Understanding the Australian Stock Whip — Design, Craft, and Performance Explained

High Performance Cracking Stock Whips: 

Stock whips (or stockwhips) are different style of whips originating from Australia’s ranching tradition. We at LB’s Whip are proud to offer Australian stock whips made with premium kangaroo hide, featuring the classic long handle and traditional tapered thong. A stock whip consists of a handle (typically an 18–24 inch rigid handle, often made of cane) and a flexible braided thong that attaches to the handle via a keeper (a small leather hinge). This design is actually two piece, the handle and thong, connected by the keeper. Stock whips are measured by the length of their thong (not counting the handle). For example, a “6ft stock whip” has a 6-foot thong (the braided part after the keeper (overall length is longer when assembled). See the below anatomy of a stockwhip:

Anatomy of a Stock Whip / Parts of a Stock Whip.

Fee the following picture with highlighted parts of a stock whip:

1. Stock Handle
2. Keeper
3. Thong
4. Fall
5. Cracker

With the help of a long handle and the hinge-like keeper, a stock whip can be swung in very quick patterns with relatively little effort on the wrist. They are generally lighter and faster in action than bullwhips. The long handle gives a leverage advantage for certain routines, allowing for rapid multiple cracking sequences (like the famous Queensland volley of cracks). This is why an aussie stock whip is favored in rodeo and trick whipping demonstrations where speed and rhythm is a key.

Stock whips are constructed for serious users:

The handles are made with traditional cane for springiness, overlaid with hand braided kangaroo leather. The thong has a kangaroo core and is built with two braided kangaroo bellies and two bolsters, finished with a tight kangaroo 16-plait hand braided overlay. This is very similar to how our high-end bullwhips are made, but adapted to the stock whip form. The result is a whip that’s light in the hand but can create incredibly loud cracks. In fact, a well-made stock whip can produce a crack just as loud as (or louder than) a bullwhip of equivalent length, because the thong tapers rapidly to a fine point, breaking the sound barrier with ease.

Uses of Stock Whip:

As the name implies, stock whips were traditionally used for livestock herding – a quick flick of the whip in the air creates a loud report to move cattle (without actually touching the animals). Today, they’re also used in whip-cracking competitions and performances. If you’ve ever seen a performer doing a fast sequence of cracks in a rodeo or at a circus, there’s a good chance they were using stock whips. They are excellent for fast multiple cracking (two-handed whip routines, volleys, etc.). Many whip enthusiasts like to have at least one stock whip in their collection for the unique challenge and fun they offer. Shop Now. 

FAQ – Stock Whips

1. What is the difference between a bullwhip and a stock whip? Or
Stock Whip VS Bullwhip.

The main differences are in the handle and construction. Bullwhips have a short handle (usually 8–12 inches) and the thong (braided part) is attached directly to the handle and continues as one piece. Bullwhips are measured from the base knot of the handle to the end of braiding. For more details about the bullwhips please click here. Stock whips have a long handle (around 18–24 inches) that is separate from the thong. The thong attaches via a keeper loop. This means on a stock whip, the thong can swivel a bit on the handle, giving it a very free movement.

2. Uses of a Stock Whip VS a Bullwhip? 

 A bullwhip tends to feel heavier and a bit slower, generating powerful single cracks and good for precision targeting. A stock whip feels lighter and faster, great for flowing routines and rapid cracks. Shop the Bullwhip here.

3. Are stock whips easier or harder to crack than bullwhips?

For an absolute beginner, a stock whip’s long handle might feel a little odd at first, but many people actually find the stock whip easier for learning multiple cracks. 

4. What length stock whip should I get for general use?

A common choice is a 5 ft stock whip (meaning a 5-foot thong, with a handle around 20”). A 5 ft stock whip is roughly equivalent in reach to about a 6.6 ft bullwhip (because remember, the bullwhip’s handle length counts toward its measurement).  This size is a great all-around whip for both outdoor practice and some indoor venues (with caution). If you’re doing stage performances or need something more compact, a 4 ft or 5 ft stock whip might suffice, but note that as thong length decreases, you might lose some crack volume. But if you want to really show off huge cracks, you could go for an 8 ft or 10 ft stock whips, but those require plenty of space and skill to control. 

5. Do your stock whips come as a pair (for two-handed cracking)?

We sell stock whips individually, but you can certainly purchase two if you plan to do two-handed routines. If you want a matched pair, we at Beather Bond can custom-make two stock whips with the same length, weight, and balance for you – just contact us for a custom order.

6. Are stock whips made of kangaroo leather?

We believe so. Just as with bullwhips, kangaroo leather provides an excellent strength and lightness which is perfect for stock whips. Because stock whip thongs are usually longer and often thinner than bullwhips (for a given length), the material needs to be very strong to avoid breakage under stress. Kangaroo lace is famously the strongest leather lace. 

7. How do I maintain a stock whip?

Maintenance for a stock whip is similar to a bullwhip (see the care tips under the bullwhip Guide. Because stock whips often hit the ground during routines, check the fall and cracker regularly for wear. Keep the thong conditioned, particularly if it’s kangaroo. With good care, your stock whip will be cracking for many years.

8. Do I need to replace the Fall and Cracker of a Stock Whip?

The fall on a stock whip tends to be a bit longer and sometimes thinner than on a bullwhip, so it might need replacing after extensive use – this is normal. We provide an extra fall and cracker with each whip purchase. If you need an instruction video for replacing the fall and cracker please contact us.

9. Differences Between a Stock Whip and a Snake Whip?

A stock whip has a long handle with a separate thong attached by a keeper, fast cracking routines. A snake whip has no handle at all—it’s fully flexible and use in tighter spaces. Here you can find more about the snake whips.