Most people, especially those in the eastern Asian cultures find caning an archaic punishment, however for those of us in the BDSM community, caning is a pinnacle of intensity. The small surface area of a cane can convey a deep thump or a very sharp sting. The variations on sensation are myriad, and limited only by the type, size and quality of the canes you have. This article is simply a beginning guide to canes and caning. If you do decide to try caning, either getting or receiving, make sure you consult and practice with someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in this art. This is not a grab-and-play type sport and requires a good aim, good canes and a good eye for skin readiness and durability. This type of play can be very harmful to the person getting caned and can cause major injuries including and up to death.

Types of canes:

There are a variety of canes available on the market today. You can group these into two categories. Each category can contain several divisions including material, size, density and flexibility.

The first is the natural canes. These include wood, bamboo, rattan, grapevine, birch rods or any other natural materials. These canes take a light touch as most of them will splinter or break if not taken care of or used improperly. This can result in some quality time picking rather small sharp pieces out of your submissive’s rear end. Wood canes are usually finished with marine varnish to make them body fluid impervious, however bamboo and rattan canes are usually left natural so take care when playing in a situation where body fluids may be present. When using bamboo or rattan canes, you should always run your hand down the length of the shaft before you use them. This is to check for any cracks or splinters that may have developed since their last use. Bamboo should always be kept flexible and supple by steaming them. This involves simply hanging them in the bathroom and turning on the hot water in the shower. The steam from the shower will penetrate the rods and keep them in top form, reducing the chances of breaking or splintering in someone’s body. A great attribute of rattan canes is that rattan pulps rather than splinters, so it will become soft, spongy and limp, rather than breaking in pieces like bamboo. Remember with natural canes, the more dense the material the more intense the feeling, so a wood cane will give a deeper more intense strike than a bamboo cane at the same speed and height.

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From top to bottom: thin birch rod wood sealed,painted and varnished shaved rattan painted rattan unshaved shaved, shaped and bent Puerto Rican rattan unshaved rattan shaved and varnished rattan bamboo unfinished

The second category is the synthetic canes. These include plastic, fiberglass, metal or any other material that is man-made. These canes can give the same intense feeling as natural canes can without the fear of breakage. This means you can hit harder and get more flex in your cane for more energy transfer to your submissive. This also means there is a greater chance for injury. Some of these canes, particularly very thin fiberglass or metal canes, can cut a rear end wide open if used improperly. If used properly, however, these canes can deliver a much more intense and lasting impression on the skin. Fiberglass, because of it’s density and ability to be molded into very thin rods is particularly effective in leaving welts, a deep muscular thud, and a surface sting that lasts several seconds. Again, as with natural canes, the denser the rod the more intense the strike.

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Top left to bottom right thin metal rods solid steel rod matching fiberglass teflon plastic acrylic twisted acrylic

Techniques:

Canes can be used in several ways. One of the common mistakes made is to take a cane and swing it as hard as you can into someone’s rear end. This can not only injure them but you can be sure you will ruin any chance you ever had of playing with them ever again! One should be sure and introduce a cane lightly at first to acclimate the person to the density and intensity of the cane. Then, you can either strike in sharp hits, allowing sufficient time for the submissive to absorb each hit, or tap lightly then more firmly making sure to strike the same spot and building up to a crescendo of heavy strikes. As you switch from cane to cane, remember to reintroduce each cane. Each one will feel quite different and you may find one that is preferred over another for that reason. Keep in mind when caning, that you hold a large stick in your hand that is capable of splitting open skin, bruising muscle, or even damaging major vital organs if you strike in the wrong places. The cane should be used mainly on the buttocks, back of the thighs, calves and bottom of the feet. If you choose to use a cane on someone’s back, please have a knowledgeable and experienced person show you how before you try it. Most canes are long enough to cross over the spine when striking the back area, so there is a possibility of paralysis if proper technique and precaution is not taken. If you like that look of criss-crosses on your submissive’s butt then by all means enjoy the view, but for those who do not desire marks there is a trick to caning. Paddle the person first. This works because a welt is simply a part of the skin that has been compressed and is swelling to uncompress itself. If you pre-compress the skin with a paddle then you will not have that reaction and therefore no welts.

Safety:

Safety is the biggest concern when caning or playing in any way. We do this for the pleasure, not for getting ourselves seriously injured. A few things should always be in your mind when caning a person. The first thing to do is check your equipment. Any canes that look cracked, feel splintery or are in bad repair should be discarded or retired to a nice spot on the mantle. Next you should be aware of your submissive’s tolerances for the canes you are planning to use. Has that submissive ever been caned before? Have you discussed this with them or is it a nice little surprise? Surprises are not a good thing when dealing with the responsibility of another person’s psyche. Once all that is taken care of, you should know what areas you are able to strike and what areas are a big no-no. Such no-no’s include the spine, kidney area, joints and any other place the submissive feels is off limits. Once the actual caning commences ALWAYS remember you have that person’s well being in your hands. You have the ability to seriously injure them. Not many of us want to explain to the paramedic why that person was tied up and you were hitting them with a stick. We all want to live to play another day.

Conclusion:

Caning can be dangerous and extremely hazardous to your health, but if done in a safe, sane and consensual manner, it can be one of the most intense and enjoyable experiences you and your submissive will ever have.