Shop Policies
Service and Repair
All whips that are both made by Torrance Fisher and sold via Swordguy Builds platforms enjoy free routine servicing, and repairs on issues of craftsmanship, within six months of shipment. If you would like to take advantage of this policy, please email torrance@swordguybuilds.com with a brief explanation of the issue you’re experiencing or the service you need performed, and include detailed pictures that clearly represent the subject areas of the whip.
This policy does not cover damage from misuse, improper technique or storage, or damage from pets, and can only be honored for issues of clearly standard wear-and-tear OR if it can be shown that the fault is with the whip and not the handler. The customer may be asked to cover the cost of shipping, or may be reimbursed for the cost of shipping, depending on circumstance and determined on a case-by-case basis.
Returns
Generally I do not accept returns, and all sales, once shipped, are treated as final. In the event that I do decide to accept a returned whip, return shipping will be at the customer’s expense, and the whip will be subject to inspection and appraisal of its condition. Appraisal will inform how much of the original price the customer is entitled to have refunded, less shipping and PayPal fees.
Cancellations and Refunds
If you have made a purchase via the In-Stock page and the whip has not been shipped yet, in most cases a cancellation is no problem. However, in response to new PayPal policies on refunds, you will only be refunded for the price of the listing less PayPal fees (about 4%). A refund may not be afforded if you have commissioned a made-to-order whip via the All Models page.
Frequently Asked Questions
“What is the difference between nylon and kangaroo leather whips?”
Nylon whips, or paracord whips, are a great affordable choice for your first whip. Nylon whips come in a large variety of colors and are often preferred by whip performers for their eye-catching look. They are also easier to store and care for because it’s a synthetic material. Nylon whips need no periodic conditioning to remain functional, in contrast to leather whips.
Kangaroo leather whips are valued for their durability and endurance. Some handlers find a leather heel knot less abrasive to the touch than a nylon knot, which can be a huge advantage for long practices or two-handed routines. A well maintained leather whip will last a lifetime. The color of a leather whip will also enrich over time and with use. While more expensive, they’re a great investment for a whip that will last a lifetime.
“What is the best whip for target cracking?”
4-6 foot American bullwhips or Australian bullwhips are ideal for fast, accurate cracks.
“What is the best whip for wraps?”
The best whip to wrap a target or person is more about the length of whip rather than the style. A longer whip, especially one with a long fall, is best suited for a good wrap.
“What is a good flow arts whip?”
Flow arts whips are best defined by the user, so you may need to try a few different lengths and styles of whip to find something you can move with comfortably. Paracord whips come in bright colors that are good for stage work, but it may also be necessary to choose a longer or shorter whip depending on the performance space.
“Do you offer whips not found on your website?”
Yes! If you’re looking for a custom whip, I’m happy to design the exact whip you’re looking for. Send me an email with what you have in mind at torrance@swordguybuilds.com
“What is the best whip for a beginner?”
The best whip for a beginner is the whip you have. I recommend a paracord bullwhip due to their versatility and low cost. Most new handlers have the easiest time with a 5-7 foot whip.
“What is plait count and why does it matter?”
Plait count describes the number of strands, be it leather or paracord, used to start braiding the whip. A higher plait count can involve more complex patterns, but is often sought for a smoother roll.
“Do you offer whip cracking lessons?”
I offer whip cracking lessons in person as long as you’re in or willing to travel to the Los Angeles area. Email me at torrance@swordguybuilds.com to inquire.
“What sets your whips apart from others?”
Every whip I make is the direct result of many years of experience in whip cracking, learning from other whip braiders, and constantly refining my methods and construction by making hundreds of whips a year from scratch. I’m not the only quality whip maker out there of course, but my unique style, quality of braiding, and eye for composition are things you can rely on with every purchase.
“Do you repair whips?”
Of course! Email me at torrance@swordguybuilds.com with pictures and the details of what you need repaired.
“What should I look for in a quality whip?”
“Quality” in a whip can refer to its durability of construction, the refinement of its craftsmanship, or the nuance of its handling. Handling is something that can only be appreciated after sampling lots of different whips under various circumstances, and thus requires some patience and time to get a feel for. Construction methods and craftsmanship vary from artist to artist, and not all construction methods are equal. Because of this, it’s a very good idea to learn about a whip maker before purchasing or commissioning a whip. Experience and previous work are always a good sign. Look for videos of their whips in use, email them with questions about their methods or materials, and compare their responses to responses from other artists. Lastly, ask around and involve others in the whip cracking community at large in your decision making. I’m always happy to answer questions, and I’ve found members of the community to be just as helpful.
“What do I need to know about caring for my whip?”
Always practice good technique and finesse, as overly hard cracking can irreversibly alter how a whip functions. It’s also important to only practice on dry, green grass whenever possible, because hard and abrasive surfaces can cause excessive wear and tear.
Paracord whips are easy to maintain. Gently clean it with a lightly moist cloth and pat dry. Avoid soaking it, or using it for long periods in the rain. Similar to leather whips, storing it in a cool, dry place is ideal. Protracted exposure to heat can also be detrimental to the whip’s performance, but waxed paracord whips can recover more easily from this than unwaxed whips.
Leather whips require more care. They can also be gently cleaned with water and then dried. Afterwards, apply a coat of leather dressing to the whip. If a leather whip is allowed to dry out, it can begin to lose strength or even rot. Dress your whips as needed, or about twice a year with regular use under normal conditions.
“What colors are available?”
Kangaroo leather comes in the standard colors of natural tan, saddle tan, whiskey, brandy, black, and red. I keep a wide selection of paracord colors, but if there is a specific color you have in mind you can find the full list of options on my supplier’s site, found here.