Flogger FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions about floggers. This list will be updated as more questions arise.
Basic quickies;
Number of tails in a flogger- 30 for my standard floggers, 60 for a mop. This can vary so its best to read the description for each item. If no tail number is mentioned is probably prescribes to this standard.
Q.What is a flogger?
A. A flogger is an impact implement usually made with leather tails attached to a handle. Here I make floggers used for BDSM play. In the past (and currently in some societies) floggers (also called whips in old texts) were used for torture and punishment. The floggers we make here have been modified to be used for consensual BDSM.
Q- I'm a beginner and I want to know what flogger to buy and what to look for.
A- The best way to find a flogger that suits you is to try some out. Going to a kink event with a vendor hall is a great way to do this. For more specific tips I recommend checking out my Instagram Highlight Reel of Beginner Tips.
Q- How long should my flogger be?
A- If you're a beginner I recommend going with a flogger not longer than your arm from shoulder to fingertips for a traditional handle or the length of your forearm from elbow to fingertips for ball handle floggers.
Q- Are longer floggers dangerous/Are shorter floggers "safer"?
It is a myth that shorter floggers are "safer" and easier to control. A flogger that is too short will lead to poor flogging posture and compromise your stamina and aim. Floggers that are too long by many inches will be harder to aim correctly.
Q- I bought a flogger and tried it out and a bunch of little pieces of leather fluff went everywhere! Is my leather deteriorating?!
A- Leather fluffs are common and a result of the cutting process. They're more prominent in leathers like elk, deer, and suedes. They will go away over time as the flogger is used. The more use the flogger gets the faster it will dissipate. Leather dust is not harmful but it does cling to things like carpet or fuzzy furniture.
Q- My flogger has two tails that weren't cut through all the way and theyre stuck together. What do I do?
A- We try to catch all of these but sometimes one or two tails will slip past us. Simply grab a pair of shears and cut through the stuck part of the tail. Sometimes they can just be pulled apart.
Q. What is the difference between a flogger and a whip?
A. A whip typically has one tail, usually made from braided leather or paracord. It is designed to be used in such a way that the tail moves smoothly through the air creating precise strikes. Sometimes the tip, called a fall or a cracker, moves fast enough to break the sound barrier. This creates the trademark whip crack sound. Floggers have more than one tail or fall, sometimes they have hundreds and they are designed for impact over small precision. There are many types of floggers and people come up with new designs all the time.
Q. How should I store my flogger when I’m not using it?
A. Hanging it in a cool dry place is perfect. I store mine on hooks on the back of my office door. Don't leave them crumpled in your toy bag or in a plastic bin somewhere. This can lead to mildew and mold which will destroy your floggers.
Q. How do I clean my floggers?
A. There are many ways to do this but this is the method I recommend. Feibings saddle soap and a conditioner like carnauba cream or 4 Way Care. These products are also safe for elk and deer. All cleaning has the potention to darken light or colored leathers.
DO NOT USE CLEANERS MEANT FOR FURNITURE OR CAR INTERIORS.
SUEDE AND NUBUCK- these require specific cleansers. Angelus easy care suede cleaner is great.
Q- How do I clean my Fluffinator?
A- The handle of the fluffinators is made with leather and should be cleaned with a leather cleaner and conditioner like Feibings saddle soap and 4 way care.
The tails are synthetic fur. The clean them take a gallon of warm water and a few DROPS of laundry detergent. Mix them into the water and wash your tails. Make sure all your tails dry well, especially where they bunch near the handle. Leaving tails damp can lead to mold. You should not need to wash your fluffinator often. Excessive washing can lead to rust in the weights.
Q. What type of flogger should I buy?
A. If you mean what kind of leather should you look for in your flogger, I recommend my Kinky Leather Toy Guide.
If you are asking about the different styles of floggers there are too many to really go into the benefits of each one in-depth. You can start with a normal standard handle flogger, but I recommend trying out different types at the next local leather event that hosts vendors.
Q. How long should the tails of my flogger be?
A. Typically you don't want your flogger to be longer than your arm. From shoulder to fingertip. I know a lot of people are tempted by longer floggers that may be more badass looking, and if you’re going for looks over function then by all means, have at the three-foot beasts. But if you’re looking for tools that will serve you well in a scene and hit where you want them to it’s best not to go too long. You can get just as much power into a hit with a 20-inch flogger as a 28-inch flogger. And if you’re not struggling to control tails that are too long your strikes will be more accurate.
Q. What is a “balanced” flogger.
A. In short, a balanced flogger has been constructed so that the weight of the handle is enough to balance the weight of the tails. The balance point of a flogger is where the flogger can rest on one finger and balance perfectly without tilting toward the handle or tails. It is usually ideal to have the balance point be where your index finger rests when gripping the handle.
Q. Some of my flogger's tails have become uneven! What do I do?
A. First, relax. This is normal. It is very common in game animal hides like deer, elk and moose. If you have been using your flogger give it a day or two to cool down. Sometimes the tails will return to their original length. When your flogger is cooled down and hasn’t been used in a day or two check the tails and trim the ones that are a little longer to match the length of the rest. This will not damage your flogger unless the tails are braided or some design like that. In which case you should just leave it be.
Q. How many tails should a flogger have?
A. A typical leather flogger has around 30 tails. This can vary depending on design, type of leather and weight of the leather. A “Mop” flogger has double the tails of an average flogger, for mine that means between 60-80 tails. There is some false info that mop floggers are dangerous. This just isn’t true. Any flogger can be dangerous if used dangerously. If a mop flogger is balanced appropriately it is no harder to use than a normal flogger. Mop floggers have a much thuddier, massage like feel.
Q. Why have a matched pair of floggers?
A. Some people like to engage in what is called Florentine flogging or double handed flogging. This is a style of flogging in which a person holds a flogger in each hand and uses them both in pattern that creates a flurry of hits on their target. The simplest version of Florentine flogging is a figure 8, but there are fancier styles out there. Having a matched pair of floggers is ideal for this.
Q. What is the difference between flogger tails that are square, rounded or angled at the ends?
A. Honestly, in most floggers, I have never seen or felt a difference in square, rounded or angled tails. Some people say that rounded tails are indicative of a higher quality flogger, but that’s not really true. Anyone with a pair of shears and a few minutes can round the tails on a flogger. As someone receiving a flogging I can’t detect any difference in sensation between the three. The only exception is with floggers that have very thick stiff tails. In that case, the rounded tails don’t have edges so they’re a little nicer, while the angled and square tails have a bit more bite.
Q. What should I look for in selecting a flogger? What are some red flags?
A. It is all about the leather and the balance. Pick the flogger up. See if you can find its balance point. If it tips continuously toward the tails and you can’t get it to rest on one finger at any point in the handle, it’s probably not balanced well.
Does the leather in the handle seem thin and feel like plastic? How about the leather of the tails? Is it soft and luxurious or does it feel like the leather in your jacket? The best floggers do NOT use the same leather that clothing is made out of. While different leathers have different characteristics, the leather should feel more substantial than what is used in clothing. Does the seller make the product or are they a reseller? Ask if the floggers are handmade by a specific person. Do they offer a warranty?
How does the flogger feel in your hand? Does it feel good, or kind of awkward? Avoid letting salespeople talk you into things for the cool factor and not the practical factor. For instance, don’t spend $400 bucks on a “double-handed flogger” just because it has a big handle and long tails and makes a great penis extension. Think about where you will be playing. Is there space for this flogger? What does your play partner like?
Something I have noticed; Floggers with wood handles are rarely weighted to proper balance. With lighter leathers, the natural weight of the handle could be enough to balance out the tails and it might not be an issue. But I have yet to find a wooden handle that has weight actually added to it to balance out heavier tails.
The most important thing is that it feels good to you.
Q. What is sensation play? How does it apply to floggers?
A. Sensation play is usually used to refer to types of play that don’t necessarily involve pain but utilize other sensations. For example, using a piece of ice during sex to stimulate your partner would be considered sensation play. The most common sensation play floggers are made out of fur or some other soft material.
Q. When purchasing a flogger at an event from a vendor, what protocol should I follow?
A. It is polite to ask the person staffing the booth if it is okay to touch or handle the merchandise. If you try the flogger out on a partner try your best not to block people from entering the booth and DO NOT FLOG EXPOSED SKIN. If flogger tails brush someone’s arm or bare shoulders, it’s not really a big deal but it isn’t appropriate to flog someone who is naked or scantily clad with a flogger unless you know you are purchasing it. You wouldn’t want your flogger to have been on a bunch of bare asses before it came to you, so don’t do that to someone else. Please flog your partner on top of their clothing.
Also, please note that not all booth staff will engage in titles. What I mean by this is if someone introduces themselves to me as Master Bob, I will call that person Bob or Mr. Bob. Same thing with slave so and so. It is rude to demand that a vendor or any other professional and or nonplay partner call you by a “scene” title. Demanding that of someone is demanding that they engage in your play lifestyle with you, if they don’t want to you are violating consent by demanding it.