Alyssum Iris Whips & Leathercraft
Alyssum Iris
Whip Maker
Wait times are currently out to August 2025.
Howdy folks! Welcome to Iris Whips & Leathercraft. I've been making Nylon whips since 2013. In 2016 I was the lead manufacturer of B3 Imagination Studio. I'm proud to say that in my 8 years working there, I have put nothing but my best work in the hands of LARPers from all 50 states, and around the world.
I have always wanted three things in life: A house, a family, and the ability to travel great distances as it pleases me. Unfortunately, I wasn't going to achieve these goals under the timestamp of any employer. It took a lot of fighting my own self doubt, but I finally took the plunge into self employment in 2022. I worked full time at B3, and built Iris Whips one whip at a time until I was able to afford to study leather whip making in late 2023. I worked 8 hours during the day, and ground my hands on nylon and leather lace for 8 more hours every night. My wife, and partner have stood by me with their support and encouragement the whole time.
My work has received high praise from peers who create articles of a quality that I aspire to. My whips are in the hands of talented performers all over the world, along with two world champion whip crackers. I have studied and practiced whip cracking in tandem with whip making in an effort to create articles that will seamlessly incorporate themselves into the uses of my customers.
Please feel free to contact me to get the conversation started, or check out my shop below. Scroll beyond my shop to read about my leather whip options.
Leather Whips
Howdy! This section will cover pricing for leatherwork. I have been studying leather braiding and whip making since 2018, and actively practicing since 2022.
Modern Bullwhips
These whips have plaited bellies made from kangaroo hide. They are generally stiffer and lighter than their traditional counterparts. They’re great for target work and flashy routines. If you want a whip that breaks in and conforms to your unique swing, then you’re looking for a Modern Bullwhip. On the market, they’re generally known as “Australian,” “Aussie,” or “Target” whips.
Whips are measured by the braided section of the whip. My 4ft bullwhips have an 8” spring steel handle foundation, a braided kangaroo belly, veg tanned core and bolster and a 2ft alum tanned latigo fall.
4ft Bullwhips: $350
All the other lengths (6-12ft) can be made with an 8” nail spike like an Indiana Jones style bullwhip, or with a 10-12” spring steel handle foundation. These whips will have 2 Kangaroo bellies, 1-2 bolsters, and a veg tan core. They’ll typically have a 34” alum tanned latigo fall. Unless an 8 strand hitch is requested, whips will be 12 plait with a 6 strand fall hitch.
5ft Bullwhips: $450
6ft Bullwhips: $475
7ftBullwhips: $550
8ft Bullwhips: $625
16 plait with an 8 strand hitch: +$50
20 plait with an 8 strand hitch: +$100
Integrated UHMWPE (Dyneema/Spectra) Fall: +50
Fancy Plaiting: on 16 plait whips, I’ll include some basic patterning.
Higher plait counts than 20 with non standard patterning (letters etc) will start at +$150
Traditional Bullwhips
I make a traditional style bullwhip with chrome split bellies. These naturally weighted bullwhips are a slightly heavier option. They flow slow and steady before delivering a powerful sonic boom. If you're familiar with Tom Hill and his apprentices, the Rolling Loop Method by Anthony De Longis, David Morgan, Terry Jacka or other 20th century whip makers, then you'll understand what I'm attempting to recreate with these whips. I'll happily make them with an 8" nail spike, a 10-12" spring steel handle foundation, or with a reinforced transition. On the market, you will typically see these marketed as “American, “Stunt,” or “Working” whips.
5ft Traditional Bullwhips: $375
6ft Traditional Bullwhips: $450
7ft Traditional Bullwhips: $525
8ft Traditional Bullwhips: $600
10ft Traditional Bullwhips: $750
16 plait with an 8 strand hitch: +$50
20 plait with an 8 strand hitch: +$100
Fancy Plaiting: on 16 plait whips, I’ll include some basic patterning.
Higher plait counts than 20 with non standard patterning (letters etc) will start at +$150
Modern Stockwhips
4-9ft (Email for pricing)
Classic Stockwhips
4-9ft (Email for pricing)
Interpersonal Whips
Interpersonal whips are generally made with a shot bag for the core of the whip, a belly, and a 12 plait kangaroo hide overlay. Signal whips get a UHMWPE (Dyneema/Spectra) braided point with a loop that allows for changing the cracker. Interpersonal whips can be dyed to fade from one color to another (red, black and blue dye available).
3ft Signal Whip: $300
4ft Signal Whip: $350
5ft Signal Whip: $425
3ft Snake Whip: $300
4ft Snake Whip: $350
5ft Snake Whip: $425
Cat o’ Nine: $375
Dye Finish: +$75
Kangaroo Handle Floggers with 22” sheep skin falls: starting at $150. Inquire for other materials.
All whips are finished in a high gloss shellac during warm New England seasons.
