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hausboy -> RE: How to find proper whips/floggers (11/13/2010 8:48:15 PM)
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Mistress Lyra
It's truly worth, in my opinion, spending the money and getting a quality flogger. Not only are they made from high quality materials (I prefer Deerskin myself, but elk, kangaroo and other hides are good too), but they are properly assembled and balanced. A good flogger will NOT be all one big piece--and what I mean by that: Cheap floggers are one piece of leather, wrapped around a wooden dowel handle, and the strands are made from the one piece, sliced.
This gives you poor control, poor flogger balance and the strands wander--they fan out across your target and do not give you the exact spot-on aim you need, this is less important on "big" targets, but critical for smaller bodies or specific targets.
In contrast, a well made flogger by a true artisan--an experienced whip maker--will assemble the leather flogger from multiple strands, each hand cut, and then braided. Those who really know that they're doing will ensure that the flogger has good balance--a good way to tell--if you can easily balance the flogger by the middle of the handle on one finger. A flogger should be fit to the user--if you are short, you will want a flogger that doesn't drag on the ground in your backswing. Custom really is the way to go--your flogger will last (with proper care) and it's important to have one that fits you and your style/needs.
The handle and knots should be braided as well--if you see tacks in the handle, you'll have poor balance and chances are, the whip is made from one giant piece, not individual strands. Remember--the more strands, the more impact. The type of leather will affect the quality of the impact.
Jay Marsden, one of the finest whip makers I've ever met, retired a few years ago due to carpal tunnel, but if you can find one of Jay's, it's the Cadillac. Lashes by Sarah, a British San-Francisco based whipmaker is also extraordinary--I have one of hers--it's beautiful.
Some websites where I've seen good craftsmanship (haven't test driven them though):
De Tails Toys www.detailstoys.com
Happy Tails www.flogger.com also makes fine products.
I've kept one flogger all these years--I bought it in 1993 and it's as perfect as the day I brought it home. Good craftsmanship and proper care will ensure that your investment lasts. It's worth the extra money--and honestly, given the price of raw leather goods, making it yourself may not be worth it. And yes....all of those flogger makers above do custom colors, including black and white.
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