the Main Gauche is the heaviest, and has the slowest overall movement speed. This allows the handler to strike a specific spot with power, or to wrap with the fall. Measured from the heel to the end of the braiding.
Signal Whip Option
Snake Whip Body + Signal Hitch
This version of the Main Gauche is the most widely favored form of singletail whip for partner play. It has enough weight to land easily with power, and connects the handler directly and intuitively to the popper. Measured from the heel to the braided-in popper loop.
Combination Bull/Signal Whip Option
Bull Whip Body + Signal Hitch
This version of the Main Gauche has the fastest movement speed, but offers a very comfortable and natural control over striking location and power. Measured from the heel to the braided-in popper loop.
Additional Strands
Any leather whip in your cart can be augmented with a finer overlay. More braided strands generally mean more complexity in the braiding, a smoother texture, and a more fluid movement, but will also cost more. There are some patterns, monograms for example, that are only possible at a medium-to-high level of complexity. If no custom requests are made, generally the braided patterns will be executed similarly to the standard option for the whip in your cart.
Be sure to note the number of strands in the standard overlay of the whip in your cart, shown in the above descriptions in bold text.
The American Style Premium Nylon Bull Whip
The American style premium nylon bull whips are the current iteration of the original SGB sport bull whips. They’ve undergone more adjustment and refinement in construction, balance, and handling than any other whip in the catalogue, and offer a comfortable and versatile experience for beginners and seasoned handlers alike.
Many of the elements that originally defined this model have been changed or eliminated for reasons related to material consumption and waste production, to improve the quality of handling, or to reflect changes in the needs of the SGB shop over the years. One such change is the elimination of the fall hitch, which maximally streamlines the whip while ensuring no length will be lost when it is eventually re-falled. These whips now offer a fundamentally more intuitive balance, produce less plastic waste, and can be used comfortably and naturally for a broad spectrum of skills and disciplines. Choose between an 8 inch handle for a more intuitive cast, or a 10 inch handle for sharper targeting.
The American style premium nylon bull whip is heftier and moves more slowly than both its Australian style counterpart and the economy nylon bull whip, and is slightly more specialized for target cutting and wrapping. It also allows a much broader range of patterned braiding options than the aforementioned models, so every one is a unique and powerful addition to any collection. This model has a fully patterned handle and ornate knots, always designed to catch the eye in the best way for the colors chosen. This whip is measured from the heel to the end of the 4 plait.
What you’ll find in an American style premium nylon bull whip:
1/4in (6mm) steel rod (8in and 10in options available)
artificial sinew
nylon parcord
polypropylene belting
steel tacks
hot glue
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper
The Australian Style Premium Nylon Bull Whip
The Australian style premium nylon bull whips are a lightweight and highly responsive variation on the original American style version. A long, slightly flexible handle offers a refined balance for multiple cracking patterns and body tracing techniques, and also reduces strain on the wrist and arm during repeated target cutting drills.
Because of limitations in the medium of 550 paracord, the thinner diameter of the Aussie version means a 14 plait overlay in contrast to the 16 plait overlay in the American version. This results in certain patterning restrictions in the overlay, so this model utilizes braided patterns based exclusively on bands and stripes (or chevrons when applicable).
This model is lighter and faster than its American style counterpart, and has a thinner profile and greater leverage than the economy nylon bull whips. Choose between a more modest 10 inch handle and a nearly stock-whip-like 12 inch handle.
Like the American premium nylon bull whips, the knots and patterning are designed to be as striking to the eye and hand as possible, and may be executed in a variety of ways. This whip is measured from the heel to the end of the twist.
What you’ll find in an Australian style premium nylon bull whip:
3/16 in (5 mm) steel rod (10 and 12 inch options available)
artificial sinew
nylon paracord
polypropylene belting
steel tacks
hot glue
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper
The Premium Nylon Stock Whip
The premium nylon stock whip is a sleek and lightweight sport whip specialized for intricate cracking patterns and body tracing. There is no finer nylon whip available in the SGB shop for two-handed routines and rhythms.
This whip is a better choice for multiple cracking combinations than the premium nylon bull whips, but is less desirable for target cutting. When used skillfully, it will move and crack with more authority than the Rhythm Hybrid, while retaining more of the customizable options and ornate braiding associated with the premium line. Originally there were both full-plait and half-plait options, but now only the half-plait is available except by custom request.
The PN stock whip has a 12 strand thong, and a 16 strand half-plait handle made from oak. It’s measured from the base of the thong to the end of the twist. Choose from a small selection of handle lengths to customize your experience. Be sure to adjust the quantity to 2 if you’d like to order a matched pair.
What you’ll find in a premium nylon stock whip:
5/8in (16mm) oak dowel
artificial sinew
nylon paracord
polypropylene belting
steel tacks
hot glue
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper
The Rhythm Hybrid
The Rhythm Hybrid is an accessible and versatile alternative to the Premium Nylon Stock Whip. A long, lightweight handle connects the user directly and intuitively to the thong, for an incredibly natural experience for beginners and experienced whip handlers alike.
The Rhythm Hybrid puts more mass into the hand than the Economy Hybrid and has a slightly less thong-heavy balance. It is lighter than the PN stock whip and is almost as nimble, but features no patterned braiding or knotwork. Be sure to adjust the quantity to 2 if you’d like to order a matched pair.
This model has a 12 strand thong, a 16 strand grip, and ornate grapevine lashing. It’s measured from the base of the thong to the end of the twist.
What you’ll find in a Rhythm Hybrid:
nylon paracord
CPVC pipe, coupler, and cap
hot glue
artificial sinew
polypropylene belting
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper
The Economy Hybrid
The Economy Hybrid is the single most cost-effective introductory whip in the SGB shop. This is the whip to get if you’re new to whip cracking, don’t know where to start, and want to try a little bit of everything. This whip will allow the handler to practice a broad variety of sport whip cracking techniques, including multiple cracking body tracing patterns, target cutting, and wrapping. Inventive techniques that require the handler to briefly let go of the whip can be explored with the Economy Hybrid, but may be better practiced with the Economy Bull Whip or the Rhythm Hybrid. Be sure to adjust the quantity to 2 if you’d like to order a matched pair.
This model has a 12 strand overlay, simple lashing, and a replaceable rubberized wrap on the grip. It’s measured from the base of the thong to the end of the twist.
What you’ll find in an economy hybrid:
CPVC pipe, coupler, and cap
hot glue
rubberized grip tape
nylon paracord
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper
The Economy Bull Whip
The economy nylon bull whip is a lightweight American style bull whip designed to best leverage the craftsperson’s skill to come together quickly, saving the customer money without sacrificing performance. Its simple construction method offers a forward-heavy and powerful crack that’s easy to guide and direct. It is the most popular model of whip made in the SGB shop for its price, versatility, and essential Western aesthetic.
The economy nylon bull whip is lighter and faster than the American style premium nylon bull whips, but has a slightly shorter, thicker handle than the Australian style premium version. It will be better for target cutting and wrapping than the economy hybrid.
This model has a 16 strand overlay, diamond patterned handle, and diamond patterned knots. It’s measured from the heel to the fall hitch.
What you’ll find in an economy bull whip:
1/4in x 8in (6mm x 203mm) steel rod
nylon paracord
artificial sinew
polypropylene belting
steel nails
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper
The Economy Indy
The economy Indy is constructed and balanced just like the economy nylon bull whip, but with elements of the quintessential Indiana Jones whips. These will be a highly accessible cosplay prop for any Indy enthusiast, while retaining all the sporty functionality of any SGB whip. However, they are only available in 8 and 10 foot lengths, except by custom request. Measured from the heel to the end of the twist.
What you’ll find in an economy Indy:
1/4in x 8in (6mm x 203mm) steel rod
nylon paracord
artificial sinew
polypropylene belting
steel nails
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper
The Drill Whip
The Drill Whip is a 3 foot nylon bull whip designed for drilling various skills indoors or in tight quarters. Its smooth taper and slightly forward-heavy balance offer a comfortable movement speed and a reasonably hard-falling crack for target cutting or candle snuffing. This model is measured from the heel to the end of the twist, and is approximately 5 feet overall.
What you’ll find in a Drill Whip:
1/4in x 6in (6mm x 152mm) steel rod
nylon paracord
artificial sinew
polypropylene belting
steel nails
paraffin wax
polypropylene popper