In keeping with my theme of cheap implements, here is some info on cheap whips. What can you buy for $20 versus $7? I bought a whip for around $20 at a local tack shop to see what it was like. It was a stock whip with a long wooden handle, but I converted it into a small hand held sized whip. I did it mostly so I could get the feel of a whip, and for a fun little toy of intimidation. I am saving up for a more expensive single-tail whip, and when I find just the right one, I’ll fork over the money, but nice single-tail whips are very expensive. These are very cheap. I’m a little embarrassed to show you something I have handmade, but I will do it anyway. Here is the one I made from the signal whip. (click on the pic to enlarge it) <-- I wish everything worked like that



Not long after I made the $20 whip into a smaller whip, a friend of mine told me about a tack shop in Texas that sells small bullwhips for $7, so I purchased one. Here is the $7 bullwhip. Sorry it’s white and doesn’t show up as well. See if you notice a difference. Something more expensive isn’t always better.



A couple more shots for comparison:





Then on a whim about a month or two ago I ordered a quirt for about $20 from Blue Ridge Leather. It was a nice quirt, but I went ahead and bought a second quirt for $7 from the store in Texas where I got the small bullwhip, mostly because shipping for one item was the same as shipping for two items. Can you tell which quirt cost me $20 and which one cost me $7? I’m labeling them quirt A and quirt B. Let’s see if you can tell which one is which.

Quirt A:



Quirt B:



Quirts A and B:



Now if you want to feel the difference, you'll have to come see me so that I can arrange a more tactile experience for you. *wicked laughter* In the meantime use your imagination and after I test them out on my next victim, I'll let you know which one hurts more.

Happy Halloween Tomorrow!!