Genuine Hippo Sjamboks--anyone have one?

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Genuine Hippo Sjamboks--anyone have one? - 7/1/2008 8:09:57 AM

LadyHibiscus

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There's a source on ebay (bane of my existence, ebay!) that has sjamboks made of genuine hippo hide. I've wanted one for a long time, but I am wondering if anyone has one, and what do they think of it? I have the black plastic faux sjambok, and am not that enamoured of it, I would prefer the real thing.

I'd like to know if you like how it handles, and if it needs any kind of special treatment. Thx!

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RE: Genuine Hippo Sjamboks--anyone have one? - 7/1/2008 7:35:08 PM

DelilahDeb

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I cannot tell you about the ebay hippo ones. However, a sub of mine has a fabulous collection of canes, and one is an antique sjambok of elephant rawhide, which is the traditional way of making them. In fact, it was during a scene with me that we discovered that the carved ivory elephant-shaped handle unscrewed so that we need not fear for its safety during play.

What I can tell you is that the shaped leather sjambok I've played with is that it is *nothing* like any sort of a plastic or non-organic cane. It's somehow "live" and more sensuous even than a good rattan thumper. (Can you tell I'm not a fan of plastic toys?)

After looking over the sjamboks being offered on ebay, I have to say *I* am very tempted. I've been lusting after my sub's gorgeous beast for a year. (Edited to finish the thought:) The South African source, the wildlife treaty certifications, the "traditional Zulu method" all seem great; the measurements and photos match up with the antique.

Lady Delilah Deb

< Message edited by DelilahDeb -- 7/1/2008 7:43:13 PM >

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RE: Genuine Hippo Sjamboks--anyone have one? - 7/3/2008 7:39:04 AM

LadyHibiscus

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Thanks, I am very tempted too!

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RE: Genuine Hippo Sjamboks--anyone have one? - 7/3/2008 3:36:53 PM

DelilahDeb

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Hibiscus,

FYI, i'm deciding which size to purchase (they've got 24-36 inch lengths), but even the 36" is only a flat $79 plus what, $12 shipping. All I have to decide now is whether I want a 24, 26, or 27'". For the rest of youse, when I get it, I'll report back how I like it, and how it compares to the antique.

Lady Delilah Deb

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RE: Genuine Hippo Sjamboks--anyone have one? - 7/4/2008 4:36:49 PM

LadyHibiscus

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Yummy! I am leaning toward a shorter length, for portability...

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RE: Genuine Hippo Sjamboks--anyone have one? - 7/22/2008 10:52:06 PM

DelilahDeb

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Wahoo! Got my hippo hide sjamboc yesterday.

The sjamboc I bought off eBay (thank you for the tip!) is 24 inches, was only $29 plus $9 shipping. When I opened the package yesterday, I found it uninspiring to look at—the hippo hide has more visible texture (looks like sparse hairs but it's just texture showing, no actual hairs) than the smooth grey elephant hide of the antique that I am familiar with.

But...I used it in a scene, and it's every bit as solidly flexible, thuddily stinging, and "live" in my hands as the antique. At 24" it fits easily in my cane case but would not hesitate to buy a more expensive one if I want it.

The "traditional Zulu" construction appears to comprise a pair of thin cores of hide laid side by side and wrapped like a burrito in an outer layer of hide and (at my best guess) dried or cured as a unit. The result is an ovoid shape at both ends and a more nearly round shape at midsection, with a different degree of flex depending on which axis you use to strike—more flex and thud on the wide axis, more rigidity and slice on the thin axis.

Have fun!

Lady Delilah Deb

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