Ditto on the above, although sitting here I can't visualize whether I need to do that index finger thing or not. Doing the whip finish with this tool is so easy that I can't understand why this discussion even exists. If you are having trouble with it, take the gum out of your mouth and try again, LOL. A Materelli whip finisher is a bit pricier than some of the cheap knock-offs, but it's a lifetime investment. Mine is over 25 years old and will surely outlive me.

Many "purists" like to brag about whip finishing by hand, but most of the ones I've seen use a bodkin in conjunction with their fingers. I've you're going to pick up another tool, it may as well be a whip finisher.