Disciplinary canes come in many shapes and sizes and materials. The most common are natural materials such as bamboo and rattan, but more recently fibreglass and even metal canes have come onto the market.
Strictly speaking, the word cane describes a hollow reed-like material such as bamboo. Bamboo is often used for cheaper canes but has serious drawbacks in terms of both effectiveness and safety. Being hollow it is relatively light and so makes a less effective disciplinary tool. However, the real problem is that bamboo splits easily and the resulting fibers can cut the skin. [see bamboo canes]
Rattan is a much more effective material since it is denser and heavy and so more effective in delivering a painful sting. But it is also more flexible and does not easily split and so it is much safer to use. [see rattan canes]
Other materials have traditionally been used in colder climates where bamboo and rattan are not indigenous plants. These include rods made of birch, hazel or willow.
While the term cane usually describes a single rod, bundles of thin canes are be used as an effective substitute for the birch and in some cases more painful.
I have seen fibreglass canes and they certainly look strong and very flexible. They can also be made quite thin, which increases the sting and the likelihood of cutting into he skin with each stroke.
I have only see pictures if metal canes but I would imagine they are rather inflexible.
Sizes and Types of Cane
Thin Canes
The basic rule is that the thinner the cane the more it stings the surface and the more likely it is to cut the skin. Care is therefore needed when using a thin cane. It is never a good idea to draw blood in a session and if you do then you have to ensure very high levels of hygiene. Used lightly though, in rapid strokes over the whole area of the ass a thin cane can build up a good sting without too much damage.
Thick Canes
thicker canes – over 7mm in diameter – are much less likely to cut and, because they carry more weight, bruise more deeply. Used on an ass with a good layer of muscle they can create intense long-lasting pain without breaking the skin. Care should always be taken to stay well away from the lower back and the bony protrusions of the pelvis at the hips.
Short and Long Canes
Short canes – under 60cm – are used for OTK (over the knee) sessions. The most common canes are 70-90cm in length and are used when the subject is bent over, bound to a frame or lying prone. The longer the cane the greater the speed of the far end as it makes contact with the skin. Very long canes over one meter pack a harder stroke but are more difficult to control – they can all to easily land higher or lower than you intend because of the way slight changes in wrist angle are magnified by the length of the implement.
Effects of the Cane
The cane leaves a distinctive mark or welt. Immediately following a heavy stroke a pair of ridges rises on the skin on each side of the blow. Within 30-40 seconds these turn red as small capillaries bleed into the welt forming a bruise. Bruises last a week or more depending on the physiology of the individual – sometimes as long as month. Because they are so distinctive it is obvious to anyone seeing them that they were formed by a cane. This is something to consider before the session. For some, having the marks seen is part of the pleasure of humiliation after the session is over.
The welts remain painful for a few days and can make it difficult to sit comfortably. Again this is something to consider (it is not wise to have a caning just before an intercontinental flight for example). But for many the continuing reminder of their punishment is an important part of the experience and one that is treasured.
If a stroke is delivered directly onto an existing welt there is a much higher chance of the skin splitting. The experienced caner learns to spread the stripes over the middle and lower ass and upper thigh area. (The cleft between buttock and thigh being the most sensitive and vulnerable area and extremely painful when caned.) Changing the angle of the cane to form a criss-cross will help reduce the likelihood of splits but at the cross-over a painful diamond welt is formed and these can cause blood blisters, so proceed with caution until you have mastered the technique.
Preparation and maintenance
Canes should always be smooth. Be especially wary of bamboo canes and carefully sand the nodules along the length of the rod as they can contain sharp barbs that will cut the skin.
On more porous materials such as rattan it is good to apply several coast of varnish or wax regularly as this helps with disinfecting the implement between uses. You should never use the same cane on two people without thorough cleaning and disinfecting between the sessions.
Canes dry out and become brittle. Every year or so sand the end of the can to expose raw wood and stand it in a jug of water for a day or so to allow it to rehydrate. Then dry and seal the end with varnish or wax.
Canes are best stored hanging vertically in a cool, dry, shaded place. This stops them forming a curve.
Beginner’s Eights
I recommend for those starting out with the cane that they try one 8mm in diameter and 80cm long and apply it to the meaty middle area of the ass in sets of 8 strokes followed by a short rest. This is one instrument where it pays to practice on an inanimate object before you use it on a playmate. Try the cane out on a pillow tied to the back of a chair about bent-ass height. Get used to the swing and angle of decent. Start slowly and get the rhythm and form right and then increase the power until you are delivering a stroke that will get the desired results when applied to a bare ass.
I am 24 and a novice TOP. I am very turned on by the cane and want to use it on a guy but don't have much actual experience yet. Can you give me some pointers on the choice of a good cane and how to use it propery? Thanks.
TopDude
To answer this question I am adding below a page from an encyclopedia of SM I am working on in my spare time. It's still in the early stages. I would welcome your feedback on this article: is it useful? does it answer the things you want to know? are the style and layout easy to follow...? If you have feedback email me here.
Real-Life Caning
Canes have been used as a punishment for many centuries,especially in Asian countries where the pants originate. In colder climates birch and willow were used. The cane is still used in some countries as a form of official state punishment or for military discipline. While the reality of these facts may cause some ethical concerns, there is no doubt that the fantasy of such punshments can be very exciting and form the basis of a very hot consensual scene.
