thepast
11-24-2007, 06:46 PM
I is for Implements
Implements… mmmm…. What submissive fantasies are made of. Implements can be just about anything that the Dominant can use to properly spank the submissive with. This thread is in no way inclusive & is designed to simply provide a basic background on implements. Further info can be found at your local BDSM group or specialty store. Be properly weary of information found on the net—spanking is hard to explain in words, and by necessity must be taught & experienced in practice. Enjoy!
Safety:
Above all, PRACTICE BEFORE YOU PLAY!!! Impact play is some of the most enjoyable but potentially harmful play. Ensure you know what you are doing before you get anywhere near your sub’s body. Also, squirming can be a major problem with implements. When first learning, make sure the submissive is immobile—one squirm in the wrong direction can lead to intense pain & a ruined scene.
Areas of the body to avoid:
Anywhere where bone is close to the surface of the body, or major blood supply routes
The head or neck
The lower back where the kidneys rest
Spine, tailbone
Sides of the hips
-> Stay on “meaty” parts of the submissive, such as the ass. Before using an implement on breasts or penises, make sure you & the submissive have adequate experience & knowledge of the implement.
How to Practice:
It is best to start with a basic implement, then work your way up (i.e. from crop à flogger à single tail whip). Once you’ve purchased the implement, you need to practice its use before trying it on your submissive. To do this, first use a pillow, lay it lengthwise on the bed & experiment with frequency, intensity & amplitude. See what happens when you hit differently. Once you have accurate aim with the implement, use it on yourself; yes, yourself. There is no better way to know how something feels then to feel it yourself. If you are going to use it on a submissive’s sensitive areas, try it on your own first to see how it feels.
Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!!
Trying it for the First Time:
When you are ready to try the implement for the first time with your submissive, it’s best to not try it in a new setting—i.e. try the implement when it is the only new variable in the play—don’t try it out the first time in a public play setting if you aren’t used to that, or in a hard core play session. You want the submissive to get “the feel” of the implement, you need practice actually using it and in order for you to know how it feels for the sub, you need to be able to have communication with them—to that end, when trying a new implement, do not gag the submissive—allow them the power of speech, for 2 different reasons: it allows them their safewords, and you can increase the pleasurable effects the first time by getting constant feedback from the sub. Start slow, as your accuracy gets better & you get comfortable, you can increase the intensity. Also, often warming up the sub’s ass first with a hand spanking can enhance the comfort level of the implement when first used.
Better safe & slow then sorry!!!
Time & Experience will Condition the Submissive
Over time, the use of an implement can leave the submissive “conditioned” to it—in other words, their tolerance for it increases and they can take drastically longer, harder sessions of the implement before they reach their limit. Make sure you switch out implements—you should never be hitting to an extreme—this “immunity” will disappear in 1-2 weeks of disuse.
How Long?
At the beginning, the implement shouldn’t be used for long durations—use for only 5-10min. Over time, some implements, such as the flogger, can be used for longer scenes (45+ min). However, make sure that both the Dominant & submissive know the safety risks, safewords & feeling of the implement before you increase duration. Also, switching between implements can increase the overall time of the spanking scene.
Bruising/Marks
Some people bruise easily, some don’t. Some love bruises, some hate them. Be VERY alert when you are striking your submissive. Know ahead of time where marks are/aren’t acceptable. Blood is NEVER (unless you are an extremely experienced player, and even then, not often) acceptable. If you draw blood, stop IMMEDIATELY & tend to the wound. Your strikes shouldn’t draw blood—thus, don’t hit that hard. Pleasure is gained from frequent intensity, not from skin-tearing intensity. Be smart.
Some implements tend to leave much larger marks than others. Here is a general “guideline” on bruising for a large segment of the submissive population… Remember: many people don’t bruise the same way, so exercise care!
Crops: Crops generally don’t leave marks unless they’re used in the same spot at high intensity for a good duration. They might leave a red mark, but it will disappear within minutes most of the time.
Paddles: Paddles can leave bruising, depending on type & intensity. Generally however, paddles just leave the ass red for a few minutes (up to a few hours).
Straps/Belts: These can leave marks depending on a few things… First, if the strap is used at a high enough intensity, it can definitely leave bruises and welts. A belt can also leave bruises & welts, but generally these are limited to the area where the end of the belt impacts the body.
Floggers: Floggers warm the ass & as such, can leave the ass extremely hot & red, but will have no lasting bruises unless the flogger is of poor quality or there has been wrapping (see flogger section for description on wrapping).
Canes: Canes are going to leave marks. For how long? A good bit of time. Know this ahead of time: your ass will be sore.
After Care
After care is EXTREMELY important. Clean & tend to the implement as well as the submissive to keep both around longer J. A good, topical lotion can be a great thing for a sore ass or other sore areas—use a lotion that is not perfumed & one that doesn’t have anything unnecessary in it. Aussies swear by emu oil, many Americans like an aloe-base. Again, it’s your preference. Lotions will help with the healing process especially for intense marks, such as cane marks.
Implements (from easiest to hardest to learn & master):
The Hand
An over-the-knee (otk) spanking is the cheapest, best way to start learning the ways of spanking. There’s not much that needs to be said about how to spank—it’s a bit about trial & error. Watch the aim, intensity & frequency of the spanking. Some submissives love hand spankings, whereas others loathe them—know your submissive & what works for you. Hand spankings can be excellent foreplay & “warm up” to other spanking implements.
Household Implements
This is a GREAT place to start!!! Wooden spoons, rulers, hairbrushes, and many other things are a great way for a Dominant to practice spanking with an implement. It is also a good way for the submissive to know what implements might feel like. Do you enjoy a sharp sting or a more dull pain? A pinpoint, intense feeling or a more dispersed, dull feeling? The more you can know about the likes of both the Dominant & submissive, the easier it will be to find the right implement when you are ready to purchase one. This isn’t to say experienced players don’t use household implements—oh they do—they are great for an improvised spanking…hehe…
Crops
Crops are some of the most commonly used implements because they are simple to “learn” & are pretty cost efficient. Crops can be purchased both at specialty & at general adult stores. When looking for a good crop, watch how the end of the crop is attached to the pole, look at the length & material of both the end & the pole, and the way the crop feels in your hand. Crops come in many different shapes & sizes—most of the differences are cosmetic in nature. Stay away from plastic—there are no quality implements made from plastic, lol.
Crops are good to hit smaller, harder to reach areas on the sub. However, before experimenting in these places, be sure you know how much your submissive can handle—start by using a crop on the ass. Remember: the smaller the place, the more sensitive it is. Be gentle at first, make sure your submissive can handle more intense strikes.
Crops are also great for teasing—running it up your sub’s inner legs or along their shoulders can make even the most hardened subs shudder.
Paddles
Paddles are a good place to start for a “hardcore” implement because they generally have a large surface area, so it’s hard to “miss.” The key with a paddle is to hit the meatest area of the ass. Paddles should be used almost exclusively on the ass, as their size & awkwardness makes them hard to use elsewhere. Paddles come in various shapes & sizes—these are just dependent on what the user likes. However, leather paddles generally have a softer kiss than wooden paddles, so start with a leather paddle—they are more flexible & part of the impact can be absorbed by the rebound, whereas a wooden paddle’s impact is completely absorbed by the body.
Straps, belts & the like
Straps are a step up from crops and are pretty similar to a thick belt. DO NOT buy straps that have sharp protrusions from the leather strap or anything that can bloody the skin when it hits—these sorts of straps are made for looks, not function. Also, never hit with the belt buckle on a belt—although it sounds good in theory, it can do serious damage in practice. Straps & belts function as a cross between a paddle & a crop—made out of leather, they are often used by experienced players as a basic part of their implement arsenal. Straps & belts are often less instantly pleasurable & are more intense then their crop or paddle counterparts. The hit stings at first, then the submissive will feel a sharp warming pain after.
Floggers
Floggers, also called cat ‘o nine tails, come in all shapes & sizes. The difference between the materials of the floggers is the difference in how they feel when they land on the skin. Feel it out in your hand—does the weight feel right? What does the material of the tails feel like when they hit the back of your hand? With floggers, quality comes at a price: cheap rubber floggers, while easier to buy because of cost, are much more dangerous then, say, deerskin floggers which are 5-10x the price. However, when you’re talking about safety, price should be no obstacle: Save your money until you can get a good flogger. If possible, go to a local store that specializes in BDSM, or call one, and get information on the flogger you want—how hard is it to control? How long are the tails? Does it hit with a sting or more of a thump?
Learning how to flog can be difficult. As always, the best way is to find someone who knows how to flog & have them teach you. Absent that, practice on your own—you control the flogger with the wrist, so find a wrist maneuver that works for you. Watch for wrapping—this happens when one or more of the tails wraps itself around the area you are hitting—for instance, if aiming for the ass, it can wrap around to the front of the hip. If this occurs, stop, look at the wrap mark, make sure it’s ok and then proceed. Wrapping can cause intense pain to the submissive depending on where it is—but generally, this pain is instant & will dissipate.
Flogging feels like a “thump” generally—it isn’t a sharp sting. If the tails hit in a clump, it will be a more intense, pinpointed feel, whereas if the tails are spread, a more dull, dissipated warmth will be felt.
Canes
Canes are EXTREMELY dangerous & should ONLY be used once the Dominant has had proper instruction by another Dominant. Canes are so dangerous because they are harder to control & their pinpoint, piercing, intense pain is an incredibly intense experience for the submissive (have I said intense yet?) Additionally, canes have the ability to break the skin & leave long lasting marks. Canes require a high level of accuracy—the cane must strike on the ass in just the right way, or it can have a painful (not in the good way) effect for the submissive. Many Dominants enjoy “striping” their submissive’s ass—making multiple cane lines across the submissive’s ass. Again, this should only be attempted after experience & with great caution.
With this in mind… There are many different types of canes: wooden, rattan, fiberglass… There isn’t enough space or depth in this thread to really get into the differences, but if you want to buy a good quality, safe cane, get it at a specialty Lifestyle store. If you can’t go to one, call one—not an online toy vendor, folks, a real store. The store employees will be able to provide good information on which cane is right for you…
Rhythmic Flogging/Caning
This is when the Dominant flogs/canes so that the impact on the body is synchronous to the beat of music. This shouldn’t be tried by inexperienced players OR by experienced players who don’t feel that they have the utmost control. This is often a technique best taught in person by another Dominant so that you can see how it works… as the beat increases in intensity, so does the beating. Use with EXTREME caution!!!!
Whips
Whips. Hm. First & foremost: the crack of the whip should take place just off of the skin—that’s where the intense experience comes in. The vibration/shock of the crack is what the submissive should feel—NOT the whip itself. This is why experience is SO important when using whips.
NEVER use a bull whip unless you are an experienced player being spotted by another experienced player. “Experienced player” in this case refers to BOTH the Dominant AND the submissive!!!! I am not going to discuss bull whips more because they are SO dangerous & generally not functional for most folks.
Single tail whip technique can be learned from another Dominant, but shouldn’t be experimented with on your own. They have a high ability to cause injury if used improperly. Single tail whips painfully sting on impact & will leave a mark as well. Use caution.
Other Links on the Forums:
Are you kidding? There are 100s. Search for “spanking” or for your particular implement… as always, take advice with a grain of salt!!!
Other Sites with Info:
http://www.albanypowerexchange.com/BDSMinfo/impact_play1.htm --APEX’s index page for all things related to implements & impact
http://www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/generalbdsm.htm --LeathernRoses site with many good articles on Implements. Scroll down about halfway to “Implements” or “Types of Play” headers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_play --Wikipedia’s guide to Implement Play.
http://www.sexuality.org/search.php --Sexuality.org’s search page. Type in “spanking” or whatever implement you want to learn about. Provides essays on various personal experiences.
http://www.ashleysextoys.com/store/viewinfo.asp?id=43 --Midway down the page, additional info on the various implements. More generalized info with description of what the implements look like. This is a site for a store, so the links take you to things they sell.
REMINDER: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!! SAFETY FIRST!!!
Implements… mmmm…. What submissive fantasies are made of. Implements can be just about anything that the Dominant can use to properly spank the submissive with. This thread is in no way inclusive & is designed to simply provide a basic background on implements. Further info can be found at your local BDSM group or specialty store. Be properly weary of information found on the net—spanking is hard to explain in words, and by necessity must be taught & experienced in practice. Enjoy!
Safety:
Above all, PRACTICE BEFORE YOU PLAY!!! Impact play is some of the most enjoyable but potentially harmful play. Ensure you know what you are doing before you get anywhere near your sub’s body. Also, squirming can be a major problem with implements. When first learning, make sure the submissive is immobile—one squirm in the wrong direction can lead to intense pain & a ruined scene.
Areas of the body to avoid:
Anywhere where bone is close to the surface of the body, or major blood supply routes
The head or neck
The lower back where the kidneys rest
Spine, tailbone
Sides of the hips
-> Stay on “meaty” parts of the submissive, such as the ass. Before using an implement on breasts or penises, make sure you & the submissive have adequate experience & knowledge of the implement.
How to Practice:
It is best to start with a basic implement, then work your way up (i.e. from crop à flogger à single tail whip). Once you’ve purchased the implement, you need to practice its use before trying it on your submissive. To do this, first use a pillow, lay it lengthwise on the bed & experiment with frequency, intensity & amplitude. See what happens when you hit differently. Once you have accurate aim with the implement, use it on yourself; yes, yourself. There is no better way to know how something feels then to feel it yourself. If you are going to use it on a submissive’s sensitive areas, try it on your own first to see how it feels.
Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!!
Trying it for the First Time:
When you are ready to try the implement for the first time with your submissive, it’s best to not try it in a new setting—i.e. try the implement when it is the only new variable in the play—don’t try it out the first time in a public play setting if you aren’t used to that, or in a hard core play session. You want the submissive to get “the feel” of the implement, you need practice actually using it and in order for you to know how it feels for the sub, you need to be able to have communication with them—to that end, when trying a new implement, do not gag the submissive—allow them the power of speech, for 2 different reasons: it allows them their safewords, and you can increase the pleasurable effects the first time by getting constant feedback from the sub. Start slow, as your accuracy gets better & you get comfortable, you can increase the intensity. Also, often warming up the sub’s ass first with a hand spanking can enhance the comfort level of the implement when first used.
Better safe & slow then sorry!!!
Time & Experience will Condition the Submissive
Over time, the use of an implement can leave the submissive “conditioned” to it—in other words, their tolerance for it increases and they can take drastically longer, harder sessions of the implement before they reach their limit. Make sure you switch out implements—you should never be hitting to an extreme—this “immunity” will disappear in 1-2 weeks of disuse.
How Long?
At the beginning, the implement shouldn’t be used for long durations—use for only 5-10min. Over time, some implements, such as the flogger, can be used for longer scenes (45+ min). However, make sure that both the Dominant & submissive know the safety risks, safewords & feeling of the implement before you increase duration. Also, switching between implements can increase the overall time of the spanking scene.
Bruising/Marks
Some people bruise easily, some don’t. Some love bruises, some hate them. Be VERY alert when you are striking your submissive. Know ahead of time where marks are/aren’t acceptable. Blood is NEVER (unless you are an extremely experienced player, and even then, not often) acceptable. If you draw blood, stop IMMEDIATELY & tend to the wound. Your strikes shouldn’t draw blood—thus, don’t hit that hard. Pleasure is gained from frequent intensity, not from skin-tearing intensity. Be smart.
Some implements tend to leave much larger marks than others. Here is a general “guideline” on bruising for a large segment of the submissive population… Remember: many people don’t bruise the same way, so exercise care!
Crops: Crops generally don’t leave marks unless they’re used in the same spot at high intensity for a good duration. They might leave a red mark, but it will disappear within minutes most of the time.
Paddles: Paddles can leave bruising, depending on type & intensity. Generally however, paddles just leave the ass red for a few minutes (up to a few hours).
Straps/Belts: These can leave marks depending on a few things… First, if the strap is used at a high enough intensity, it can definitely leave bruises and welts. A belt can also leave bruises & welts, but generally these are limited to the area where the end of the belt impacts the body.
Floggers: Floggers warm the ass & as such, can leave the ass extremely hot & red, but will have no lasting bruises unless the flogger is of poor quality or there has been wrapping (see flogger section for description on wrapping).
Canes: Canes are going to leave marks. For how long? A good bit of time. Know this ahead of time: your ass will be sore.
After Care
After care is EXTREMELY important. Clean & tend to the implement as well as the submissive to keep both around longer J. A good, topical lotion can be a great thing for a sore ass or other sore areas—use a lotion that is not perfumed & one that doesn’t have anything unnecessary in it. Aussies swear by emu oil, many Americans like an aloe-base. Again, it’s your preference. Lotions will help with the healing process especially for intense marks, such as cane marks.
Implements (from easiest to hardest to learn & master):
The Hand
An over-the-knee (otk) spanking is the cheapest, best way to start learning the ways of spanking. There’s not much that needs to be said about how to spank—it’s a bit about trial & error. Watch the aim, intensity & frequency of the spanking. Some submissives love hand spankings, whereas others loathe them—know your submissive & what works for you. Hand spankings can be excellent foreplay & “warm up” to other spanking implements.
Household Implements
This is a GREAT place to start!!! Wooden spoons, rulers, hairbrushes, and many other things are a great way for a Dominant to practice spanking with an implement. It is also a good way for the submissive to know what implements might feel like. Do you enjoy a sharp sting or a more dull pain? A pinpoint, intense feeling or a more dispersed, dull feeling? The more you can know about the likes of both the Dominant & submissive, the easier it will be to find the right implement when you are ready to purchase one. This isn’t to say experienced players don’t use household implements—oh they do—they are great for an improvised spanking…hehe…
Crops
Crops are some of the most commonly used implements because they are simple to “learn” & are pretty cost efficient. Crops can be purchased both at specialty & at general adult stores. When looking for a good crop, watch how the end of the crop is attached to the pole, look at the length & material of both the end & the pole, and the way the crop feels in your hand. Crops come in many different shapes & sizes—most of the differences are cosmetic in nature. Stay away from plastic—there are no quality implements made from plastic, lol.
Crops are good to hit smaller, harder to reach areas on the sub. However, before experimenting in these places, be sure you know how much your submissive can handle—start by using a crop on the ass. Remember: the smaller the place, the more sensitive it is. Be gentle at first, make sure your submissive can handle more intense strikes.
Crops are also great for teasing—running it up your sub’s inner legs or along their shoulders can make even the most hardened subs shudder.
Paddles
Paddles are a good place to start for a “hardcore” implement because they generally have a large surface area, so it’s hard to “miss.” The key with a paddle is to hit the meatest area of the ass. Paddles should be used almost exclusively on the ass, as their size & awkwardness makes them hard to use elsewhere. Paddles come in various shapes & sizes—these are just dependent on what the user likes. However, leather paddles generally have a softer kiss than wooden paddles, so start with a leather paddle—they are more flexible & part of the impact can be absorbed by the rebound, whereas a wooden paddle’s impact is completely absorbed by the body.
Straps, belts & the like
Straps are a step up from crops and are pretty similar to a thick belt. DO NOT buy straps that have sharp protrusions from the leather strap or anything that can bloody the skin when it hits—these sorts of straps are made for looks, not function. Also, never hit with the belt buckle on a belt—although it sounds good in theory, it can do serious damage in practice. Straps & belts function as a cross between a paddle & a crop—made out of leather, they are often used by experienced players as a basic part of their implement arsenal. Straps & belts are often less instantly pleasurable & are more intense then their crop or paddle counterparts. The hit stings at first, then the submissive will feel a sharp warming pain after.
Floggers
Floggers, also called cat ‘o nine tails, come in all shapes & sizes. The difference between the materials of the floggers is the difference in how they feel when they land on the skin. Feel it out in your hand—does the weight feel right? What does the material of the tails feel like when they hit the back of your hand? With floggers, quality comes at a price: cheap rubber floggers, while easier to buy because of cost, are much more dangerous then, say, deerskin floggers which are 5-10x the price. However, when you’re talking about safety, price should be no obstacle: Save your money until you can get a good flogger. If possible, go to a local store that specializes in BDSM, or call one, and get information on the flogger you want—how hard is it to control? How long are the tails? Does it hit with a sting or more of a thump?
Learning how to flog can be difficult. As always, the best way is to find someone who knows how to flog & have them teach you. Absent that, practice on your own—you control the flogger with the wrist, so find a wrist maneuver that works for you. Watch for wrapping—this happens when one or more of the tails wraps itself around the area you are hitting—for instance, if aiming for the ass, it can wrap around to the front of the hip. If this occurs, stop, look at the wrap mark, make sure it’s ok and then proceed. Wrapping can cause intense pain to the submissive depending on where it is—but generally, this pain is instant & will dissipate.
Flogging feels like a “thump” generally—it isn’t a sharp sting. If the tails hit in a clump, it will be a more intense, pinpointed feel, whereas if the tails are spread, a more dull, dissipated warmth will be felt.
Canes
Canes are EXTREMELY dangerous & should ONLY be used once the Dominant has had proper instruction by another Dominant. Canes are so dangerous because they are harder to control & their pinpoint, piercing, intense pain is an incredibly intense experience for the submissive (have I said intense yet?) Additionally, canes have the ability to break the skin & leave long lasting marks. Canes require a high level of accuracy—the cane must strike on the ass in just the right way, or it can have a painful (not in the good way) effect for the submissive. Many Dominants enjoy “striping” their submissive’s ass—making multiple cane lines across the submissive’s ass. Again, this should only be attempted after experience & with great caution.
With this in mind… There are many different types of canes: wooden, rattan, fiberglass… There isn’t enough space or depth in this thread to really get into the differences, but if you want to buy a good quality, safe cane, get it at a specialty Lifestyle store. If you can’t go to one, call one—not an online toy vendor, folks, a real store. The store employees will be able to provide good information on which cane is right for you…
Rhythmic Flogging/Caning
This is when the Dominant flogs/canes so that the impact on the body is synchronous to the beat of music. This shouldn’t be tried by inexperienced players OR by experienced players who don’t feel that they have the utmost control. This is often a technique best taught in person by another Dominant so that you can see how it works… as the beat increases in intensity, so does the beating. Use with EXTREME caution!!!!
Whips
Whips. Hm. First & foremost: the crack of the whip should take place just off of the skin—that’s where the intense experience comes in. The vibration/shock of the crack is what the submissive should feel—NOT the whip itself. This is why experience is SO important when using whips.
NEVER use a bull whip unless you are an experienced player being spotted by another experienced player. “Experienced player” in this case refers to BOTH the Dominant AND the submissive!!!! I am not going to discuss bull whips more because they are SO dangerous & generally not functional for most folks.
Single tail whip technique can be learned from another Dominant, but shouldn’t be experimented with on your own. They have a high ability to cause injury if used improperly. Single tail whips painfully sting on impact & will leave a mark as well. Use caution.
Other Links on the Forums:
Are you kidding? There are 100s. Search for “spanking” or for your particular implement… as always, take advice with a grain of salt!!!
Other Sites with Info:
http://www.albanypowerexchange.com/BDSMinfo/impact_play1.htm --APEX’s index page for all things related to implements & impact
http://www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/generalbdsm.htm --LeathernRoses site with many good articles on Implements. Scroll down about halfway to “Implements” or “Types of Play” headers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_play --Wikipedia’s guide to Implement Play.
http://www.sexuality.org/search.php --Sexuality.org’s search page. Type in “spanking” or whatever implement you want to learn about. Provides essays on various personal experiences.
http://www.ashleysextoys.com/store/viewinfo.asp?id=43 --Midway down the page, additional info on the various implements. More generalized info with description of what the implements look like. This is a site for a store, so the links take you to things they sell.
REMINDER: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!! SAFETY FIRST!!!