Signal Whips For many people in the UK, especially those who never use a whip out of doors, the signal whip (or singletail) is their first taste of whip cracking. Signal whips are short whips with plaited-in crackers and no falls, easy to crack and fast to learn with. Shorter overall than other whips, they can comfortably be used in spaces where snake whips and bullwhips can't. I make them with indoor target work in mind. A signal whip's clean lines and smooth taper make for an elegant whip that is a pleasure to use and own. As with the more traditional snake whip, the lack of solid handle means that it is easier to pack away than a bull or stock whip, while the lack of fall gives it an advantage over a snake whip, in that it can be more easily used where space is at a premium: a five foot signal whip has a similar range to a three foot snake whip. All of my signal whips have the following common features: Dense, responsive thong with a tightly plaited overlay. 100% kangaroo hide leather used throughout. Tightly packed leather shot sack providing a dense core, with the weight carried well out for easy cracking. Decorative turk's head handpart - typically a gaucho knot. Long nylon cracker with three knots for longevity. NB: Whips with plaited-in crackers have been around since at least Victorian times; but it is the combination of the snake whip belly and permanently attached cracker that, to my mind, sets the signal whip apart from other whips as the most elegant and functional design possible in a very short whip. It is possible to make a whip with no fall and a changeable cracker but I believe that doing so inevitably compromises either the aesthetic or the performance of the whip; and seems a shame when you can very easily tie a second cracker onto the end, if and when the need arises. So the only signal whips I make, are ones with plaited-in crackers. As long as you are not careless, a cracker on a heavily used signal whip can last five years or more; and can be replaced, when the time comes, by most whip makers for a small fee. Everything on this page is a custom commission, so feel free to ask about changes to what you see on this page. Prices listed are for my 'standard' whip as described. Because every whip is made, from the very first cut, with a particular customer's specification in mind; and I take as much time as necessary to get it just right; delivery times are extended: check my web log for latest delivery times. I do make whips for stock when I have the time - check out my In Stock page to see if I have whip ready to send out. Check out my info pages if you need more information to help you decide what type of whip you require; or feel free to email me (mailroom@whipstore.com) or call me (+44 020 8647 6314 - 11.00 a.m. to 6.00p.m. weekdays) I'm always happy to answer questions and give honest advice to help you choose a whip you'll be really pleased to own. Custom orders welcome. Email me with your requirements and questions, or give me a call on 020 8647 6314 Monday to Friday 11.00am to 6.00pm. I also sell good Australian signal whips. Email me: mailroom@whipstore.com for current prices and delivery times. All prices on this page include free Post and Packing to all UK destinations plus insured airmail to the USA and many other countries. 'Pocket'  English Signal Whips Click on the images to enlarge - use your 'back' button to return. 4 foot pocket signal whip. My 'pocket' signal whips are probably closer to the design of the original 8 plait signal whips, invented for use with dog sleds, than the 'blacksnake' signal whips listed below. They have slimmer bellies, break in more quickly, and can be coiled more tightly, than blacksnake whips. If you're looking for a good quality indoor whip that doesn't cost the earth, you will find these elegant singletails hard to beat. 3 foot signal whips: A 3 foot singletail is about as short as you can make a crack-able whip and retain some semblance of elegance. However, at this length, there is a temptation to 'muscle' the whip to get a sharp crack, because there is so little whip to enable acceleration. Muscling the whip not only places undue strain on it, it also reduces your control over what goes on at the far end. So, if you have to have a whip that cracks (rather than, say, a quirt), and space is your prime consideration, go for a three foot pocket signal whip. If you have enough space, go for a 4 footer. 4 foot signal whips: I always recommend a 4 foot (1.2m) signal whip over a 3 foot one, unless space is the main determinant of choice. The extra length makes it easier to crack without 'muscling' the whip, and gives a more flowing action. If you're just starting out with whip cracking, and intend to be working indoors on target work, you won't go wrong with one of my 4 foot pocket signal whips. Please email me to place an order: mailroom@whipstore.com. A 50% deposit confirms your order, with the balance due when the whip is ready to send out.  No extra charge for a second stock colour. 3 foot / 90cm 8 plait: £120 4 foot / 1.2m 8 plait: £138 I can accept credit and debit card payments via secure online invoicing, or cheques, postal orders etc made out to 'English Whips'. See my ordering page for more information on payment methods All prices on this page include free Post and Packing to all UK destinations plus insured airmail to the USA and many other countries. English Blacksnake Signal Whips Brandy 12 plait kangaroo signal whip Green and black 16 plait signal whip.  Customer Comment: 'It feels fantastic ...It handles brilliantly!' 4 foot (90cm) Signal Whips Built using a 'whip within a whip' construction, my 'blacksnake' signal whips are slightly wider, heavier singletails, compared to those above. The additional reinforcement and plaited belly makes them more responsive and suits them better to heavy use as well as a wider range of techniques. The stiffer handle section of these whips means they come into their own at greater lengths than the pocket signal whips. I can make them to order at 3 foot, but feel that the pocket singletail will be more satisfying at that length.  The 8 plait whips tend to break in more slowly; and are very neat singletails built to a high standard.  The 12 plaits have a finer look and very smooth action once broken in. Each whip is finished with a section of single diamond work at the butt, leading into 6 seam herringbone work before the usual 4 seam work along the thong.  The use of narrower strands in the 12 plait whip enables better compression of the belly and a slightly more efficient whip. A 4 foot singletail whip can be used in most indoor spaces, and makes for a very satisfying first whip that you will still be using even if you add to your collection at a later date. Please email me to place an order: mailroom@whipstore.com. A 50% deposit confirms your order, with the balance due when the whip is ready to send out.  No extra charge for a second stock colour. 4 foot / 1.2m 8 plait: £156 4 foot / 1.2m 12 plait: £210 4 foot / 1.2m 16 plait: £228 I accept credit and debit card payments via secure online invoicing, or cheques, postal orders etc made out to 'English Whips'. See my ordering page for more information on payment methods Black 12 plait signal whip. Customer Comment: 'It will bring much pleasure for years to come'. 5 foot black and saddle tan signal whip. 5 foot (1m 50cm) Signal Whips My five foot signal whips break in to have a nice, flowing action that is satisfying to control. Although they can seem quite long when you first see them, these elegant whips can be used in the same sort of spaces that you might normally use a 3 foot snake whip. At the time of writing, I sell more 5 foot signal whips than I do of either 3, or 4 foot ones. Please email me to place an order: mailroom@whipstore.com. A 50% deposit confirms your order, with the balance due when the whip is ready to send out.  No extra charge for a second stock colour. 5 foot / 1.5m 8 plait: £186 5 foot / 1.5m 12 plait: £216 5 foot / 1.5m 16 plait: £252 I accept credit and debit card payments via secure online invoicing, or cheques, postal orders etc made out to 'English Whips'. See my ordering page for more information on payment methods.   Click here  to see what I currently have in stock All prices on this page include free Post and Packing to all UK destinations plus insured airmail to the USA and many other countries.