Sheldon's Whip Status

One of the more popular portrayals of whips involves wrapping a fixed overhead object and then swinging from the whip across an open space.  Whips have appeared in many cartoons, television shows, videogames such as Castlevania, and numerous films, from the original Zorro to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Catwoman (2004).  Many times the whip handle is attached to a concealed body harness on the actor for safety and to make the swing appear more graceful.  In film, the effect is achieved by braiding the whip over a steel or kevlar support cable and anchoring the tip permanently to a support such as a crane or scaffolding.  When there is a log above a chasm it is possible to swing across using a whip and loosen the whip after the swing, but only if the log has sufficient friction.  On Mythbusters, various capabilities of whips shown in the film Raiders of the Lost Ark were tested on the "The Busters of the Lost Myths" episode.  While it is possible to do so in reality, achieving a wrap strong enough to hold the body weight yet loose enough to disengage once the swing is complete is highly impractical.  Often their usage is dramatic and wildly exaggerated, showing action heroes tripping or disarming an adversary, breaking furniture, or other impressive activities.  The whip is occasionally portrayed in popular culture in various contexts.  With Sheldon’s whip, you will be ready to lash out justice to anyone who acts up!  Further, the strain will damage or break most leather whips.  When properly trained, it is in fact possible to disarm a pistol-wielding opponent.  Is your best friend controlled by their significant other? WHA-PSHHH!  Never be caught off guard when your friends start to slip up!  Is one of your classmates a teacher’s pet? WHA-PSHHH!  Using a high-speed camera they were able to verify that the tip of a whip can break the speed of sound.