I am writing a monthly column to answer any questions that you might have regarding various forms of BDSM and alternative livestyles.  You can contact me by writing  angel@DungeonBazaar.com . 

“Ask angel” Advice and Comments Column

By angel carter

Thud Versus Sting and Various Implements

By Angel Carter

Sensation is perceptual. What I may perceive as enjoyable someone else could perceive as pain. In many ways the same can be said for the sensations of thud and sting. Generally I have a low tolerance for sensations I perceive as sting. By the same token I consider myself as having a low tolerance for pain in general. In other words I generally define my pain and sensation tolerance by saying, "I am a wussichist."

As for myself I define “thud” as impact without a burning sensation.

For myself I define “sting” as a sharp, quick, burning pain.

Many implements provide a mixture of thud and sting. Usually I can find enjoyment if I feel more thud than sting. Once my endorphins and adrenalin get built up, I can handle more sting sensations. That all being said the following is how I tend to perceive sensation wise various implements.

Floggers are such versatile toys. Generally the heavier the material used for making the flogger the more intense the thud sensation for me. Regular cow leather is generally heavier than most suede. Bull hide is heavier than cow leather. Other contributing factors to the weight are how much is used, how wide the strips are cut and the length. If there are two floggers made out of 10-ounce cow hide leather yet one has 18 falls and the other has 28 falls, the one with 28 falls will have more thud as there is more weight making impact upon striking. That is if the falls are all cut the same length and width. More width would also mean more weight and more thud as would more length in some cases.

With floggers I generally prefer a rounded edge to the falls. Edges on the way the falls are cut will also determine if there is more or less sting. If the falls are cut with a V or inverted V then there is more sting due to the sharp angles. I find that the mid range cut is a squared off edge. For slightly more sting but providing less of a sting sensation than the V shapes are when the ends are cut at a 45-degree angle.

For a flogger that gives me all thud and no sting I prefer a nylon, cotton, or nylon cotton blend rope. For me the softer the rope is the less I perceive a sensation of sting.

Paddles come in all shapes, sizes, designs and materials. For a feeling of thud I generally prefer leather paddles. The heavier the leather the more of a thud sensation I tend to feel. Generally if the edges are not rounded at all and they are sharp angles to the side then that can bring generally more sting. To increase the feeling of sting a slit or cut can be made or holes can be punched into the leather.

As for wooden paddles I find the heavier the wood the more thud. Though with wood I always tend to feel a combination of thud and sting as wood generally does not have any leeway to give. Finishing the edges where the tops and sides meet and rounding them off a bit can take some of the sting out of the impact. Having hard angle edges or holes will increase the sensation of sting.

Lexan paddles have a nasty sting to them. Just as with leather and wood the sting feeling can be increased by sharp edges and holes. With leather, wood, and lexan how they are used as implements can determine their severity as well. Obviously someone using it with more force will cause more impact thus more thud and/or sting for the one receiving.

Canes can be a fun and versatile implement. They come in all shapes, sizes, styles, designs, and from various materials. I prefer the rattan canes. If not used properly any implement can cause harm. {Harm meaning damage and not just the fun type of pain or play I generally prefer.} Rattan canes can last many years with proper use and care. I find that for me the fatter the cane the less the sting sensation. Though I haven't found one fat enough yet to eliminate the feeling of sting. It's not so much with the impact that I feel the sting as that just after contact moment when the cane is nowhere near my skin and I get that second shock feeling. {Where the area that was struck expands back out.} Unlike dowel rods rattan canes will break if there is too much force. So for me it's like a built in safety trigger that in general most other materials that can be used for canes do not have.

This is not meant to cover safety or safer ways to use implements, toys, or how to play. There are ways to be safer. However, I realize some people prefer things that I don't. Just as some people prefer more sting and less thud. How I perceive something is not how everyone will perceive it. I do strongly urge others to learn from someone who has knowledge of certain implements and how to use them. A simple spanking with a wooden paddle can lead to a broken tailbone if one is not careful. “Practice makes perfect.” Practice on a pillow, a chair or a wall depending on what you are trying to use. Start slow and build up. Experiment with various items to learn what you and your partner may or may not enjoy. In the end it's about enjoyment whether the enjoyment comes from sensations, the mental aspects, or pain.

Play safe and have fun!

~Angel~

20 July 2004

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This is an exciting new beginning for Dungeon Bazaar.   Many times I am asked questions regarding how to care for toys, relationships, meeting others, safety information, my own relationship, resources, and much more.   So it occurred to us here at Dungeon Bazaar that not everyone knows where to find resources, whom to trust to ask about relationship questions, or even how to find local groups in their area.

All of my articles can be found at my online journal.  All of the articles are listed by topic here.  Feel free to use any articles as long as you give credit and link back to Dungeon Bazaar.  Please let us know when you have used any or all of an article by emailing angel@dungeonbazaar.com.  Check back often as I hope to be writing more than once a month most times. 

~angel~