Paddles, A tree grows in Brooklyn and inner city Chicago

[raulgmanzo]

Not long ago I cut down a 15 foot dying apple tree and a 45 - 50 foot tall Tree of Heaven that was beginning to crush my place. I climbed in the tree and cut it down by hand using a cross cut, bow, and pruning saws. Talk about a work out! Took the whole summer of course, and convinced the neighbors that I am crazy. The hardest part was not all the sawing but using ropes to lower couple hundred pound sections of cut tree so that they wouldn't kill anyone below or take out my or my neighbors windows of our over hundred year old built-up-against each other greystones. but what a nice pile of interesting wood I have for projects. Eventually I hope to make trim for some rooms in my place that I have gutted.

 

So in response to a client asking for a paddle I started experimenting with carving some paddles, always wanted to learn some rudimentary carving. Am just a beginner but proud of my first attempts.

 

All carved by hand, free hand, using a hatchet to split the logs and rough them out and then working my way with chisels, knives, a surform and sand paper.

 

The three darker ones on the left are from apple wood and the three light ones on the right are from Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus Altissima), the tree made famous by "A tree grows in Brooklyn". All are unstained but have a couple coats of clear shellac.

 

http://raulgmanzo.com/paddles/g7684.jpg

[whipped guy]

To hole or not to hole!

 

Raul... Nice! Very nice! You are indeed quite talented!

 

Now a question that I am sure others are thinking about and it is something that I get asked about all the time... Why the holes??!!

 

I have an opinion and theory as to why, but I would be interested in your response... and more so since you decided to design half of them as such... and I am sure it simply was not to show off you woodworking skills... which skills are quite impressive indeed!!

[Guest Spanky]

Raul... Nice! Very nice! You are indeed quite talented!

 

Now a question that I am sure others are thinking about and it is something that I get asked about all the time... Why the holes??!!

 

I have an opinion and theory as to why, but I would be interested in your response... and more so since you decided to design half of them as such... and I am sure it simply was not to show off you woodworking skills... which skills are quite impressive indeed!!

 

First of all, those paddles are spectacular, and I am guessing that Raul just shot to the top of the hire list for anyone reading the fetish threads. I can't tell from the pics, Raul - did you bevel the holes? Regardless, they really are fantastic. There's something incredibly erotic about getting spanked from a guy who actually made the paddle!

 

To Whipped's question, I think the holes serve two purposes. First, they cut down on the weight. The harder the wood, the heavier the paddle, so the holes lighten it up a little and make it easier for the paddler to swing freely (mmm...). Second, it reduces the air resistance and drag. Those are just my guesses (will defer to Raul here), but I know that when getting it from a paddle with holes, the sting and burn are a lot more intense.

[Guest greatness]

wow

 

Nice job! You so talented.

[Guest greatness]

oh my

 

Spanky... So your ID has some meaning after all...

 

I know that when getting it from a paddle with holes, the sting and burn are a lot more intense.

[raulgmanzo]

Thanks for the nice comments.

Yes the holes cut down air resistance which can otherwise slow and cushion a fast moving spank. As far as I know a secondary purpose and sometimes good or bad side effect of the holes is for weight and balance. Oh and I guess aesthetics.

The apple paddle with holes I very specifically did, and the holes are not beveled, the apple wood had such a nice edge. And the medium sized Tree of Heaven I wanted to try making holes and I attempted to bevel them. The larger Tree of Heaven paddle with lots of holes has holes as an excuse to cut out some bad chunks of wood. I've a few others I'm working on and a couple canes, crops and floggers, and other toys and restraints. I'll make a post about those one of these days.

 

Greatness you are always so sweet, I want to take you on a picnic. I've started carving the spoons to serve you some nice potato salad with tarragon, nuts and wild berries.

And I'm sure Spanky knows that wooden spoons can deliver a nice spanking, flatter ones are better, slotted or otherwise.

http://raulgmanzo.com/paddles/woodenspoons7704.jpg

[whipped guy]

that wooden spoons can deliver a nice spanking, flatter ones are better, slotted or otherwise.

Raul… Regarding the wooden spoons…as mom always said, “Sometimes the simpler things… including common household items… can certainly do the job just as effectively!” Think clothespins as another example!

 

As for the holes, I have a leather slap paddle and that has a double layer one of which has holes. I always get asked which way it is supposed to be used… I have always assumed that holed side is the side to be used as it not only would help aerodynamically, but leaves a more “interesting” pattern on those reddened butt-cheeks! Consequently, I think that there is a psychological component at play as well. Now as far as the holes in wooden paddles are concerned, aside from the obvious esthetic enhancement, not to mention the formation of those interesting patterns on the butt, from the observable physics point of view there is indeed much more to be gained aerodynamically with wooden paddle when it has holes as it facilitates an increase in acceleration and the ultimate force of the wallop. Now physics was not my best subject in college… but I do remember that force equals mass times acceleration and I think that would apply here. Of course an experienced paddler will know exactly the right amount of force to use for each given paddle… taking onto account the weight, length, etc... and I am sure that Raul has been practicing accordingly!

 

As an aside, my physics professor once told me that he “had me by the balls” … and that I would never amount to anything… Well he was wrong about that… At any rate, he thought that the comment would jolt me… but it actually got me excited. For the record, the guy was German… and characteristically quite stern and certainly knew how to dole out mental torture… though he probably would have been good at dishing out the physical variety as well…

 

I've a few others I'm working on and a couple canes, crops and floggers, and other toys and restraints. I'll make a post about those one of these days.

Definitely looking forward to that!

[Guest Spanky]

Greatness you are always so sweet, I want to take you on a picnic. I've started carving the spoons to serve you some nice potato salad with tarragon, nuts and wild berries.

And I'm sure Spanky knows that wooden spoons can deliver a nice spanking, flatter ones are better, slotted or otherwise.

http://raulgmanzo.com/paddles/woodenspoons7704.jpg

 

1) Greatness is indeed a true gentleman and a sweetheart.

 

2) Raul - spoons? Not much experience there. Now, a wooden hairbrush - perhaps that should be your next woodworking project. My father could give you some pointers on how to use it.

 

3) I was thinking about this last night. It's not just that Raul designed and built the paddles. He dressed up in his workclothes, scaled the tree using a self-rigged system of ropes/pulleys, and then used nothing by human-powered tools to fell the tree all by himself, after which he cut apart the wood and fabricated the paddles that he'll use to dole out justice Little House on the Prairie style. Is it just me, or is the whole thing is so extraordinarily erotic that one simply cannot endure it?

[raulgmanzo]

1) Greatness is indeed a true gentleman and a sweetheart.

And hopefully wears proper footwear for a picnic.

 

2) Raul - spoons? Not much experience there. Now, a wooden hairbrush - perhaps that should be your next woodworking project. My father could give you some pointers on how to use it.

Talk about a bad hair day.

 

And about me climbing my tree and playing some twisted cross between a lumberjack, nerd and monkey, well I doubt many find it erotic. Most people are more turned on by the laudable discipline that it must take to get ones fitness from the gym; and the maturity to get ones jollies on the ground.

 

But I'll tell you this, there are a lot of very hot, flexible, fit, overly sexed gay, bisexual, multisexual climbers that one can find in abundance at some of the more serious climbing facilities. Yow! And I've met some pretty fun woodworkers and studly carpenters.

[NYTomcat]

And about me climbing my tree and playing some twisted cross between a lumberjack, nerd and monkey, well I doubt many find it erotic. Most people are more turned on by the laudable discipline that it must take to get ones fitness from the gym; and the maturity to get ones jollies on the ground.

 

But I'll tell you this, there are a lot of very hot, flexible, fit, overly sexed gay, bisexual, multisexual climbers that one can find in abundance at some of the more serious climbing facilities. Yow! And I've met some pretty fun woodworkers and studly carpenters.

 

While its not my fetish and I'll leave that to Whipped and Spanky to confirm. I must admit Raul there is something very erotic about the way you made them from the cutting right through the entire process to weilding. One always has to admire and be turned on by someone who works that well with his hands. and I agree the outdoor physique is just if not more attractive than the gym body.

[whipped guy]

One always has to admire and be turned on by someone who works that well with his hands.

I am certainly impressed by Raul's skills... and also by the variety of interests he seems to have... one escort has the catch phrase on his website "From opera to sling". Raul's could read, "From opera, to sling, to bed, bath, and beyond... with a few other things thrown in between!"

...and I agree the outdoor physique is just if not more attractive than the gym body.

As someone who is mostly turned on by a "barbell built physique"... there is certainly something to be said for the body that is built by hard work... be it the "outdoor", "construction worker", or "carpenter" variety. That is why even among "gym bodies" I prefer the non-steroid version... as it is the result of hard work, not drugs.

[Guest TBinCHI]

Hidden surprises....

 

I found myself getting turned on by this thread, depsite the fact that previously I thought I had little desire to be spanked. But..... I also think that perhaps we should take up a collection to get Raul together with Whipped Guy and Spanky (together or separately!) on the condition that Okie films them and shares with the rest of us!! Talk about wood!

[kjun]

Excellent and I might say very nice looking work. You are to be commended on taking on this challenge and doing such a good job. Congratulations.

 

Now, who will you spank first?

[+ Charlie]

Although I have absolutely no interest in being paddled by anyone, I am really impressed by the apparent quality of Raul's craftsmanship. He is truly a "Renaissance man" among escorts. Next we'll learn that he also makes his own leatherwear.

[raulgmanzo]

Excellent and I might say very nice looking work. You are to be commended on taking on this challenge and doing such a good job. Congratulations.

Well tonnerre mes chiens, I'm very happy you like my toys.

Thanks very much.

 

Now, who will you spank first?

I've saved you a spot at the front of the line.

 

Laissez les bons temps rouler.

Raul

Visiting NYC March 17th - 23rd

[Guest Spanky]

I found myself getting turned on by this thread, depsite the fact that previously I thought I had little desire to be spanked. But..... I also think that perhaps we should take up a collection to get Raul together with Whipped Guy and Spanky (together or separately!) on the condition that Okie films them and shares with the rest of us!! Talk about wood!

 

Oh my stars. The excitement from such a scene might be more than my poor weak heart can stand. Quite a way to go however.

 

I think the the most interesting thing about TBinCHI's post is his use of the adverb "previously"...

[whipped guy]

Fetish Forum Film Project

 

Oh my stars. The excitement from such a scene might be more than my poor weak heart can stand. Quite a way to go however.

Well I'm game for that... Now, something tells me that Spanky really enjoys getting his butt whooped by way of a good paddling. On the other hand, I am more into floggers (and virtually no body part is off limits… at least nothing below the neck or above the ankles that is!) so that would lend itself to a bit of variety. Still, something tells me that Spanky (weak heart aside) might be into quite a bit more than perhaps he has disclosed, so perhaps the sky will be the limit with him as well… In addition, with any luck Raul will soon unveil some of the floggers that he has been assembling… and seeing some of this additional armamentarium might lend itself to some further ideas. Besides, I would guess that a few other fellow posters might want to join in on the fun as well… and the more the merrier!

 

Now how do we get Okie to film this potential project???

[NYTomcat]

I keep proposing a trip to Chi whipped. Wanna join me on a plane ride in the next couple of months

[uwsman2]

visiting NYC

 

So I see Raul is visiting NYC. I hope things work out so I can experience his flogger collection... Not into getting paddled, although I admire the artistry of his carpentry....

[Guest Spanky]

Well I'm game for that... Now, something tells me that Spanky really enjoys getting his butt whooped by way of a good paddling. On the other hand, I am more into floggers (and virtually no body part is off limits… at least nothing below the neck or above the ankles that is!) so that would lend itself to a bit of variety.

 

Right on, Bro. Never assume an interest in one activity precludes an (even greater) interest in another. Besides, "Spanky" has such a better ring to it than "Floggy" don't you think?

 

Whips, paddles, floggers, clamps, weights...anything that Raul wants to make, I'm happy to QA for him.

[whipped guy]

Definitely not Wimpy!

 

Right on, Bro. Never assume an interest in one activity precludes an (even greater) interest in another. Besides, "Spanky" has such a better ring to it than "Floggy" don't you think?

 

Whips, paddles, floggers, clamps, weights...anything that Raul wants to make, I'm happy to QA for him.

 

Yep, that would put a smile on my face as well!

 

Plus, you are right... Floggy, Whippy, Weighty, Clampy, and especially Paddley just don't quite have the same ring that Spanky connotes!

 

So I was right, you indeed are a "sky's the limit" type of guy!

[raulgmanzo]

Next we'll learn that he also makes his own leatherwear.

 

Well the majority of my leather I purchased commercially from the places like the Leatherman in NYC or Shel-Don, Paul C, or Eagle leathers in Chicago etc. But I have made a few things pieces of clothing and some restraints and CBT things, and do regularly make repairs to my gear and garb and lots of customizations. Hate when things don't fit well, always thought baggy chaps were kind of stupid.

 

Suppose it's almost time for a thread on one of my favorite topics, leather.

 

R

[whipped guy]

... and another talent revealed

 

I have made a few things pieces of clothing... and lots of customizations... Hate when things don't fit well...

He's not only a lumberjack... but a couturier as well!!!

[uwsman2]

talent

 

Raul is one of the most talented guys I've ever met on the escorting scene. It's always exciting to see -- and experience -- what he comes up with next.

[raulgmanzo]

Thanks much UWS, here is my latest paddle, made it yesterday, it is also from Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus Altissima) which in Detroit it is called Ghetto Palm. Really. As it is fabricated without power tools and from what is regarded as a weed tree and an invasive alien species which needed to be cut down, and finished using non-toxic shellac, you could consider this a very earth friendly paddle.

 

http://raulgmanzo.com/paddles/paddle7722.jpg

And this is the log

http://raulgmanzo.com/paddles/ailanthusLog7723.jpg

and resulting chunks of wood from which I carved it.

http://raulgmanzo.com/paddles/paddleblanks7728.jpg

 

 

Raul is one of the most talented guys I've ever met on the escorting scene. It's always exciting to see -- and experience -- what he comes up with next.