BDSM Whips

What is a BDSM whip?

The term “whip” is commonly used to describe the Single Tail whip, a whip consisting of a single strap. But it can also refer to the more global category of impact instruments.

The classic BDSM whip is braided and finished with a cracker.

What’s the story behind the whip?

The whip’s origins go back a long way, to ancient Egypt, where braided straps were used to flog slaves.
Much dreaded, whips have been used over the centuries for corporal punishment that can lead to death.
Some whips were also created specifically for breeding and hunting.
The best-known whips are those used in the movies, notably popularized by Indiana Jones.

What role does the whip play in BDSM?

The whip is an emblematic instrument of BDSM. Its aesthetic is one of the most represented in it.
The whip is commonly used for punishment, and in a Sadistic / Masochistic context.
It’s also the most difficult impact play accessory to handle, requiring a certain amount of practice to hit the mark.
It is therefore representative of confirmed BDSM practitioners, proudly displayed after that rigorous training.

What are other names for the BDSM whip?

The term “whip” actually refers to a category of impact instruments, generally those with straps.

The typical whip is the “Single Tail”, a name that also designates it.
The various names for the different types of Single Tail whip are also used: Bull Whip, Snake Whip, Stock Whip, Signal Whip, Dog Whip.

It takes time to make a whip, and several days of work are required for a quality handcrafted whip.
The inside of the whip will first be weighted down, to give strength to the impact.
Three weaves, one on top of the other, are then required.
Next comes the pommel and lanyard.
Finally, the hand-wound cracker is attached to the whole.

• Fall: The strap at the end of the whip, between the braided part and the cracker. It’s usually easy to replace.
• Cracker: Twisted wire at the end of the fall. It’s the cracker that breaks the sound barrier, giving the whip its distinctive sound.
• Thong: Braided strips forming the body of a whip.
• Handle: The handle of a whip, more rigid than the thong.
• Knob: The ball at the end of the handle. It serves both as a counterweight to balance the body, and to manipulate a whip by placing it in the palm of the hand to better control the movement of the whip.
• Lanyard: A strap, often braided, extending from the pommel at the end of the handle. It is used to hang the whisk for storage.

How to choose a BDSM whip?

-Choosing the whip’s intensity level

Together with your partner, you’ll need to decide on the potential level of pain you’re looking for from your whip. This will vary according to handling, whip length, material and weight.

-Choosing the whip material

Whips are usually made of leather or paracord.

-Choosing the type of whip

-Choosing the right whip length

The length of the whip is important for the level of pain inflicted. The longer it is, the more painful and damaging it can be.

Long whips can be very dangerous and should be handled with extreme care.
The length of the whip will also determine the space you’ll need to handle it, so you’ll need to count the total length of the whip, and the length of your arm to determine the minimum safety zone required.
How do I use a BDSM whip?

Wielding a whip requires the use of the whole arm, and the wrist in particular.
The whip, held by the handle or knot, will be projected onto your partner’s skin past the sound barrier, producing that distinctive sound.

How do I use a BDSM whip?

Wielding a whip requires the use of the whole arm, and the wrist in particular.
The whip, held by the handle or knot, will be projected onto your partner’s skin past the sound barrier, producing that distinctive sound.

Want to find out more about BDSM whips?

Find detailed information in this article.