Tools of the Trade

After reading uni's thread "What is it called?" I decided we needed a thread here in Knowledge Base where we could discuss the different toys/implements used in BDSM play. I know there are lots of thread scattered around the site about the same thing, but there isn't one certain thread where new members or people new to BDSM can go to find out more information about a particular toy. I mean come on...can you imagine everything someone would have to sift through if they ran a search here for "flogger" in an attempt to find out more information? lol They'd be sitting here for days sifting through it all.

So here's my idea...I'm going to sticky this thread here in Knowledge Base, and every couple of days or so I am going to make a new post about a particular toy/implement...including a picture, description, various uses, ouch factor, safety precautions...etc. Then we can all discuss it and share our experiences with the toy/implement, or any questions we might have about it. Yay! Doesn't that sound like fun?

Here we go...

I'm also going to include a Table of Contents for this thread to make it easier to direct people to certain topics. That way you don't have to sift through everything if you have question about one thing in particular.

Table of Contents

Riding Crops

Vibrators

Nipple Toys

First up..

Riding Crop

One of my favorites...I have two different pictures posted below. The first is the more traditional riding crop with the leather "popper" on the end. And the second is the more playful crop with the "handprint" on the end. I believe riding crops get a bad wrap. I know I used to be deathly afraid of them. They really aren't that bad and can be tons of fun. From spanking a subbie's bottom to rubbing the tip against the pussy or flicking it across the nipples...there is lots of fun to be had with this toy.

My first riding crop was one with the folded "popper" on the end. It was slowly introduced into play since I was so afraid of it. But it quickly became one of my favorite toys. The tip has a very nice sting and leaves some really pretty red marks. Mine must have gotten some heavy duty usage though because after a few months the tip broke and it basically became useless. The good thing about it though is that you can find a riding crop like this at your local tack supply shop (ie Tractor Supply) for only about 10-15 bucks.

Ouch factor on the "popper" riding crop? On a scale of 0-5 I'd give it about a 3. It's been known to bring me to tears on occasion.

After my first riding crop broke, I went online and purchased one with the hand shaped tip. It was cute, but I am not loving it as much as I loved my original crop. It seems more durable, but it doesn't have as much of an ouch factor. There is a nice sting and if you use it just the right way, you can leave those cute lil handprints on the skin. I still love my crop, but I do miss the more traditional shape with the folded popper on the end.

Ouch factor for the "handprint" riding crop? I'd give it a high 2. It has a bit of sting for sure and leaves some nice marks, but it doesn't quite rank up there with the original, in my opinion.

The thing to remember here is that everyone's pain tolerance is different. So a 2 for me may seem like a 4 for someone else. The key is to take it slow...tapping lightly at first just to get a feel for how it's going to work. It might even be a good idea to practice on a pillow first...getting down your aim and the flick of your wrist just right. You want to strike the skin with the tip alone. Target areas to use the riding crop on would be the bottom, thighs, breasts and pussy. I dunno, cuz I'm not a guy, but I'm almost 100% sure a woman's pussy can take more from a riding crop than a guy's cock and balls could. LOL So you might want to be careful if you are wanting to use it on a guy.

Anyone else have any advice or experiences when it comes to crops? Other areas of the body you've used it on? Your technique? Ideas you'd like to share?

Dragon's favorite crop (my favorite, too. imagine that!) is a standard crop which has a 4 inch whip tip on the end.

Makes me squishy just thinking about it.

ah i have a couple crops for use.. the slappers and the whip tips.
I think the whip tips leave more sting can be more punishing; but the slappers can be much more playful in use. :evil:

I have one with a shortened handle. I call it the "pussy paddle". A lot more practical.

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Originally Posted by Wolfscout

I think the whip tips leave more sting can be more punishing; but the slappers can be much more playful in use. :evil:

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Wouldn't that all depend on how hard you like to play??:idea:

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Originally Posted by TomOfSweden

I have one with a shortened handle. I call it the "pussy paddle". A lot more practical.

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LOL if I were physically a female I'd invite you to use that one on me. *tickled*

Thank you so very very much for starting this! again, you win!

next up will be Vibrators.

I saw a thread asking about how to find the perfect vibe. Well, here is my two cents, as well as a little about a couple of types of vibrators. Feel free to reply with your advice on the perfect vibe.

The first vibe pictured is the classic Rabbit vibe. This is the very first vibrator I ever owned. It was given to me as a gift by a friend...and boy did he know what he was doing when he bought this thing. This is my favorite "smaller" vibe. The addition of the lil clit stimulating rabbit ears is what does it for me. The insertable length of the dildo part is about 7 inches I think....so it's perfect. Not too big...not too small. It also has dual controls so if you just want clitoral stimulation then you can get it...or if you just want the lil beads in the middle to rotate and buzz...then you can. As far as quality goes, I have to admit that I've broken a couple of these vibes over the years. ~blushing~ But luckily they aren't expensive so if the worst does happen, you can always buy another! :)

The next vibe pictured is a standard slim vibe. Usually hard plastic, these are pretty popular. I had one I bought once and I hated it. It just didn't do anything for me at all. It's not realistic feeling and there isn't the clit stimulator. BUT, I do know people who absolutely love these vibes. Maybe someone else can share a positive experience with them.

Last but oh so definitely not least...is the Hitachi Magic Wand. ~pauses for a moment in deep deep respect for the Hitachi's greatness~ Let me start by saying...OH MY GOD! I'd seen the Hitachi in lotsa porn videos but I'd never thought to buy one. I always thought they were so expensive. Well, they aren't!! They are very affordable. This is the mother of all vibrators and is guaranteed to give you orgasm after orgasm with hardly any effort on your part. Yes, it's pretty bulky, and yes, it does have a cord and has to be plugged in, but you don't pay attention to that at all when you are right in the middle of an orgasm...I can tell you that. LOL The Hitachi has different speeds ranging from..."yummm" to "holy shit" and you can also buy it with little attachments that slide right over the round massaging head.

In my opinion, if I didn't have any vibes at all and could only purchase one, I would go with the Hitachi.

Any other opinions?

mmm coming back here definately to leave a comment asap!

and yes thank you for starting this thread!

~hugs~

I have a wealth of knowedge on this subject so anyone feel free to email me on this subject.mailto:sextoymaker@yahoo.com
I was wondering about cuffs and collars and spreader bars what do you folks prefer?

Clamps, Clothespins and Suction Oh My!!

First off...Clamps. There are many different styles of clamps. From the c-clamps to those wicked clover clamps (first pic). Now clamps like c-clamps and tweezer clamps are adjustable so you can make them as tight as you want. Clover clamps on the other hand only have one position...OUCH. Once those babies are on your movements along with any pulling on the clamps will only make them get tighter. I absolutely love my clamps...and they aren't just for nipples either. They can be clamped onto any body part. From personal experience I can tell you that I get quite a rush of pain and pleasure from having them attached to my pussy lips and then pulling hard on the chain. Yummmmm! Anyways!! Lots of fun to be had with clamps! :D Be careful with the amount of time you keep the clamps on though. I believe the longest I've had clamps on is about 25 minutes.

Clothespins. Another yummy toy...very cheap and easy to find. No one will think anything of it if you pop into the store and buy a bag of clothespins! lol Like the clamps, they can be used on any body part and you can even get creative by making designs or zippers with them. I think I've had around 50 clothespins on my breasts at one time. Zippers (second picture below) can be made by running some string through the clothespins and then attaching the 'zipper' along the skin. The rush comes from holding the string and then ripping the clothespins off all at once. Although I'm sure it would be wounderfully torturous to rip them off slowly...~grins~

Suction/Cupping is another fun activity. If you are just starting out I would suggest going to the camping section of your local store and buying a snake bite kit(third pic) for about 5 bucks. The suction you get from them isn't all that powerful but it is still lots of fun! I've had the snake bite suctions on my nipples for about 30 minutes and let me tell you...the actually suctioning might not be that intense, but to jerk them off your nipples when they've been on there that long...good lord!! It's pretty painful. Deliciously so! And it leaves the nipples so swollen and sensitive. If you are wanting to take cupping a little further you could buy suctioning kits that include pumps and suctions made for your pussy or nipples. (see last 2 pics) Cupping can be done on any part of the body though and doesn't have to be designated to just breasts/genitalia.

Awesome thread idea...got some great info in here. Think I'm going shopping :)

God, this is a great thread - the clothes pin snake, yikes!!! never would have thought of that... so glad sextoymaker bumped it, but - sextoymaker, why keep the conversations private? this information - the knowledge you have - is so useful to all of us! We are nothing if not eager.

hellish hun - thanks for starting this thread, and long may you continue it!

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Originally Posted by ~hellish one~

Suction/Cupping[/B] is another fun activity. If you are just starting out I would suggest going to the camping section of your local store and buying a snake bite kit(third pic) for about 5 bucks. The suction you get from them isn't all that powerful but it is still lots of fun! I've had the snake bite suctions on my nipples for about 30 minutes and let me tell you...the actually suctioning might not be that intense, but to jerk them off your nipples when they've been on there that long...good lord!! It's pretty painful. Deliciously so! And it leaves the nipples so swollen and sensitive. If you are wanting to take cupping a little further you could buy suctioning kits that include pumps and suctions made for your pussy or nipples. (see last 2 pics) Cupping can be done on any part of the body though and doesn't have to be designated to just breasts/genitalia.

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I've been looking for one of these for years. For the pussy that is. It seems to be impossible to find one that fits snuggly over the pussy. I've tried a few but either it isn't tight or it cuts into the tendons, well before doing it's job.

Any suggestions?

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Originally Posted by TomOfSweden

I've been looking for one of these for years. For the pussy that is. It seems to be impossible to find one that fits snuggly over the pussy. I've tried a few but either it isn't tight or it cuts into the tendons, well before doing it's job.

Any suggestions?

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I'll PM you with the information.. ;)

Not sure that I would call this a toy but it is a tool of the trade that is often forgotten.

The reed, a small strong light weight piece of wood, plastic or even metal. A metal shirt hanger is about the right thickness but due to its bends not really right.

The read should be about 2 to 3 foot in length and can be used in many ways from light quick strokes much faster then a cane or belt can be used. If I am using it harshly it can be done at a blurring speed with nothing but wrist action. If applied to breast, or pussy it is truly painful.

I love it because of the control factor it offers as a warm up its sting is like that of nothing else I know of.

Someone - one or two people - really should adopt this thread in a regular way now that hellish is no longer around on the Forum. It was an excellent idea. Anyone to heed the call?

gagged_Louise

I could do that if the forum would like. I must though remind you that I am not a typical Dom, if there is such a thing, that I do go my own way and make no claims to be into inflicting large amounts of pain exclusively.

Some of you know I love shackles. The full set with about 18 inches of chain between the anklecuffs and then a chain around her waist that you hook her handcuffs too one on each side. Top this off with enough chain to extend from her waist to the center of the chain between her ankles. If you want to be a little mean make the chain from waist to ankles extra long so that she has to grab it and pull it up to walk without triping.

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Originally Posted by Sir_Russell

Not sure that I would call this a toy but it is a tool of the trade that is often forgotten.

The reed, a small strong light weight piece of wood, plastic or even metal. A metal shirt hanger is about the right thickness but due to its bends not really right.

The read should be about 2 to 3 foot in length and can be used in many ways from light quick strokes much faster then a cane or belt can be used. If I am using it harshly it can be done at a blurring speed with nothing but wrist action. If applied to breast, or pussy it is truly painful.

I love it because of the control factor it offers as a warm up its sting is like that of nothing else I know of.

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Van Dykes catalog carries reed. Not sure if this is the kind Sir Russell is speaking of, but just saw it the other day and thought it might be helpful.

Hmmm, I see that my last post didn't take.

Yes the reed in the hands of an expert can run a large range of physical sensations.

Today's tool is one that is cheap and can be left out and the vanilla world will never guess its use. You can get it at any large superstore. Just go to the auto deptartment and find the cloths rod for the back seat brackets of most cars. It should telescope to a great variety of lengths and have holders or clips to attach to the brackets or handholds in the back of the car. Most of these lock tight to a length by using a screwing motion once you have it at the desired length.

Hook to the end of this metal cuffs or leather or even cuffs of rope. Try using one between her knees so that she can't close her knees when she goes to climax and watch the fun.

Anyone ever hear of misery sticks? Wonderful small toy, but quite painful for it's size.

Sir Russell, what about different types of restraints?

Softly,

Very good question which to answer in total may actual be bigger then my knowledge will be able to fully answer. Let me think on it and answer you. This will I am sure be a multi-part answer since I believe that I will remember more after each segment.

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Originally Posted by ~hellish one~

Clamps, Clothespins and Suction Oh My!!


Suction/Cupping is another fun activity. If you are just starting out I would suggest going to the camping section of your local store and buying a snake bite kit(third pic) for about 5 bucks. The suction you get from them isn't all that powerful but it is still lots of fun! I've had the snake bite suctions on my nipples for about 30 minutes and let me tell you...the actually suctioning might not be that intense, but to jerk them off your nipples when they've been on there that long...good lord!! It's pretty painful. Deliciously so! And it leaves the nipples so swollen and sensitive. If you are wanting to take cupping a little further you could buy suctioning kits that include pumps and suctions made for your pussy or nipples. (see last 2 pics) Cupping can be done on any part of the body though and doesn't have to be designated to just breasts/genitalia.

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I would heartily recommend the Sawyer Extractor. A superior snakebite/insect bite kit. And far more versitile. Not only visually, but also produces a considerable vacuum (over a small area) without tremendous expense. About $15 per on the net.

I just bought two.

BTW, despite its appearance, there's no needle involved. Depressing the plunger creates the vacuum. An interesting device actually.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sir_Russell

Softly,

Very good question which to answer in total may actual be bigger then my knowledge will be able to fully answer. Let me think on it and answer you. This will I am sure be a multi-part answer since I believe that I will remember more after each segment.

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Thank you Sir_Russell, I look forward to your response.

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Originally Posted by Ozme52

I just bought two.

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:eek:

Types of restraint:

I will address in this post the types of physical restraint, please feel free to add any that I may have overlooked.

First that which was probably historically first form of restraint was leather or hide possible strips of gut followed,

Leather can be braided or used just as strips, it can be used alone by tying it or it can be used other forms of restraint.

I personally love leather cuffs and make them but I normally use either rope or my favorite chain to secure the sub/slave to objects or just from cuff to cuff.

Second was rope and twine, yes there is a difference but I am not going into that at this time. Rope surprising is very dangerous and inflicts more harm to the sub/slave body then all the other combined, of course this is an opinion based on a lot of years in and around the Life. An fool that has master a simple knot suddenly thinks he can do rope bondage. It is a real skill to use rope on the body and not have it harm the sub/slave if she struggles either in pain, fear or pleasure. Rope of course can be used as stated above with either style of cuffs to anchor the sub/slave to objects or to other cuffs.

Rope comes in many different styles and type, another danger for the uninformed. Nylon is plenty strong by is both course and slips when tied into knots. It has the ability to burn and even cut the flesh. It can be used safely with certain metal pieces that wrap around a loop at the end of it securing the loop from slipping and then it can be used to lift very heavy weights. There are other forms of man made material rope each has a draw back.

There is cotton blends which I actually prefer for contact to the skin. It is not as strong but that can be overcome by using a lot more of it.

Hemp is anther type and it was the official rope of the most navies until the pot police realized it was made from pot fibers. Lol, that is what is meant by smoking rope

Chain and cable are the major metal types of metal restraint. These can rarely be used by themselves safely, though I have see dog choke collars used and I do use them from time to time myself.

Dog choke collars though do make great cheap connectors from cuff to cuff or cuff to solid object. These normally need clips, hooks or something to connect them since the rings on the end are not designed for connection.

Chain has a great by product of its feel on the skin. The sub senses its strength and that seems to make most of them slide deeper into submission.

More later I think I will discuss solid styles of restraint

Thanks for that Sir, I've had concerns about rope too, from some of the pictures - it seemed to be more likely to cut off circulation. It's good to know someone on this site talking about safety. That helps build trust - a LOT! : )

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sir_Russell

Second was rope and twine, yes there is a difference but I am not going into that at this time. Rope surprising is very dangerous and inflicts more harm to the sub/slave body then all the other combined, of course this is an opinion based on a lot of years in and around the Life. An fool that has master a simple knot suddenly thinks he can do rope bondage. It is a real skill to use rope on the body and not have it harm the sub/slave if she struggles either in pain, fear or pleasure. Rope of course can be used as stated above with either style of cuffs to anchor the sub/slave to objects or to other cuffs.

Rope comes in many different styles and type, another danger for the uninformed. Nylon is plenty strong by is both course and slips when tied into knots. It has the ability to burn and even cut the flesh. It can be used safely with certain metal pieces that wrap around a loop at the end of it securing the loop from slipping and then it can be used to lift very heavy weights. There are other forms of man made material rope each has a draw back.

There is cotton blends which I actually prefer for contact to the skin. It is not as strong but that can be overcome by using a lot more of it.

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Sir Russell, how much rope should one have? Also, how many separate pieces are appropriate for specific areas of the body or do you usually use one continuous strand?

Isabelle90,
First I am not a rope Master but the question is reasonable. It depends on what you wish to do with it. For rope corsets you need at least 25 feet, to do a complete body tie I would say 100 to 200 feet. I would say that shorter pieces come in handy for tieing a sub/slave from cuffs to bedposts, etc.

Oh safety tip, with nylon rope if you do get the cinch down metal clamps to make the loop with you still don't use it against flesh.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ozme52

I would heartily recommend the Sawyer Extractor. A superior snakebite/insect bite kit. And far more versitile. Not only visually, but also produces a considerable vacuum (over a small area) without tremendous expense. About $15 per on the net.

I just bought two.

BTW, despite its appearance, there's no needle involved. Depressing the plunger creates the vacuum. An interesting device actually.

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Oh what a lucky girl You have there Oz! whistles innocently!

To continue we enter a favorite though little used type of restraint of mine.

The stocks, First the fixed stock is wonderful if made to order for her, so that her head is where you want it, or maybe her ass is. They are lovely to look at and more fun to play with. Normally made from wood, with holes for head and wrists, some are made with matching holes for the ankles, either standing or sitting.

Now the basic idea is that there are 2 boards with half the hole in each that line up. They lock in place so that the slave can’t free herself. Some are hinged so that one board lifts up to allow insertion of head and hands, etc.. Some one board is able to slide either up or down to all this and then be locked in place. For me I love the ones that either, hinge and lift up or the ones that the upper board lifts up and then comes down to secure her. I feel that the board coming down on her takes her to a much mmmm scarier place. Good for her mindset and submission that she has to endure this for you.

I am designing one of these types now but instead of only one moving part it will allow me to set the stock at whatever height I want it and to actually change the height without removing any of the captured parts of her. The why of that is simple, during a session I may want to feed her cock and need that lovely head lowered to the correct height or I may want to take her from behind and want the back to have the correct angle. Oh yes this does mean anally too. I can flog her then take her and spank her with each out thrust.

I believe this does something to her head that rope and chain can’t since both of those all at least some movement, and movement implies that escape is possible. If she is mine then escape will be both impossible and I hope unwanted.

Stocks can be out of metal, hell I had a mentor that had a full gullotine set up with hand stocks off to the side of the track. He kept the blade very clean and very sharp, made the sub touch its edge before he would put her into the stock part of it. What he never told her was that there as a very strong piece of iron between the two wood panels that held the head in place and that the blade slide between this stopped the blade from coming close the neck. I also allow him at point of his climax or hers to release the blade, and add to the adventure. I don’t think he was ever silly enough to do that while in her mouth.

Stocks can also be made without being fixed and they off a different sort of punishment. Place a lovely in a head and wrist stock that has just a hinge on one side of the boards and a hasp to lock on the other and let her spend some time able to walk around with it on. Won’t take long for her to see the error of her ways or to at least decided she doesn’t want to do this without sex again.

Could you pad the neck holes a bit? Might be helpful with all that thrusting you know : ) Other than that it sounds very interesting (well, the regular stocks, not the guillotine thing - if he WAS silly enough to do it while in her mouth, he probably deserved whatever reaction he got. I can understand a little normal apprehension and nervousness, but the guillotine is just mean!: )

not mean a bit extreme but for those who like knife play or edge play I am sure it was a great rush.

As far as padded I had not thought about that, but for play I don't see why not, for punishment purposes then no.

I doubt that I would uses stocks for anything other then play course I would include a flogger.

will try to find the time to continue with restraints.

Thanks,Sir, for the comments about the padding : ) Since I just don't get the knife play deal, I still think it's mean (I don't see the guy sticking his own neck in the thing, you know? but that's just me.)