BDSM Floggers

What is a BDSM flogger?

A BDSM flogger is an impact-play accessory that falls into the S/M (Sadism/Masochism) category of BDSM.
It has the particularity of being made up of multiple straps, unlike the “single-tail” whip.
These different straps strike the skin at the same time, providing a fairly all-encompassing impact.

What is the origin of the flogger?

The history of the flogger goes back to the 17th century.
It was invented by a colonel in King Louis XIV’s army, named Martinet, to replace the whip as a means of corporal correction.
Widely used in the navy, the nine-tailed cat variant was invented.
In the 19th century, it was also used to beat carpets.
Today, it is remembered as an instrument of physical punishment for children, having left its mark on many generations.

What role does the flogger play in BDSM?

The flogger is one of the classic instruments of BDSM, due to its wide range of possibilities.
It can be very gentle and used to heat the skin, or very intense and leave beautiful marks.
It’s rare for a BDSM practitioner not to have at least one flogger in his or her arsenal.

What are other names for the BDSM flogger?

The flogger falls into the broad category of whips, and is also sometimes referred to in this way, although this name can lead to confusion with the classic “single tail” whip.

In French, the common name for the flogger used in BDSM is “Martinet”, named after its inventor.

How to choose a BDSM flogger?

-Choosing the level of intensity

First of all, you’ll need to determine with your partner the potential pain level of the swift you’d like to acquire. This will help you decide which materials and straps you want.

-Choosing the flogger material

Most floggers are made of leather, but you can also find them in PVC, imitation leather, latex and other materials.
What you need to bear in mind about the material is that the lighter and/or softer it is, the softer it will be on impact.
And the heavier and/or stiffer, the more intense the impact.

-Choosing the number of straps

The number of straps will be important in terms of feel.
The fewer the straps, the harder the impact.
And the more straps, the heavier and more all-encompassing the impact.

-Choosing strap width

The width of the straps, in conjunction with the other criteria, will define the intensity of the impact.
The thinner they are, the stingier the impact.
The wider, the heavier.

-How to handle the flogger

There are floggers with handles, and others without.
This will determine how you handle the flogger.
BDSM floggers with handles are the most common, and are relatively easy to handle.
BDSM floggers without handles, such as finger floggers, are generally used by two people, and are positioned at finger level.

-Variations and additions

Variations on the classic flogger can change the level of pain, such as the addition of knots on the nine-tailed cat, or the serrated wheels on the vampire flogger.
Additions in general, whether knots, spikes or parts of different materials, reinforce the intensity of the impact and increase the pain level.

How to use a BDSM flogger?

The BDSM flogger is used held by the handle in the hand, or on the finger, rotating the wrist to project the straps onto your partner’s skin.
Generally used for spanking, it can also be used on different parts of the body, depending on its intensity and size.
In particular, the small, easily washable synthetic swiftlets can be used for intimate parts.