Flogging 101

[whipped guy]

I was advised (ordered?) to start this thread by Master Bilbo, so “Yes Sir!” I have done duly as directed!

 

Actually, Bilbo suggested a new thread would be appropriate so as to critique and expand on my “Flogging 101” posting from another discussion in this forum. For the sake of clarity and orderliness I repeat the bulk of those comments below:

 

It seems that one of the themes that has developed during this thread deals with a certain dissatisfaction in dealing with inexperienced so-called S&M specialists… Even if a guy owns all the requisite tools of the trade, a certain amount of knowledge and skill is required to use them in a proper fashion.

 

As an example, it is amazing how many supposed specialists don’t seem to have passed “Flogging 101”… that is why I believe that all S&M tops should experience the “other” side of the equation. The whole idea of a good flogging is to traverse that fine line between pain and pleasure… When the threshold is crossed, the pain ceases to be pleasurable… now this varies with each individual... and that is where expertise, perception, safe words, etc. come into play. Clearly, the whole concept is to maximize the pleasurable aspects of the scene by being able to prolong the flogging for as long a period as possible.

 

Now, if the flogging is started at too intense a level or the exact same area is flogged repeatedly over and over again the stamina level of the bottom can be challenged too soon and the scene often has to be curtailed… Too many tops don’t realize that by subtly adjusting the intensity and the area of the flogging it actually heightens the pleasure for the bottom by providing variety and introducing an element of surprise. To achieve this goal the top not only has to vary the timing, intensity, and area of the blows, but also might need to shrewdly and regularly change the position his own body so as to assure that the blows are striking the correct body areas with the requisite amount of force at the perfect point in time. When a top just stands in the exact same location and beats the exact same body parts with the exact same amount of force with the exact same interval of time between blows and that is all he seems capable of doing it is a unambiguous sign that in essence he does not know what he is doing. Now there is a time and place to beat the same area repeatedly, but such a scenario should be worked into a broader plan of attack that includes a multiplicity of maneuvers and tactics. As far as variety is concerned, many tops fail to realize that some gentle stroking with a flogger can be almost as much of a turn on as a wickedly hard whack especially when the tails are sensuously draped over the bottoms face so he can smell and relish the distinctive scent of leather.

 

Now there are times when a bottom needs and wants the “full treatment”… ultimately that is what a true bottom probably craves, however that “full treatment” should not only be delivered sensibly, but should come either toward the end of the session or be spaced rationally within the framework of a longer session… after which the activity should be changed to allow for a suitable period of recovery. Now along these lines a flogging should be delivered in a sane and logical manner not only to heighten pleasure, but also to maximize safety issues as well… done irresponsibly a flogging can certainly result in injury and harm. It certainly helps for the top to know the areas of the body that provide the most pleasure when beaten and areas that should be avoided either for safety reason or because they bruise easily. Knowing this is actually a no-brainer if a top has had experiences as a bottom. However as noted above, such is rarely the case. That is where experience and knowledge is so very important and unfortunately that is where many escorts fall short…

 

That is why choosing the correct S&M escort is so difficult and such a challenge… and why one often realizes a mistake was made when in the middle of a session… That’s where safe words are invaluable and that is why it is essential for the bottom to be in total control.[/font color=blue]

 

So Dr. Bilbo (and others!) criticize, comment, review, and appraise… In addition, remarks and anecdotes regarding personal experiences and encounters would be appreciated as well.

 

Hopefully this thread will prove to be a helpful learning experience for all!

[uwsman2]

So, flogging.... My favorite experiences with flogging (as a receiver, naturally) have been at the hands of Master Victor in New York. He is a man who takes pleasure in giving pleasure, he has the tools of the trade at hand, and he knows how to use them properly to bring the right degree of pain/pleasure to his victims. I've been meaning for quite a while to book a return engagement with him, but so far the time hasn't been right. I can recall, of course, that the great Reece was very talented in this respect as well, but somehow my sessions with Master Victor worked better on this one particular item, maybe because the very grunginess of his space and the eerie music he would set playing to accompany the situation, and the dim lighting, all conduced to create the right dungeon atmosphere to give the flogging that realistic edge.... }(

[JT Brooklyn]

There is a Fairly NEW TOY Store in NYC..The "Playground" on 14th St.

 

Apparently from their Window Display they do have all the required Toys one would need to put all the info here, to good practical application! LOL :-)

[Bilbo]

I am a healer, but not a Dr. I'm a Sacred Intimate and a Reiki Master. Energy and sex based healing, not meds. I appreciate you calling me Dr., but I also know that there have often been those on these boards who would eventially point this out if I didn't beat them to it. So to speak, pun intended.

 

One way to start out more "gently" and build is to have three floggers, of different weights. Start out with the lightest and build up to the heaviest.

You might also mention the different widths of floggers. The narrower ones make more of a stinging sensation, and the wider ones a whappier one. Hard to describe the difference if you haven't felt it yourself.

I have my eye on a flogger whose tails are about 2" wide. I've only seen it one place, online, but it appeals to me. I want two more since right now I only have a very light one.

The one time that I was fairly seriously flogged, I was in a Body Electric class, Power S-something (forgot the word right now) and Intimacy, PSI. I was tied down to a massage table and there was an observer at my head to make sure that everything was going well with me at all times. A good way to have your very first one, if its available. Anyway, at one point fairly late in the proceedings, the observer asked me again how I was doing, and I said it was alright with me if he hit a bit harder now (though he was giving it a right what for, already). He said that I'd have to tell him that myself. I couldn't believe my ears, when, without thinking about it, I leaned back over my shoulder and shouted, "Whip that butt, boy!" LOL .. and, of course, challenged like that, he sure did. What fun!

And you are right about atmosphere - music really adds to things. And lighting. I usually don't have anything but candles going but a tight spotlight can be good, too. Didn't we get taught in Steel Magnolias about how gay men love track lighting? LOL

Keep up the good work, whip!

[whipped guy]

Bilbo… The “doctor” term was used as an indication of respect for your expertise… but I can understand that you might not wish to leave the wrong impression. At any rate, you deserve at the very least an “honorary” doctorate for your enlightening postings in this forum.

 

Now in my "Flogging 101" posting I completely forgot about mentioning the strand width of the flogger creating a different sensation… the mentioning of that extra wide variety of flogger most definitely peaks my curiosity as well. I don’t recall ever having endured a two-inch wide flogger. And yes, it is good to start with the light weight flogger and build from there. Plus, as you say having at least three different sizes and weights helps to establish the “crescendo effect” where one can start gently and then build to a climax… something like the conclusion of a Rossini overture to make a musical analogy.

 

Now, this “crescendo effect” reminds me of a story told to me by the above mentioned Reece where as part of his “training” he was to experience a flogging session that included a multiplicity of flogger sizes and weights… starting from the lightest and progressing to the heaviest… in fact virtually the complete range. That way he would be able to be familiar and better understand how different designs of floggers would stroke, smack, and hit the body in a slightly different manner. Almost like a final exam of sorts. Well, in retrospect he thought it was an irresponsible thing to have had to endure. However, having been exposed to such a session gave him a special insight as regards not only what the bottom would undergo, but also what not to attempt in the interest of safely and sanity.

 

I do recall several sessions with Reece where he talked me through various types of floggers (sizes, numbers of tails, etc.) and this is the interesting part… he was so concerned with minute details that he went even beyond the different weights and sizes as he attempted to “educate” me in the art of flogging. Shoot, during one session he had me experience the different types of “hides and leathers” that were actually used to construct the flogger! Now this was a really advanced course… but that was Reece… he attended to every minuscule facet of the S&M experience. Now as I vaguely recall we tried cow, deer, moose, and (shoot!) even probably caribou, buffalo, and elephant as well! I don’t think I was really able to tell the difference regarding texture and the sensations that they produced… but my back and butt did have a healthy red glow at the conclusion of the session, and that certainly put a smile on my face. So I can positively relate to Bilbo’s “Whip that butt, boy!” remark… and as he further exclaimed, “What fun!” What fun indeed!

 

Incidentally, one website where one can get acquainted with the range of S&M equipment that is available is the following:

 

http://www.mr-s-leather.com

 

In addition, several posters in this forum might even notice a familiar face among the guys modeling some of the gear.

[uwsman2]

It's also interesting to consider the different positions for flogging. One can be tied up to a St. Andrew's cross, or stretched out in a doorway spread-eagle, tied down to a bondage table or bed, or tied down to a bench or chair, restrained in stocks, etc. Tied up against a bondage wall, fence, or rope netting for a nautical scene. In fantasizing about this, I usually get off on the old whipping post scene.

[Louis]

I think a pulley system would be interesting. Hang the person from his arms and legs face down, and use weights to suspend him. Just the right amount so that there can be a bit of movement. A weak person may need to have to be suspended around their torso too, but if a person is athletic, maybe not.

[uwsman2]

I saw this kind of upside down suspension once at NY Bondage Club in their former location down on Houston Street. No need for weights or anything, if the guy is suspended from his ankles he'll hang straight down. The master in that scene was not flogging him, but was having fun playing with his body and the "hanger" was really into it, which was hot to watch. But I was a bit on edge watching it, too, wondering if it might be dangerous for the bottom hanging upside down, all his blood running down into his head - could it induce a stroke or at least unconsciousness. (He was blindfolded, by the way, which I think would be essential to the success of the scene.) It is doubly hot to think about that kind of suspension with flogging mixed in!

[whipped guy]

The mention of upside-down suspension reminds me of a scene from the movie Steel Dungeon Two, where Marky Dukane is hung by his feet and is transported halfway across a large industrial factory setting only to have the crap beat out of him by the Mill Master. First he gets his back and butt worked over and then ultimately his chest is flogged mercilessly.

 

Earlier in the video, Trenton Cameaux is stripped to the waist tied to a grate and gets his back and then chest flogged until they are both beet red.

 

I believe this classic has been released on DVD… certainly on of the hottest “flogging flicks” I have ever seen!