What is a BDSM flogger ?

The flogger is one of the classic BDSM accessories.
Sometimes called a “whip,” it is actually quite different from a single tail and does not provide the same sensations at all.

What is the history of the flogger ?

The appearance of the flogger, an instrument with multiple straps replacing the whip, is attributed to Colonel Martinet, who served in Napoleon’s army and was known for his discipline. He is said to have invented this variation on the whip to prevent those being punished from dying under the blows.
This is why the flogger is called a “martinet” in France.

However, instruments with multiple straps used for flogging can be traced back to Roman times, notably the flagrum, which also consisted of multiple straps with lead or bone tips.

The cat o’ nine tails, also consisting of several straps, was mainly used on ships.

The flogger was considered an instrument of domestic education for children from around the time of the First World War. It was originally used by soldiers to beat their uniforms to remove mud.

What is a BDSM flogger made of ?

The different parts of the flogger

Floggers are composed of:

A strap, used to hang it up for storage, sometimes replaced by two loops to put your fingers through, for “finger floggers”
A knot or pommel located between the handle and the strap, which can be used to hold the whip depending on how you like to use it.
A handle, the rigid part of the flogger that allows you to hold it in your hand.
Strips, the parts that will make contact during impact.
Possible additions, such as knots, balls, or notched rings for vampire floggers.

The different materials used to make a flogger

Floggers are commonly made of leather.
But they can also be made from various other materials, such as paracord, PVC, rope, fur, imitation leather, chains, etc.

What are the different types of BDSM floggers ?

The cat-o’-nine-tails: Made up of straps like the flogger, usually nine, but this is not mandatory. It ends in knots or hard pieces, often wooden balls. It is more intense than the classic flogger.
The whip/flogger hybrid: Consisting of a whip body, it ends in straps like a flogger. It allows you to practice handling the whip with less intensity, as the impact is distributed across the different straps rather than on the cracker.
The vampire flogger: Like the cat o’ nine tails, this whip has special tips that can scratch the skin until it bleeds.
The horsehair flogger: Very different from the classic flogger in terms of sensation, it is quite light, its impact is stinging, with a feeling like small spikes touching the skin.

Who can use a BDSM flogger?

Anyone can use a flogger, regardless of their strength, build, or size. There is something for every taste and intensity level.
Thanks to the wide variety of possibilities offered by the flogger, it can be used by everyone from beginners to the most experienced.
However, it is important to practice hitting the right spot with the desired intensity, as well as knowing which areas to use it on depending on the force used and the composition of the flogger.

What are the safety rules for floggers?

As with any BDSM practice, first ensure your partner’s consent by having an open dialogue where everyone can express their limits and questions. Depending on the type of flogger and the intensity, the areas on which to practice will vary. This infographic can help you learn about the possibilities.

The heavier a flogger is, with tips or knots, the more care must be taken with the areas of impact. Similarly, the greater the intensity, the more care must be taken with these areas.

How to use a BDSM flogger ?

The classic flogger is often used at the beginning to warm up the skin, with soft, enveloping strokes. For strokes, floggers are used by rotating the wrist, holding them either by the handle or by the knot. The straps are thrown onto the skin with this rotation, with varying degrees of force and speed. To begin, position yourself at a distance sufficient to just graze the skin, then adjust by moving slightly closer. Always start with light impacts, then gradually increase the intensity depending on your partner’s response. It is also possible to play with sensations by sliding the straps of the whip over the body, or even between the legs. At an advanced level, two whips can be used in a “Florentine” technique, where both hands follow each other to apply rhythmic flogging. This requires a good command of the technique.

How do you choose a BDSM flogger ?

First, you need to know how intense you want it to be. On this site, accessories are classified by pain levels, but you can also rely mainly on this rule:

The heavier the straps, the stronger and more impactful the blow will be.
The lighter the straps, the lighter the impact will be.
The wider the straps, the more encompassing and distributed the impact will be.
The thinner the straps, the more stinging and sharp the impact will be.
Adding anything to the ends increases the power of the impact.

Next, the stiffness of the material of the straps will also be important; the more flexible they are, the softer the impact will be.

The length of the straps should be approximately the length of your forearm and hands when stretched out, for a classic impact.
For a closer impact or for the genitals, you can opt for short straps.

With or without a handle, it depends on what you feel comfortable with. The most classic option is with a handle.

The weight of the handle will also depend on how you feel. It should be balanced with the straps and not be too heavy.

How to maintain your flogger ?

How to make your flogger last?

Use an appropriate cleaner when necessary.
If you use a leather flogger, choose natural and mild soaps.
If you use a vampire flogger, use a medical cleaner.

Use a nourishing leather cream if necessary.

How to store your flogger?

Ideally, hang it by the strap, as the weight of the straps will keep them straight and prevent them from becoming misshapen.
Be particularly careful with PVC, leather, and latex, which will easily crease if stored incorrectly.
If you cannot hang them up, store them with the straps laid flat.

In conclusion, the flogger is a classic and highly versatile BDSM tool that provides a variety of sensations and is ideal for preparing the skin. An essential for your impact play sessions.

Now that you know all about floggers, choose yours.

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