Only thread i found about whips was a suggestion for an early game weapon, but i've a much better idea
would take rope and hardened leather to craft maybe, and there would be one combat move that only works with it, which would specialize in fighting animals
Probably only make it work when taming animals, maybe the combat move can deal damage based on animal's current hp, so you'll get it below the fighting threshold faster and will have less risk of killing it in the process.
Idk if it also needs a pvp use, maybe if someone has a creative idea about that but i think it could be a nice little addition
also if that would make getting regular combat moves harder just make the better for taming treat innate on the whip, so that alone will do the trick