Is the whip hit box buggy?

It's just a poorly-designed weapon. I don't know whether to attribute it to a buggy hit box or one that's intentionally awkward, but sometimes it clearly doesn't connect as you'd think it should, even on targets right in front of you. Combine that with the long animation and the limited range and I've just never felt it was worth using. A shame, as I like whips and they're a Castlevania mainstay. The swordwhip works reasonably well, but the substandard DPS is a problem. I feel like this weapon is an example of originality gone awry. They undoubtedly wanted to distinguish Bloodstained whips from the others we've grown accustomed to over the years, but originality that impedes basic functionality isn't really worth it.

Not in the face; that part I know about and kind of makes sense. I'm talking about the tip of the whip. I may try to record it next time I'm at that part again. Thanks for the info though.