Guide To Whips and Floggers
Guide To Whips and Floggers
by: Agustín
As one delves into BDSM, whips and floggers are some of the first implements.
chosen when exploring impact games (any type of game focused on hitting or striking another)
consensual person). While this may seem dangerous to some, it is genuinely a
a pleasurable and relaxing part of erotic play. However, there are so many types of whips and floggers that it is
essential a good introduction to what they are and how they can be used.
Whips and floggers have a long, rich, and complex history in which they appear in almost all
cultures. While they started as a useful tool for herding animals, they have also been used
as a tool of religious penance, punishment for breaking a law or for misbehavior and
They have even been used for erotic rituals and pleasure.
Nowadays, not much has changed except for public perception. They are still used as punishment.
religious in some parts of the world and public flagellation is used as a tool to inflict
pain and humiliation. It is possible that canes are no longer used in schools to correct wrongdoing
behavior, but in some homes parents use them on their disobedient children. The
priests use them to drive away demons and diseases in some parts of Asia, and in others
rituals are used ritually to increase fertility. Some priests use them with themselves
the same to repent for their sins and for the sins of others. More popularly, many
people use them personally and erotically to excite themselves and each other in BDSM.
In this guide, we will review part of the long history behind whips and whippers, we will illustrate
our readers about the delicious ways they can be used in erotic play today and
We will shed light on what types to buy and how to use them safely.
What is a flagellator?
There are generally two types of whips or whippers; the flashy whips like the cat o' nine tails.
that has many falls (extremes) and the semi-rigid whips (like rods, sticks, and whips) are both
examples of flashy whips. Then there are the few longer whips called supersonic whips
(so called for their characteristic crack) that have been used for thousands of years. These whips are
similar to the whip that Indiana Jones carried, and it is generally a long, braided whip of about 1
1 meter long at the short end and up to 2.5 meters long at the longest end. The snap of the
whip is the result of the tip of the tail twisting around itself after being thrown and
Then thrown back. This causes the tip of the whip to break the sound barrier and create a boom.
sonic. The terms whip and whip come from the fact that hitting the herd or livestock damages the
meat and it could also cause a stampede. Therefore, the best course of action was to make the bull
would move in the desired direction and the rest of the flock or herd would follow it. Hence the term whip of
bull
The word flagellation comes from the verb flagellation, in which someone is whipped or lashed with a
whip, cane, rod, knout, sjambok, stick, cat o' nine tails or another instrument. Both the words
whip as flogger are used as nouns to describe the item, as well as verbs to describe the
action of using that item.
Originally developed to work with livestock in a non-harmful way, it was only when applied
humans for whom the design changed to focus on injuries and pain, such as punishing criminals,
disobedient military and punish slaves.
The nine-tailed cat in particular dates back to ancient Egypt and was often used to punish
the slaves. The Egyptians had reverence for cats and considered that they had nine lives, therefore
that when they whipped their victims, it was said that they obtained virtue from the whip. These whips were used more
afternoon aboard warships and as a punitive measure to punish slaves or soldiers
military personnel who violated the rules or insulted an officer. The whip was kept in a bag, and hence
when they took him out to whip him it was called 'taking the cat out of the bag.'
Of course, since the concept of punishment by whip has existed, there has been a way to apply it.
as a punishment for violating religious laws, for showing remorse before the Lord and it is even believed
that increases fertility as part of a ritual practiced during the festival season.
In Jewish law, flogging was the predetermined punishment and Talmudic law limited the blows to not
more than 3 in a row and the maximum amount never exceeded 40 hits.
In the 13th century, a sect of Roman Catholics known as Flagellants adopted self-flagellation.
as a way to honor the Passion of Christ. They traveled to different cities and publicly beat themselves.
while they were preaching about repentance.
Shiite Islam has a long practice of using flogging as punishment for religious crimes.
but also as a measure of mourning and penance. In the past, some practiced Tatbir (suffering and
mourning for blood donation) with flayings or floggings.
There have also been reports of erotic flagellation in both rituals and art around the world, some
which date back thousands of years. The Tomb of the Whips in Italy dates from 490 B.C. and represents
two men having sexual relations with a woman while they whip her.
Every year in Rome, the villagers during the festival of Lupercalia, which honors the she-wolf of Rome and
it involves the sacrifice of a goat and a dog, they run through the streets and whip women with strips of skin
from goat to improve fertility. These blows are not harmful but fun.
In India, thousands of women line up every year to be whipped by priests at the festival.
Vijayadashami is the end of expelling evil spirits and curing diseases.
The Dance of the Devils is a ritual that is practiced during the festival season in the Costa Chica.
Pacific coast of Guerrero and in Oaxaca, Mexico, where men dressed as demons led by
A man named the Terrón wields whips to lash his spectators. During the dance, a woman
called the Minga carries a doll (which represents a child), enticing the spectators to...
azoten to increase their fertility.
The Manggarai people in the west of Flores, Indonesia, celebrate whip fights among young men to
demonstrate his virility. One man holds a rattan whip that represents a penis, while the other
holds a shield that represents the vulva and the uterus. Any blood shed from strong blows
increases the fertility of the land.
However, floggers and whips also have a dark history of punishment, rather than pleasure.
ritual.
For centuries, whippings were a common punishment at sea both by pirates and by regiments.
naval. The French, German, and British armies used them as corrective punishment. Already in the century
XV, the British Navy believed that whipping was necessary to develop character and promote
pain tolerance, and they applied these punishments to both their soldiers and their prisoners. The lashes
They were so common among British soldiers that they were called The English Vice.
The nine-tailed cat or the punishment with knittles (where the condemned would run back and forth between a line
of soldiers and was beaten by each one of them) were more common for formal punishment, while
a single-tailed whip called a cat-o'-nine-tails or the starter was used for correction or punishment
immediate on the spot.
Often, the convicted criminal or subjected to a court martial was hanged so that his feet did not
They will touch the ground. This made the skin tight and tense, so each tie cut into the skin.
easier to stretch. From time to time, they also whipped their feet.
The flogging was not only a physical punishment but also a psychological one that resulted in humiliation and defamation.
of his title, name or pride. In a fleet of ships, a man would receive a sentence of 600 lashes
(which could potentially kill the offender if all were applied at once) and the lashings are
they would divide into smaller groups (as many as the offender could endure while being
conscious). The offender would be taken to each ship so that the entire fleet could witness their punishment and
shame. This was called flagellation around the fleet.
During the flogging, a doctor was usually present to monitor the prisoner or the offender.
but only to see if he was conscious. They did not check if his pulse was fluctuating and the only methods to
cleaning the wounds afterwards was painful and rough, like throwing a bucket of salt water (very water
salad) about the open and bloodied wounds. As the criminals could not remain
conscious or alive during the 600 or 1,000 lashes at once, they divided the series into amounts
smaller. However, the type of whip used was not uniform, and some were more sadistic or
they wanted their soldiers to demonstrate that they could endure more pain by tying knots at the ends of their
whips and they placed lead or hook-shaped metal balls that devastated the skin.
It was not until the early 19th century that doctors began to argue against whipping.
as a cruel and dangerous punishment. Although a new whip was braided for each lash, the whip
the guts were not clean and bacteria entered the open wounds and mixed with the blood.
Because the lashes were given out over time, waiting long enough for the wounds
you healed before opening them again, this created multiple opportunities for infection and some
the recipients of these punishments survived the whippings only to end up hospitalized for weeks
or, on some occasions, dead.
Meanwhile, in England, the method of punishment so frequently practiced among the Navy.
British was also being employed in a more erotic way by a woman named Theresa Berkley,
who managed a popular brothel for a very particular type of clientele. The needs of her clients
were evidenced by the extensive collection of whips, floggers, and a horse for whipping so that
his clients would bow and receive their lashes. He directed what we would today call a dungeon as
Dominatrix. For more than 49 years, she was a prominent and successful businesswoman.
In the early 19th century, Germany and France had stopped using whips as a form of
punishment for its soldiers. Great Britain continued this practice until the early 20th century. The
Flagellation was still used in several prisons in the United States and Europe until the late 20th century.
Nowadays, many parts of Asia still practice flogging as punishment for crimes.
However, the erotic practice of whipping and spanking has gained so much popularity in the Western world.
that now there are thousands of distributors and whip and flogger artisans. At this point, an interested party
you can find a flogger made of any material, color, density, or style, whether mass-produced or
handmade. Among the pop culture that references Dominatrices and the introduction of the
Dominant perversion with Fifty Shades of Grey, this and other perverse practices have changed.
both public perception and the current culture of flagellation.
Impact Play The floggers and whips of all kinds are key elements of impact play and easy to
add to the previous games.
Previous games The floggings are very common and pleasant ways to warm each other up before the
sex and inviting a more playful and seductive atmosphere in the bedroom.
To get someone focused, the Impact game with whips and lashes helps to concentrate the
attention and calm to those who receive them. If a person is rude, scattered, or disobedient, the
A dominant partner can use impact play to get you to pay attention or to be present.
and don’t get mentally distracted during your session together.
To relieve stress, being whipped or flogged stimulates circulation and causes the body to release substances.
chemicals such as adrenaline, oxytocin, and endorphins.
Some studies have even suggested that whipping or flagellation helps with depression!
Power dynamics Traditionally, the one who wields the implement is the dominant one and the one who receives it is
the submissive. Some prefer not to have such strict roles and choose to be on top or bottom.
The following are the most common variations of whips and floggers. Each one has its
own attraction.
Whip Following the model of traditional whips used for horseback riding, these implements have a
long and rigid mango with a triangular or square end intended to hit or strike a small one
target area.
Paddles and Slappers These implements are wider and can cover more surface area. They are excellent
to spank the buttocks or thighs, as they can cover the larger muscle groups at the same time
time. The paddles are stiffer or firmer and create a sensation of dull noise if used forcefully, or
a tingling sensation if used with a strong and pounding motion. The beaters are two
pieces joined by the handle; When balancing the slapper, the two parts hit at separate moments and
they can create a sharper sensation.
FloggersTechnically a term for any implement that strikes or hits an individual, this
The term is used more specifically today as any striking implement that has many
tails. The most common floggers have more than twenty individual tails grouped together. However, these
they can include horse hair, rabbit skin, leather, cord, PU leather or braided cotton. The
The most common floggers today have a rigid and braided handle and a handful of soft falls.
suede leather. They are excellent for use as blunt impact tools and as tools
soft, soft and sensual to excite and caress the submissive or the slave. These can be excellent
for beginners to practice their aim before using them with a partner. The multiple drops make
it's difficult to control where the implement actually lands on the body.
Sticks are rigid poles made from a variety of durable materials such as wood, fiber
carbon, hard plastic, and even metal. Because these implements offer very little flexibility and
because they strike a small and very directed surface without dispersing the impact as they do
paddles or floggers can be very painful and sting. However, they are easier to aim than the
floggers.
Whips These implements generally have a single tail, instead of multiple falls. Some are
long enough to break and the sound alone can be exciting and erotic. Others
are perfect for targeting small areas of the body and creating sharp and tingling sensations. Due to
the nature of these implements, the shooting practice on a pillow or a sofa is absolutely
necessary, as they can damage the skin and cause bleeding if the user is not careful.
Ticklers are a variety of implements used in a way that tickles the person.
receive. Generally, they have multiple ends, small or soft (feathers are popular) that are
move quickly back and forth across the nipples, the buttocks, the belly or the
genitals to excite.
Security
It is important to give everyone the opportunity to communicate clearly. Having a safe word.
(a word that is only pronounced to stop or pause the session, usually something that the
participants would not say during a session, such as taxidermy or hippo) helps everyone feel
safer. If they become non-verbal, it is also helpful to have a signal or visual cue, like having them wear
a flickering toy that flashes and drops it to make it sparkle when the intensity is too much.
Never hit the lower back, the kidneys, the coccyx, or the spine.
There is not enough fat or protective muscle to insulate the organs or joints.
If your partner tries to move away from you while you are hitting them,
STOP!
It is a great visual signal that indicates that the impacts are too hard or painful. While it is
it's possible that the submissive doesn't say anything or pronounce a safe word, their body says that they resist and
needs things to stop.
Always warm up the slave or submissive. A good impact play session includes leaving enough
time for the blood to flow and circulate to the impacted muscles and flesh. This will create a better
session and will also make the receiver feel cared for.
If the submissive/slave moves, gets up, or twists after an impact, pause and give them.
time to process.
Many things happen inside the body during impact play. When there is an intense impact
what makes someone who hits rock bottom move is a physical indication that the intensity has peaked and
They need a moment to process the pain and breathe. Let them overcome it and allow the chemicals in
Your body settles before hitting them again, otherwise the session could end soon.
Many people cannot have bruises due to work, family, or relationship reasons. In the case
models cannot have any bruises anywhere on their body, so the game of
impact may not be completely ruled out, but doing something heavy would likely cause
hematomas and would affect their ability to work. For those who are not open about their style of
perverted life, any visible bruise on the thighs, arms, or shoulders, for example, would not be something
acceptable to be seen in your workplace or among family. Some relationships are not of a nature
D/s (Dominant/submissive) so the submissive or slave will seek BDSM play elsewhere (ideally
with the consent and knowledge of the primary partner). Often, in these cases, the partner
The principal does not allow anyone else to hurt their submissive partner, so keep the impact play.
light and safe.
The fact that people get excited or feel relaxed, unless it is talked about and agreed upon
Forehandedly about sexual relationships, it is not on the table nor should it be assumed.
Do not use the rope tied to the end of a whip around your wrist.
Generally, there is a braided cord attached to the end of the flogger's handle. This is
designed to hang the whip, not to hang it around the wrist. If the user uses this around
his wrist while he whips it, can actually cause injuries to the bones of the wrist because it makes
that the whip holder uses it incorrectly. Hold it by the handle.
With the floggers, keep a distance between you and the person who is being
beaten.
The chances of hitting them too hard or having the end of the whip wrap around are greater if the
the carrier starts close. Start farther away and then adjust and get closer
Before any impact session, ask the slave or submissive what type of
enjoy impact.
Most people have a preference for what they can enjoy with a soft or strong impact and a
slow accumulation versus a quick transition to a stronger impact game. Each person has
different tolerances for different types of toys and this can change according to their levels of
rest, if she has eaten enough, if she is hydrated, if she is menstruating or if she is stressed. If they do not know
What kind of impact do you like because you are new to this or haven't done it for a while, go slowly.
and try different things to discover their preferences.
When using canes, do not hit people with the tip of the cane. In your
place, use a whip.
The best place to hit someone with a cane is from the center to the tip. Never use the
bottom, the tip or the handle.
Hit people only with the tip of a whip, not with the long part.
of the toy.
The whips should only be used in a way that directs the impact through the end of the stick, where it
adhere the softest leather.
Hit people only with the tip of a whip, not with the long part.
of the toy.
Whips should only be used in a way that directs the impact through the end of the stick, where it
adhere the softest leather.
Floggers have many tails (called falls) that, when not controlled, tend to widen and
extend while in motion. If the bearer of this tool does not have the proper technique,
you can aim at the buttocks (for example), but the ends will widen and wrap around the
hips, underneath the buttocks or they will land where they shouldn't (like the lower back and kidney areas). For
To achieve better results, practice beforehand with inanimate objects. Make sure that the objects
soft so that they do not tear, break, or ruin the leather of the whip.
After multiple uses, toys may start to wear out. If it is necessary to trim or repair
the falls, do it before using them again.
Use your nails, fingertips, and hands to caress them and let them know where they are.
Before using any toy. First, warm them up for impact play with slaps and spanks.
lightweight.
Between series of toy impacts, place the palm of your hand in the area you have been hitting. If
It's hot, there is a higher likelihood that your tolerance may be lower due to the increase in
circulation, and that means they are more likely to have bruises. If the skin feels cooler,
As long as they accept it, you can continue with the impact game safely.
The sensation of the flogger falling while being lightly dragged along the top of the back and the
Buttocks are very delicious and relax the submissive/slave. This is great for spanking and impacts.
intermediates.
If you want to touch on a point repeatedly, do it lightly and check if they like it.
oh no.
Hitting a point repeatedly can emphasize the sensation. For many, this sensation can
starting off being alarming or exciting, but the continuous impact in that place can make the place
be more sensitive and even cause pain, bruises, and even skin tears. Always monitor the
receptor or the submissive to see if they agree to being left with marks on their body and if the pain is
too intense to enjoy it.
Often, when people feel pain, they try to harden their body like a shield and this can
making them hold their breath. This hardening actually doesn't help, as it causes stiffness in
the muscles instead of allowing the impacts to fall on the relaxed muscles. The breathing
keeps them calm and focused so they can process pain and access more pleasure.
The muscles and flesh of the body can enjoy more piercing and sharp sensations once
there is adequate circulation. The toys that make more noise, such as floggers or wide paddles, can
help to bring more circulation to a larger surface before focusing on a specific point
specific with implements such as a cane or a staff.
The popsicles without metal sticks inside are excellent toys for
beginners.
Not only are they easier to aim, but there is no risk of a metal rod hitting the bottom and
cause injuries
The light and punctuated rhythms are better for rigid impact toys.
Whips, sticks, and paddles are rigid toys where a light and punctuated rhythm is perfect for warming up.
the submissive. Start with a light weight and slowly increase until achieving stronger impacts. Consult
with the submissive as the intensity increases.
Find music with a good and deep rhythm that doesn't distract the submissive (or you). However,
make sure that if the music is too loud to hear the submissive, there is a very non-verbal signal
clearly that I can give it and that it is equivalent to shouting red (which means stop right now) or yellow
(what does pause and examine mean).
Adjusting the floggers to their arms is the best way for beginners to ensure that they can
start using these tools with ease.
Like one who wields the whip, move your body to help you aim.
Move up and down, tilt inward and outward or surround the passive/submissive
while remaining still. They are the target, and the one who strikes is the arrow. Move and aim at a
motionless object.
Leather
To clean:
Clean with warm water and mild soap. Let it air dry. Moisturize with saddle soap and oil.
mink. Lightly spray with disinfectant.
To clean:
Clean with water and mild soap, then air dry.
Security:
This material is generally safe to use; however, it is less durable than leather. After
various uses, check the ends to ensure they do not break or fray due to impact
intense.
Silicone
To Clean:
Boil the implement for 5-10 minutes and then wash with antibacterial soap. If only one part of the
The implement is made of silicone, use a disinfectant spray and clean with a cloth.
Security:
Do not use with silicone-based lubricant.
ABS/Plastic:
To clean:
Use lukewarm water and mild soap and clean with a soft cotton cloth.
Safety:
Prolonged use and exposure to chemicals (used for cleaning or disinfecting) can
make the plastic crack or become more porous. Replace these elements more regularly.
that silicone or metal. This material is not very durable. It can break if the impact is too much.
strong enough.
Feathers:
Security:
Some people are allergic to feathers. Have a conversation about health and safety before
to use it.
Wood
To clean:
Clean with a Lysol wipe to disinfect. Maintenance and care: Soak them in water for
about 30 minutes each month to keep them flexible.
Security:
Make sure to take care of the wood and condition or hydrate it frequently. If the wood is too
brittle, it will break and splinter with impact. This is a porous material; do not use it with multiple
couples if previously exposed to blood.
Hair
To clean:
Shake off any residue and hang it. While it is hanging, spray with a solution of
isopropyl alcohol and water 1:1 and lightly brush the fur. Let it air dry.
Security:
Some people are allergic to animal dander. Do not use it on people without first having had
a conversation about safety and health.
Goma:
To Clean:
Wash with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Security:
Porous; do not use it with multiple partners if exposed to blood or bodily fluids.
Glass handles:
To clean:
Wash with water and soap. Pyrex glass toys are dishwasher safe.
Security:
Do not expose the glass to extreme temperatures. It can be used with any lubricant. Be careful.
when using floggers with glass handles; if dropped or thrown, the glass can break and cause a
security problem in a dungeon or play area.
Steel:
To clean:
Clean with an antibacterial spray.
Security:
Steel is a very rigid material that can cause a lot of damage. Keep in mind the intensity of the
hits and I never used it on the joints, the kidneys, or the spine.
No. While both are included in the impact game, the outcome and feelings may differ.
Floggers tend to be more relaxing, while whips can be more invigorating. Like
It happens with all tools, it really depends on how they are used; Each tool can create
a variety of effects. However, one of the biggest differences is that the whippings are given
traditionally with one hand, a palette or a stick.
No. Use the two floggers that match in weight and length with which you feel most comfortable.
Does being able to do Florentine style mean that someone is good at whipping?
No; it means they are coordinated with both the right hand and the left. Someone is good.
In whipping, if you communicate with your submissive or slave, use safe practices while whipping, such as striking.
only the upper part of the back, the buttocks, the chest, and the thighs (and avoid the kidneys, the abdomen, the
column and the joints), and must direct their whip where they intend it to go (instead of failing and
accidentally hit the submarine.
I accidentally missed my target and hit my submarine where they didn't want to be.
hit. Should I say something or just move on?
The fastest way to lose trust between a dominant and a submissive is to ignore the requests of the
submissive, break agreements and make the session seem unsafe. Acknowledging a mistake is not a sign of
Weakness; it is a sign of responsibility. If they believe that the whip was intentionally painful and broke the
agreement on where not to hit, the submissive will feel insecure and will not want to play with that Dom again.
How do I know how a flogger feels if there's no one around to use it with me?
When choosing floggers or whips, even if it is for someone else, make sure to test them first on your own
body. Use the whip or the whip on sensitive and exposed skin, such as the thigh or the inner part of the
forearm. The submissive on whom this tool will be used may have a different pain tolerance.
However, this is an excellent way to measure your own pain levels when buying or
compare floggers.
For the submissives, I recommend going with a partner to help them and use them on their covered buttocks.
(wear leggings or thin pants) to keep the sanitary floggers clean and tidy. However, if that
it is not possible, try using them yourself or follow these guidelines: If you want a tingling sensation, choose
by thinner rods or drops. If you want a strong hit, opt for thicker paddles, falls, or rods.
or wider. Also consider that many people have preferences regarding materials, for
ethical reasons or skin allergies, many people choose to use alternatives to leather such as synthetic leather
PU or silicone.