Had to have a fall replaced on one of my whips, so I drove the hour south to Roosters Saddlery to visit Royce Vallejo. I could have done it myself but it's been awhile since I visited him and it was a good day for a drive. Royce spent time braiding whips for David Morgan. There are many people David has helped over the years with whip making but Royce is one of the very few who have spent time on the hook in the employ of the man himself. He's always got a few good stories and it's a pleasure to watch him at his craft. Took a look at my whip, made a few comments and got to work on my fall. Cut it out and showed me how he attached it and rolled it.

That done he pulled some thread out of his sewing machine and made a cracker for me. Just one strand doubled over. It works wonderfully, cracks as loud as the Blu-Thunda's I make. So I thought I'd share it with all of you.
1.Take ten inches to a foot of thread. Royce recommends 207 for the weight.
2. Double the thread and place it on your thigh and roll it so that it twists up on itself.
3. Tie a half hitch about four inches from the bottom.
4. Attach to your whip and you're done.
Simple, easy and surprisingly durable. Royce it should be said makes a superlative whip. Don't expect a Morgan-clone, if you want and Indiana Jones whip there are many others out there that can take care of that. If you want a whip designed for work by a man trained by the very best then look no further.
Roosters Saddlery
(406) 363-2478