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LadyHugs -> RE: What to look for in a flogger (9/19/2006 3:35:06 PM)
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Dear cynthiamarie, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Since I won't be making my own floggers anymore--I don't mind sharing what I know. It isn't a bible or 'one true' way--but, here goes for those who wish to step up the quality of making floggers.
I recommend that you use some form of tubing for your handle rather than wood dowel. Most floggers use PVC pipe. I use 6061 aluminum tubing so that I can pour molten lead in for balancing. Most floggers use lead shot mixed with epoxy. Lead shot can be found in Gun Shops/shotgun rounds and or you can use fishing weights.
Figure out how large a rectangle of leather you need to make the size of flogger you want. Lay it down and cut out the tails leaving an inch of uncut leather at one end. That way, your tails will be a cohesive unit rather than a pile of strips. Roll up the tail set tightly (you may even want to glue them) until you get a nice butt plug that fits tightly into the end of your handle tube. Then figure out a way to keep that roll solid so the tails can't be pulled out from the center. You may want to knot the center or fasten them in another way, like stitching. You can also wrap the leather outside of a solid piece of wood, like a cherry wood sanded and finished. Take the leather and soak it then tack the end down into the wood and wrap it as tight as you can, as leather stretches when it is wet, shrinks when it dries, I tack and glue the start of the wrap and glue as I wrap. (This is when an assistant is nice), then nail down into the handle all around with tacks to keep it 'put.'
Now, stuff your butt plug into the handle and wrap the rest of the tails around the outside. Just hold it together with a piece of tape for the moment. Hang a baggie from the other end of the handle and put enough lead into it to make it balance the way you want. Rubber bands work also. This balancing technique is used by those equestrians to drive horses, balancing a cart's shaft so the weight of the cart doesn't labor the horse but, floats in the hangers of the harness for the shafts. Also keeps the horse from getting a sore back as well. Four wheel vehicles, the weight of the buggy, carriage, wagon is on the wheels and not the shaft/tongue.
Then take the tails back off and install the lead into the end of the handle, cover the handle however you like, then wrap a strip of leather around the weighted end of the handle to make a base for your Turk's Head. Run screws through the leather. Make sure they're long enough to sink securely into the lead and pre-drill the holes. Use a scrap of leather to cover up the lead and mount your wrist strap if you're including one. Then tie your Turk's Head. This is where practice shows (Turk's Head) You can also use other tips at the end if you like for the head.
Now put your tails back onto the other end of the handle. Use nice long wood or sheet metal screws to attach them. I like counter screws because they don't leave bumps that will cut through the knot from the inside. Once the tails are attached, wrap another strip of leather around the connecting point to make a base for the knot. Tie your Turk's Head, apply some other head to it, and you're finished.
Since I started ages ago, you'll need to learn how to tie Turk's Head knots if you want something professional looking. The best place I've looked to, as to learn is Bruce Grant's 'Encyclopedia of Leather and Rawhide Braiding'. He put together several books, but, the Encyclopedia was his final book and includes all the others. So get it first and don't bother with getting the rest. But, remember--when you make a flogger--it is YOUR art, not mine or anybody elses. The more unique it is, the more it will be remembered. When I started, whew--boy where they 'rear-end' ugly. Be willing to make mistakes but, that is how you learn. And, knowing what it takes to make a flogger of some 'quality' then you can understand the price.
In addition, when you make floggers for a living, which I never did, so many makers have stopped because of the physical price paid. Just keep that in mind but, don't let me scare you off.
Horse tail floggers, you can go to Native American Indian craft supply and get horse tails. You can use a medium diameter cane, bamboo, old riding crop, tie into the shaft at the bottom and finish it off with braiding and the Turk's Head. But, frankly--its just cheaper to buy it from an English Horseback Riding Tack Shoppe/Shop/Supply. Since horse tails have micro fine barbs, they do tangle. I recommend African-American hair detangler or the Horse detangle shampoo offered.
If you don't wish to go 'horse,' you can get hair extentions from beauty supply shops and or wig shops.
Happy Flogging everybody!
Respectfully submitted for consideration,
Lady Hugs
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